Sales Manager

Position Summary: 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.

Responsibilities: • 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)

Qualifications: • 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

Additional Information: • Approximately 25% travel, primarily within the Midwest region Application Form