Join a global automotive manufacturer as an Automotive Battery Sales Manager, taking responsibility for wholesale distributor sales and commercial performance in Japan.
Based in Tokyo, you will drive sales growth for automotive replacement batteries through wholesale distributors and dealer channels, combining B2B sales management with product promotion, distributor development, supply chain coordination, and commercial planning.
You will manage relationships with distributors and their branches, establish sales targets, lead new product launches and promotional campaigns, and monitor sales performance and profitability. The role also covers sales forecasting, budgets, order management, logistics, contracts, warranty support, and business continuity.
This is an opportunity to combine automotive sales and distributor management experience with technical knowledge of 12V lead-acid batteries and automotive aftermarket products in a broad commercial leadership position.
Key Responsibilities
- Manage automotive battery sales and relationships with wholesale distributors and their branch networks across Japan.
- Set and achieve sales targets aligned with the brand's strategy and global growth plans for Japan.
- Lead new product launches, sales promotions, marketing campaigns, and distributor sales support activities.
- Conduct field visits, battery product training, plant tours, and distributor-sponsored events.
- Prepare sales forecasts, budgets, performance reports, and profitability analysis.
- Monitor relevant market developments, foreign exchange movements, and LME trends that may affect commercial performance.
- Develop and execute product promotions and campaigns to improve automotive battery sales.
- Manage day-to-day supply chain activities from customer orders through shipment and invoicing.
- Coordinate with suppliers, distributors, logistics partners, and internal teams to maintain product availability and delivery performance.
- Identify and mitigate supply chain and business continuity risks affecting battery products.
- Coordinate and negotiate wholesale distributor contracts and other commercial arrangements.
- Support warranty and product claim analysis and respond to inquiries from distributors, dealers, and customers.
- Mentor colleagues and share knowledge across sales, logistics, and finance-related processes.
Required Skills and Qualifications
Experience:
- Minimum 5 years of professional experience in the automotive industry or with an automotive manufacturer.
- Experience in automotive sales, distributor management, or related commercial activities.
- Experience with sales forecasting, performance analysis, and budget planning.
- Experience coordinating suppliers, logistics, order management, and product delivery activities.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
- Valid driver's license.
- Bachelor's degree.
Soft Skills:
- Strong leadership skills with the ability to work effectively as both a manager and team member.
- Strong problem-solving capabilities for addressing sales, customer, and supply chain challenges.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills in a professional business environment.
- Strong relationship management skills for working with distributors, suppliers, dealers, and internal stakeholders.
- Strong analytical skills for evaluating sales performance, profitability, market trends, and promotional activities.
Language Requirements:
- Japanese: Fluent level.
- English: Intermediate to Business level.
Preferred Skills & Qualifications
- Technical understanding of 12V lead-acid batteries or similar automotive products.
- Experience working for a Japanese automotive manufacturer or automotive importer.
- Automotive technician certification.
- Experience selling automotive batteries or other automotive aftermarket products.
- Experience managing automotive wholesale distributors and dealer networks.
- Experience with Microsoft Access.
- Experience supporting warranty and product claim analysis.
About the Company
Our client is a global automotive manufacturer with a dedicated battery business supplying automotive replacement and maintenance products through wholesale distributor and dealer channels.
The business combines global automotive manufacturing expertise with a strong focus on battery products, distributor relationships, supply chain management, and commercial development in the Japanese market.
Why You'll Love Working Here
- Take responsibility for automotive battery wholesale distributor sales and commercial performance in Japan.
- Combine automotive sales leadership with specialist knowledge of 12V batteries and related products.
- Manage a broad range of activities spanning sales, product promotion, distributor development, supply chain, and commercial planning.
- Build relationships with major distributors, suppliers, dealers, and automotive industry partners.
- Gain broad commercial exposure across sales forecasting, profitability, logistics, contracts, warranty, and marketing activities.
- Develop leadership experience through mentoring and knowledge sharing within the team.
- Build further expertise in Japan's automotive aftermarket and replacement battery market.
- Benefit from remote work/WFH and flexible working hours.
Don't Miss Out - Apply Now!
