This position supports the Vice President in developing and coordinating new business opportunities while maintaining strong relationships with customers, suppliers, and the parent company. The role serves as a key liaison between Japanese enterprises and management of a global automotive parts manufacturer.
This position also includes responsibility for leading and managing several Sales Representatives, contributing to team performance and overall sales success.
- Assist the Vice President with the development and coordination of new business opportunities
- Build and maintain relationships with customers and suppliers to support business growth
- Coordinate new business opportunities through the manufacturing stage
- Prepare and present competitive pricing proposals while ensuring profitability goals are met
- Negotiate pricing and business opportunities with customers and suppliers
- Communicate with the parent company and offshore suppliers/customers, translating and conveying information for U.S. management as needed
- Coordinate sales and purchasing activities with domestic and offshore customers and vendors
- Develop project timelines and monitor progress to ensure successful launches
- Work with internal departments to support new product launch activities
- Prepare business forecasts and support cost analysis and pricing activities
- Provide timely updates regarding orders, schedule changes, and customer requirements
- Serve as a technical interpreter between Japanese enterprises and U.S. management
- Lead and manage Sales Representatives, providing guidance and oversight to achieve team objectives
- Travel to customer, supplier, and parent company locations as required (approximately 25%, primarily within the Midwest region)
- Bachelor’s degree in Business, Finance, Economics, Engineering, or related field preferred, or equivalent experience
- Minimum two (2) years of experience in OEM automotive parts sales
- Bilingual in English and Japanese (Japanese at an expert / idiomatic level required)
- Strong communication, negotiation, and organizational skills
- Leadership capability with experience or potential to manage team members
- Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications (Excel, Word, etc.)
- Familiarity with CAD/CAM systems preferred
- Ability to read and interpret blueprints at a conceptual leve
- Approximately 25% travel, primarily within the Midwest region
