Sales Representative｜Japanese Manufacturing/Trading Company

A Japanese manufacturing/trading company in Michigan is seeking a Japanese-English Bilingual Sales Representative to support its automotive business.

Location: Michigan or Illinois

<Job Overview>
This position will primarily manage and develop business with major automotive customers and Tier-1 suppliers. The role requires close communication with customers, suppliers, internal teams, and the company’s Japanese headquarters.
The ideal candidate will have experience in the automotive industry and a strong understanding of the automotive supply chain and commercial structure, including the relationships among OEMs, Tier-1/Tier-2 suppliers, manufacturers, and trading companies.
The position will be responsible for maintaining and expanding existing customer relationships while identifying new business opportunities and coordinating commercial activities between customers, suppliers, and internal teams.

<Responsibilities>
・ Manage and develop relationships with existing automotive customers, including major Tier-1 suppliers.
・ Serve as a primary point of contact for assigned customer accounts.
・Develop a strong understanding of customer requirements, production programs, forecasts, and business needs.
・ Coordinate communication between customers, suppliers, internal departments, and the Japanese headquarters.
・Monitor customer orders, forecasts, production schedules, and potential changes that may impact the business.
・Work closely with internal teams to ensure customer requirements, delivery expectations, and commercial matters are communicated accurately and in a timely manner.
・ Identify and develop new business opportunities within existing and prospective automotive accounts.
・ Support new product and new program development from the commercial side.
・ Maintain strong relationships with purchasing, sales, engineering, production, and other relevant customer contacts.
・ Understand and manage the commercial flow between OEMs, Tier-1/Tier-2 suppliers, manufacturers, and other business partners.
・Prepare sales reports, forecasts, account updates, and other business-related documentation.
・ Communicate regularly with Japanese management and headquarters in both Japanese and English.
・ Visit customer locations as necessary to maintain relationships and support ongoing business.
・ Resolve customer concerns by coordinating with the appropriate internal and external stakeholders.
・ Perform other sales and business development responsibilities as assigned.
・ Manage warehouse operations, including receiving, shipping, and inventory control.

<Qualifications>
・ Japanese and English bilingual proficiency required.
・Previous Sales, Account Management, Business Development, or related commercial experience.
・ Automotive industry experience strongly preferred.
・ Advanced ERP system experience, Microsoft Dynamics or Real Steel would be preferred.
・Strong understanding of the automotive industry supply chain and business flow, including relationships among OEMs, Tier-1/Tier-2 suppliers, manufacturers, and trading companies.
・ Experience working with Japanese automotive manufacturers or suppliers is highly preferred.
・ Ability to develop and maintain long-term customer relationships.
・Experience communicating and coordinating with Purchasing, Engineering, Production, Logistics, and other departments.
・Strong communication and negotiation skills.
・ Ability to coordinate effectively between U.S. customers and Japanese management/headquarters.
・ Strong organizational and time-management skills with the ability to manage multiple accounts and priorities.
・ Proficient in Microsoft Office suite of products.
・ Bachelor’s degree in Business, Engineering, Supply Chain, or a related field preferred.

【Keywords】
① Sales
②Account Management
③Business Development