Join a leading global technology and manufacturing company as an Automotive Sales Manager in Yokohama, taking ownership of strategic automotive customer accounts across the Kanto region.
This role combines key account management, new business development and sales team leadership. You will manage relationships with major Japanese automotive OEMs and Tier 1 suppliers, identify new business opportunities within existing accounts, and develop strategies that drive long-term revenue and market share growth.
Working closely with engineering, product, manufacturing, supply chain and global commercial teams, you will connect customer requirements with technical solutions while supporting new vehicle programs and next-generation automotive technologies.
Key Responsibilities
- Manage sales activities and strategic customer accounts across the Kanto automotive market.
- Build and maintain strong, long-term relationships with automotive OEMs, Tier 1 suppliers and key customer stakeholders.
- Understand customer strategies, market trends and future technology requirements to identify new business opportunities.
- Develop and execute key account strategies focused on revenue growth, new program acquisition and market share expansion.
- Drive new business opportunities within existing strategic accounts and support commercial negotiations through contract and program award.
- Manage customer proposals, pricing discussions and other commercial negotiations.
- Coordinate closely with engineering, product, manufacturing, supply chain and other internal functions to deliver effective customer solutions.
- Provide customer and market intelligence to internal stakeholders to support product development and production planning.
- Collaborate with overseas offices and global teams to ensure consistent customer support across different markets.
- Lead, coach and manage a small sales team while maintaining direct ownership of important customer relationships.
- Conduct regular customer visits and business trips within Japan, with occasional travel to domestic and overseas manufacturing locations.
Required Skills and Qualifications
Experience:
- Minimum 8 years of sales, account management or business development experience within automotive, electronics, electronic components, semiconductor or a related technology industry.
- Strong experience managing relationships with Japanese automotive OEMs or major Tier 1 customers.
- Proven ability to identify and develop new business opportunities within existing strategic customer accounts.
- Experience managing commercial negotiations, customer proposals, pricing discussions and account strategy development.
- Previous team management or people leadership experience.
- Experience coordinating with engineering, manufacturing, product and other internal functions to support customer requirements.
- Valid driving licence and willingness to travel regularly for customer meetings.
Soft Skills:
- Strong customer-facing communication and negotiation skills.
- Excellent relationship-building skills with the ability to establish trusted relationships with senior customer stakeholders.
- Commercially minded and proactive approach with the ability to recognise opportunities and develop them into new business.
- Strong ownership, communication, coordination and follow-up skills.
- Ability to lead and develop a sales team while remaining hands-on with strategic customer accounts.
- Comfortable working across a global and multicultural organisation.
Language Requirements:
- Japanese: Fluent
- English: Intermediate / Business level
- Ability to communicate effectively with overseas colleagues, including email communication and internal business discussions.
Preferred Skills & Qualifications
- Experience selling electronic components, automotive electronics, semiconductors, electrical systems or other technical products into the automotive industry.
- Established relationships with major Japanese automotive OEMs or Tier 1 suppliers.
- Experience working within a global electronics or automotive technology company.
- Knowledge of connectivity or connector products.
- Strong English communication skills and experience collaborating with overseas teams.
About the Company
Our client is a leading global technology and manufacturing company providing electronic and connectivity solutions to customers across the automotive and industrial sectors.
With a significant presence in Japan and operations worldwide, the company works closely with major automotive manufacturers and suppliers to support new vehicle programs and next-generation technologies.
Its combination of global engineering expertise, manufacturing capabilities and established customer relationships provides a strong platform for developing new automotive business in Japan and internationally.
Why You'll Love Working Here
- Strategic automotive accounts: Manage important relationships with major Japanese automotive OEMs and Tier 1 suppliers.
- New business development: Identify and develop new opportunities within an established, high-value customer base.
- Sales leadership: Lead and develop a small sales team while remaining directly involved with strategic customers.
- Broad technology portfolio: Work across electronic, connectivity and automotive technology solutions rather than being limited to a single product category.
- Global collaboration: Partner closely with engineering, manufacturing, product and commercial teams in Japan and overseas.
- Competitive compensation: Earn ¥11M-¥14M, reflecting the seniority and responsibilities of the position.
- Flexible working environment: Benefit from remote and work-from-home options, flex time, casual clothing and minimal overtime.
- International exposure: Build your career within a global organisation with established technologies, manufacturing capabilities and customer relationships.
Don't Miss Out - Apply Now!
