Japanese Bilingual Sales Representative

[ Position ]

Sales Representative (New Business Development & Key Account Management) Japanese Bilingual

[ Summary ]

Working alongside the Sales Manager, this position is responsible for maintaining and deepening relationships with existing accounts (such as Japanese automotive OEMs and Tier 1 suppliers) while actively driving new business development across the North American market. You will take a proactive sales approach by targeting Big Three (U.S.) and South Korean automotive OEMs, as well as proposing solutions for non-automotive sectors and new material applications. Depending on aptitude and operational needs, duties may also include transitioning and managing accounts from existing local internal sales personnel.

[ Essential Duties ]

• Support the Sales Manager and build/maintain strong relationships with existing accounts.
• Gather early-stage intelligence on upcoming vehicle redesigns/model changes and generate quotations based on customer requirements (primarily using designated Excel templates).
• Drive new business development by targeting Big Three and South Korean OEMs, and proposing new material applications and uses.
• Travel as needed for customer visits and business meetings (including visits to the Michigan office and client facilities across other states).
• Maintain daily communication and progress alignment with cross-functional internal teams, including the Tennessee plant/office (e.g., daily morning online meetings).
• Manage account handovers/adjustments from current local representatives and handle ongoing account maintenance.

[ Working Hours / Working Style ]

• Hours: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
• Work Style: On-site full-time (daily office attendance required in principle)

[ Work Location ]

Lewisburg, TN

(Primary location is Tennessee; working out of the Michigan office is negotiable depending on candidate qualifications and preference).

[ Salary / Benefits ]

• Salary: $50,000 – $80,000 / year (commensurate with experience and skill set)
• Incentive / Bonus: None currently offered (performance-/company achievement-based bonuses may be considered in the future)
• Relocation Support: Evaluated on a case-by-case basis (e.g., partial or half coverage of relocation costs)

[ Holidays & Paid Time Off ]

Pursuant to company policies (includes Paid Time Off/PTO and standard company holidays)

[ Qualifications & Requirements ]

• [Required] Hands-on B2B sales experience in the automotive parts/components industry (experience with plastic components is highly preferred).
• [Required] Intermediate or higher Japanese proficiency (capable of smooth internal communication and information sharing with staff and Japan HQ).
• [Required] Native or near-native English communication skills (capable of leading business negotiations and meetings with local customers and North American OEMs).
• [Required] Computer proficiency (Excel quotation generation, data entry, and online meeting platforms like Teams/Zoom).
• [Preferred] Strong drive and proactive mindset toward entering new markets and developing new client accounts.
• [Ideal Candidate Profile] Excellent interpersonal skills capable of building smooth relationships with diverse internal and external stakeholders, with the adaptability to integrate well into the local company culture and workplace environment.

Pay: $50,000.00 - $80,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Application Question(s):

• Do you have hands-on B2B sales experience in the automotive parts or components industry?
• Do you have Japanese proficiency, sufficient to communicate smoothly and share information with internal staff and Japan headquarters?
• Are you proficient in using Microsoft Excel to prepare sales quotations and enter data, as well as online meeting platforms such as Microsoft Teams and Zoom?
• Do you have native or near-native English communication skills, with the ability to lead business negotiations and meetings with local customers and North American OEMs?

Education:

• Bachelor's (Preferred)

Ability to Commute:

• Lewisburg, TN 37091 (Required)

Ability to Relocate:

• Lewisburg, TN 37091: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location: In person

Salary : $50,000 - $80,000