Director, Business Management, Market Research – Global Markets (Asia)

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Vice President/Director of Business Management, Market Research – Global Markets (Asia)

MUFG is seeking a Vice President (VP) /Director of Business Management for its Market Research function in Asia. This pivotal role offers you the opportunity to shape and elevate the strategic direction of market research across multiple regions, including Hong Kong, EMEA, the US, and Tokyo. As the strategic business manager, you will be at the forefront of driving operational excellence, digital transformation, and brand visibility initiatives that position the organisation’s research as a trusted resource for clients worldwide. You will enjoy working within a supportive leadership structure that values cross-functional collaboration, knowledge sharing, and professional growth. The organisation is committed to fostering an inclusive workplace where your expertise in business management and market research will be recognised and rewarded. Flexible working opportunities and ongoing training are integral to their approach, ensuring you have the resources needed to thrive.

• Strategic leadership role overseeing business management for Market Research across Asia and global markets, with direct impact on operational efficiency and brand presence.
• Collaborative environment with regional heads in Hong Kong, EMEA, US, and Tokyo, offering exposure to diverse teams and international best practices.
• Focus on digital platform strategy and content expansion, providing opportunities to innovate client experience through technology and data-driven insights.

What you'll do:

As VP/Director of Business Management for Market Research – Global Markets (Asia), you will play a central role in shaping the future of market research operations across multiple regions. Your day-to-day responsibilities will involve close collaboration with regional leaders to drive strategic initiatives that foster teamwork between research and sales functions. You will be instrumental in establishing robust governance frameworks that unify reporting standards and operating procedures across all locations. By leading business planning efforts—including budgeting—you will ensure alignment with broader organisational goals. Your analytical skills will be put to use preparing insightful proposals and performance reviews for senior management while identifying new opportunities for operational improvement through data analysis. You will also oversee a talented team dedicated to business management within research, supporting their development through knowledge sharing and effective communication. Enhancing brand visibility via stakeholder engagement—such as media outreach or client events—will be key to elevating the organisation’s profile globally. Additionally, you will champion digital transformation by promoting innovative distribution platforms that enhance both client experience and compliance standards.

• Work closely with regional heads of research in Hong Kong, EMEA, US, and Tokyo to implement strategic initiatives that strengthen collaboration with sales teams and grow client engagement.
• Establish unified governance frameworks, reporting standards, and operating procedures by collaborating with regional offices and Head Office to ensure consistency across Research.
• Lead comprehensive business planning and budgeting processes for the Research function while aligning objectives with overall Global Markets strategy.
• Prepare detailed strategic proposals, performance reviews, budget analyses, and management reports to support senior management decision-making.
• Oversee and develop business management staff within the Global Market Research team by nurturing analytical capability, cross-team cooperation, and effective communication skills.
• Analyse operational data including cost and productivity metrics to identify opportunities for efficiency improvements and value creation within the research function.
• Promote Japan-originated research insights globally by working closely with Tokyo Head Office to enhance value for corporate and institutional clients.
• Engage internal and external stakeholders to boost research brand visibility through media engagement activities such as client events, webinars, and podcasts.
• Drive thematic expansion of research content ensuring outputs address evolving client demand and reflect global market developments.
• Champion adoption of digital platforms including AI-based distribution tools to improve client experience (UX), delivery efficiency, and compliance with data privacy regulations.
• Partner with Compliance, Operations, Finance, and Technology teams to reinforce data governance standards and regulatory adherence.

What you bring:

To excel as VP/Director of Business Management for Market Research – Global Markets (Asia), your background should demonstrate substantial experience within financial institutions or global markets settings—ideally spanning more than a decade. Your proven track record should include hands-on involvement in operational analysis as well as process optimisation projects that have delivered measurable results. You will bring strong interpersonal skills necessary for managing relationships across diverse teams located around the world. Familiarity with digital platforms used for business intelligence or customer relationship management will enable you to contribute meaningfully to ongoing technology-driven initiatives. A thorough understanding of compliance frameworks governing market research—such as MiFID 2—and data privacy regulations is crucial for success in this role. Experience engaging external audiences through brand marketing or event coordination will further distinguish your candidacy. Fluency in English is essential given the international scope of responsibilities; additional language skills such as Japanese or Mandarin would add value but are not mandatory. Above all else, your commitment to professional integrity coupled with a forward-thinking approach will empower you to lead transformative change within the organisation.

• Bachelor degree or higher from a recognised institution is required for this position.
• At least 10 years’ relevant experience in financial institutions or global markets functions—particularly in research, business management or strategic planning—is essential.
• Demonstrated expertise in operational analysis including performance monitoring and process improvement within complex organisations.
• Proven ability to manage stakeholders effectively across multi-location teams in multicultural environments.
• Practical experience using digital tools such as BI platforms, CRM systems or data visualisation software is highly desirable.
• Sound understanding of compliance requirements including MiFID 2 or other data privacy regulations relevant to financial services.
• Experience in brand marketing or external communications related to research distribution—including media engagement or client events—is considered an advantage.
• Excellent communication skills in English at business level or above are mandatory; proficiency in Japanese or Mandarin would be beneficial but not required.
• High professional integrity combined with independence of thought; a strategic mindset capable of proactively driving transformation initiatives.

Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group (MUFG) is an equal opportunity employer. We view our employees as our key assets as they are fundamental to our long-term growth and success. MUFG is committed to hiring based on merit and organsational fit, regardless of race, religion or gender.