Job Title
Sales Manager – Industrial Products Division
Location
Japan
Employment Type
Full-time
Overview
A global industrial manufacturing company is seeking a Sales Manager to drive profitable growth across Japan for its Industrial Products Division. This role will be responsible for developing and executing sales strategies, expanding market share, managing key customer and distributor relationships, and leading a high-performing sales organization.
The position combines strategic sales leadership, channel management, business development, and team leadership, with a strong focus on industrial, energy, OEM, national account, and distribution channels.
Key Responsibilities
Sales Strategy & Business Growth
• Develop and execute annual sales strategies and tactical plans to achieve or exceed revenue and growth objectives
• Drive market share growth across industrial, energy, OEM, direct sales, national account, and distribution channels
• Identify new business opportunities and develop strategies to expand market penetration
• Support long-term business growth through strategic account development and market expansion initiatives
• Monitor industry trends, customer needs, and competitive activity to identify growth opportunities
Key Account & Distributor Management
• Build and maintain strong relationships with key customers, distributors, and channel partners
• Develop strategic account plans for major customers and distribution partners
• Establish strong relationships with senior leadership within distributor organizations
• Oversee distributor agreements and ensure successful execution of partnership strategies
• Support distributor performance improvements and market development initiatives
Sales Performance Management
• Monitor sales activities, pipeline development, and business performance across the assigned region
• Analyze monthly sales results, forecasts, and market developments
• Identify performance gaps and implement corrective actions when necessary
• Provide regular sales performance updates and business reviews to leadership
• Ensure accurate sales forecasting and pipeline visibility
Marketing & Commercial Initiatives
• Collaborate with marketing teams to identify product, promotional, and program opportunities
• Develop field marketing initiatives, pricing strategies, and promotional campaigns
• Provide market feedback to support product development and commercial planning
• Support product launches and go-to-market strategies
• Drive customer engagement activities that increase product adoption and market awareness
Team Leadership & Talent Development
• Lead, coach, and develop a team of sales professionals
• Set clear performance objectives and establish accountability measures
• Conduct regular performance reviews and coaching sessions
• Support employee development, succession planning, and talent acquisition
• Foster a high-performance culture focused on collaboration, customer success, and continuous improvement
Financial & Budget Management
• Develop and manage annual marketing and commercial budgets
• Ensure effective allocation of resources to maximize return on investment
• Monitor spending and maintain budget accountability
• Support business planning and financial forecasting activities
Required Qualifications
• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Engineering, Marketing, Technical Studies, or a related discipline
• 7+ years of sales experience within industrial, manufacturing, engineering, technical, or related industries
• Demonstrated success growing revenue, market share, and distributor performance
• Experience managing key accounts and channel partners
• Strong strategic sales planning and execution capabilities
• Proven leadership and team management experience
• Excellent communication, presentation, and stakeholder management skills
• Ability to explain technical products and solutions to diverse audiences
• Strong business acumen and commercial decision-making skills
• Valid driver's license
• Willingness to travel as required
Preferred Qualifications
• 2+ years of people leadership experience
• Experience within global industrial manufacturing organizations
• Experience selling through distributor networks and channel sales models
• MBA or Master's degree
• Experience managing national accounts and large-scale industrial customers
Key Competencies
• Strategic Sales Leadership
• Channel & Distributor Management
• Key Account Management
• Business Development
• Commercial Planning
• Team Leadership & Coaching
• Negotiation & Influencing
• Market Analysis
• Budget Management
• Customer Relationship Management
Ideal Candidate Profile
• Strong commercial leader with a proven track record of driving growth
• Capable of balancing strategic planning with hands-on execution
• Skilled at building long-term customer and partner relationships
• Effective people manager who can motivate and develop teams
• Comfortable working across technical and commercial environments
• Results-driven with strong analytical and problem-solving abilities
Why This Opportunity Stands Out
• Leadership role with responsibility for driving growth across the Japan market
• Significant influence over commercial strategy, channel development, and market expansion
• Opportunity to work with industrial, energy, OEM, and distribution customers
• High visibility with regional and global leadership teams
• Combination of strategic planning, business development, and team leadership responsibilities
• Opportunity to contribute directly to market share growth and long-term business success
Potential Career Paths
• Country Sales Director
• Commercial Director
• Business Unit Leader
• Regional Sales Director
• General Manager
• APAC Commercial Leadership Roles
• Global Strategic Account Leadership Positions