Who You Are & What You’ll Do
The position is responsible for the overall client experience for Japanese law firms, corporations and other organizations, which includes effectively managing the schedule, scope and cost of a project while maintaining a high level of quality and achieving client goals and project success. The role serves as the key bridge between Japanese-speaking clients and KLDiscovery's global Operations teams, and requires business-level fluency in both Japanese and English.
Project Managers are responsible for meeting with the client to determine requirements, consulting with the client on best practices and workflow and submitting the requirements into the work flow system in preparation of client delivery. Many engagements are cross-border in nature (for example, U.S. litigation, regulatory matters and internal investigations involving Japanese companies), so the Project Manager will work daily in both Japanese and English. Further, the Project Manager is responsible for tracking progress internally to ensure timelines are satisfied.
Project Managers are responsible for managing the client’s expectations, advocating for their needs internally, and communicating progress to the client, delivering on all promises and ultimately, ensure their satisfaction with all services rendered.
Location: Japan (Tokyo). Work arrangement (hybrid/remote within Japan) to be confirmed with the hiring team.
Responsibilities
Consult with and advise Japanese-speaking clients through the scope of their case regarding eDiscovery workflows, project planning, database setup, etc. consistent with industry best practices and standards
Conduct client meetings, kick-offs, status calls and escalations in Japanese, and prepare client-facing emails, reports and documentation in business-level Japanese, including appropriate use of keigo (honorific language) and Japanese business etiquette
Proactively plan the workflow/requirements of each project with the client to ensure that the client’s expectations are fully understood and achieved
Gather requirements from the client in Japanese and pass the same on to Operations in English via a work order
Manage the client’s expectations by providing routine detailed status updates and reporting in Japanese (and in English where required)
Consistently deliver proactive communication with clients and serve as point of escalation when client issues arise.
Submit the requirements into the work flow system
Track progress internally to ensure timelines and budget management are satisfied
Serve as client advocate to champion the client’s needs internally to ensure that deadlines, project scope and expectations are understood
Provide updates on progress regularly as deemed appropriate during the client kick off meeting
Identify, address and document new internal processes to gain efficiencies or better client effectiveness
Communicate work instructions and client requirements in a clear and concise manner internally to Operations, translating between Japanese and English as needed
Coordinate with global Operations, Review Services and Technology teams across time zones (including the U.S. and Europe) to support cross-border matters
Advise clients on Japan-specific considerations such as handling Japanese-language (CJK/multi-byte) data, data privacy requirements under the Act on the Protection of Personal Information (APPI) and cross-border data transfer
Provide guidance, instruction and work direction for active projects to Operations as needed
Demonstrate and present KLDiscovery solutions to existing and prospective clients in Japanese and English
On-site client visits as required, primarily within Japan, with occasional domestic or international travel
Maintain a general understanding of our industry and trends and a thorough understanding of all company products and services and technologies.
Obtain a working knowledge of the companies hosted review products
Drives overall client satisfaction through effective coordination and communication of client deliverables
Works with clients to establish best practices which meet their needs and address any prioritization issues that may arise
Qualifications
Business-level or higher Japanese language ability, spoken and written (JLPT N1 or equivalent / native-level fluency), with the ability to communicate confidently with senior stakeholders at Japanese law firms and corporations (日本語ビジネスレベル以上)
Business-level English ability, spoken and written, for day-to-day collaboration with global teams and clients (TOEIC 800+ or equivalent preferred)
Must be proficient with the Microsoft office Suite, with a particular emphasis on Excel, Word, and Power Point
Candidate must have a deep understanding of eDiscovery and the litigation support industry
Demonstrated success in the management of multiple simultaneous projects.
Excellent client relationship skills which include the ability to proactively manage client expectations, recognize client needs and adapt company capabilities to consistently meet client requirements, with a strong understanding of Japanese business customs and client service expectations
Problem-solving, analytical, and organization skills
Excellent written and oral communication skills in both Japanese and English
2 plus years of project management, consulting, litigation support or paralegal experience in a top-tier law firm, consulting practice, or vendor; experience supporting Japanese clients strongly preferred
Must be able to work independently and as part of a team
A solid understanding of database design and management, data processing activities and legal document review requirements; experience with Japanese-language data and document review is a plus
Familiarity with the Japanese legal and regulatory landscape (e.g., antitrust, anti-bribery, corporate investigations, cross-border litigation) is a plus
Bachelor’s Degree preferred or equivalent combination of education and experience
Candidates must be eligible to work in Japan. This position does not qualify for VISA sponsorship.
Our Mission & Values
Our Mission: We bring clarity, trust, and meaning to data for clients navigating legal matters worldwide.
These four values guide how we operate, make decisions, and work together every day.
Client is Always in the Room - We operate and make decisions as if the client is in the room. We anticipate their needs, consider their perspective, and prioritize their best interests.
Own the Outcome - We bring an unwavering bias for action, act with urgency, and hold ourselves accountable to our clients, and each other.
Better Every Day - We improve our tomorrow by always striving to be better than today. We embrace curiosity, question assumptions, and raise the bar constantly.
Deliver Results Together - We collaborate obsessively to achieve shared success. We assume good intentions, debate ideas thoughtfully, treat each other with respect, and fully commit once decisions are made.
KLDiscovery is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, national origin, ancestry, sex, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, marital or family status, pregnancy, age, veteran status, disability, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. This commitment applies to all aspects of employment, including recruitment, hiring, compensation, promotion, training, discipline, and termination. Employment decisions are based on job-related qualifications, skills, and experience.
WHY YOU’LL LOVE WORKING FOR KLD
At KLD, our people are at the heart of everything we do. We believe that when our employees feel supported, valued, and empowered, they can thrive both personally and professionally. That’s why we’re committed to fostering a collaborative, inclusive workplace where you can grow your career, make meaningful contributions, and enjoy a healthy work-life balance.
Our competitive benefits and programs are designed to support your well-being and success. Depending on your location, these may include comprehensive health and wellness benefits, retirement and financial programs, paid time off and leave options, employee assistance resources, and professional development opportunities.
We also embrace flexibility, offering remote work opportunities for most employees to support work-life balance while keeping our teams connected and collaborative. Certain roles may require an office-based or hybrid schedule based on business and operational needs.
Wherever you’re located, you’ll be part of a global team that values your contributions, supports your growth, and celebrates your success.
Benefits and eligibility vary by country, location, employment status, and applicable plan or program requirements.
