Japan Country Manager
U.S. Soybean Export Council-Japan
REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL
Submission Deadline: February 15, 2026
RFP Title: Japan Country Manager
RFP Contact: Masako Tateishi mtateishi@ct.ussec.org
Full details of this RFP are available here. Please review before applying.
INTRODUCTION:
The U.S. Soybean Export Council (USSEC), Inc. formally requests proposals for engaging a Japan Country Manager, based in Tokyo, Japan. The selected contractor will provide professional services to support USSEC’s programs and strategy in the Japanese market.
Through a global network of international offices and strong support in the U.S., USSEC helps build a preference for U.S. soybeans and soybean products. USSEC advocates for the use of U.S. soy in animal feed (including poultry and hog production), aquaculture, human consumption, industrial applications, and other uses. It also promotes the benefits of soy through education and connects industry leaders through a robust membership program.
PURPOSE OF RFP:
USSEC’s standard practice is to issue a Request for Proposal (RFP) every three years in an open and competitive manner. This regular cost analysis and benchmarking process helps determine fair market value for the services to be performed. It also allows USSEC to evaluate qualified proposals and select the best contractor based on technical qualifications, relevant industry experience, managerial abilities, strength of industry connections, and a suitable cost/time structure that meets the needs of this contract.
BACKGROUND & PURPOSE OF PROJECT:
The primary goal of the Japan Country Manager is to build preference for, and increase imports of, U.S. soybeans, soybean meal, and other soy derivatives (collectively referred to as “U.S. Soy”) into Japan for use in poultry, swine, and livestock feed rations, aquaculture feed rations, and other applications. The Contractor is also expected to stay closely abreast of market developments and concerns, especially events that could impact the market access of U.S. Soy into Japan. Note: This role does not include responsibility for food-grade soybeans intended for direct human food use (such activities are outside the scope of this contract).
The Contractor will report directly to USSEC’s Deputy Director – Japan and to USSEC’s Regional Animal Utilization Lead – East Asia, working under their direction (rather than autonomously). As the Japanese market has its own cultural, political, and social context, a key element of success will be the Contractor’s ability to develop close relationships, maintain active day-to-day contact, and build trust with key customers, industry representatives, relevant institutions, and government bodies to achieve USSEC’s mission in Japan. Most importantly, by engaging regularly with stakeholders, the Contractor will ensure that USSEC has an active and strategic presence in Japan, one that is favorable and advantageous for U.S. Soy exports.
The Contractor will provide trade servicing and program management support (in alignment with USSEC’s standard operating procedures) for USSEC initiatives in Japan across relevant focus areas – e.g. Animal Nutrition (livestock feed), Aquaculture, Sustainability, and Market Access programs. The Contractor must strictly adhere to USSEC’s accounting, administrative, compliance, and operational requirements, and abide by USSEC’s corporate core values at all times.
The Contractor will interface with industry decision-makers and influencers in Japan – including buyers and sellers in the feed, poultry, swine, livestock, and aquaculture sectors – as well as with leading company representatives, trade associations, academic institutions, and pertinent government ministries/departments.
SCOPE OF WORK (Services):
Oversight and Reporting: Report administratively and operationally to USSEC’s Deputy Director – Japan and USSEC’s Regional Animal Utilization Lead – East Asia for all matters related to contract execution. The Contractor will work under the direction of these USSEC supervisors and will not operate autonomously.
Coordination: Liaise and coordinate closely with USSEC’s East Asia leadership (including the Deputy Director – Japan and Regional Animal Utilization Lead – East Asia) to align marketing efforts and program activities in Japan.
Relationship Building: Establish and nurture strong working relationships and communication channels with local industry stakeholders in the poultry, swine, livestock, and feed sectors through technical support and trade servicing efforts. This includes (but is not limited to) engagement with personnel in the private sector, government bodies, universities, and industry institutions.
Market Research: Gather and evaluate data relevant to the current and future potential for use of soybeans, soybean meal, and other soy products in Japan’s feed and livestock industries.
Representation at Events: Attend and/or represent USSEC at agricultural trade shows, fairs, technical meetings, international seminars, and other industry events (as requested by USSEC management). All participation must adhere to USSEC’s latest travel and safety protocols and regulations.
Travel Support: When requested by USSEC, provide assistance during visiting delegations and business travel – for example, accompanying USSEC staff, regional technical experts, and/or U.S. soybean farmer-leaders on in-country trips – in accordance with USSEC’s travel policies and safety protocols.
Sustainability Promotion: Convey the U.S. Soy sustainability message to customers and encourage buyers to utilize the U.S. Soy Sustainability Assurance Protocol (SSAP) certification with their U.S. Soy purchases.
Collaborative Efforts: Provide assistance to other U.S. agricultural cooperator organizations when appropriate (e.g., work with the USDA Foreign Agricultural Service on joint activities that benefit U.S. agricultural exports overall). However, the Contractor shall not participate in any event with messages that run contrary to USSEC’s mission and objectives.
ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
Dedicate sufficient time and attention to fulfill all contracted services, deliverables, and key performance indicators (KPIs) as required under the terms of the Master Agreement and contract addendum.
Conduct oneself in a manner consistent with USSEC’s core values – maintaining a respectable image and credibility as a USSEC representative, and refraining from any activities that may reflect adversely on USSEC.
Provide full cooperation to USSEC to maximize USSEC’s success in Japan and the East Asia region.
As an expert professional in this field, remain informed and knowledgeable about the latest developments in relevant industries and be able to effectively communicate new insights to target audiences.
Work closely with, and give full cooperation to, members of USSEC’s program management and accounting teams in the region.
Be fully prepared and equipped to work from home or a remote location as needed. This includes the technical know-how to conduct virtual/online meetings and engage with customers via teleconference or other digital communication tools.
