Position Summary
The Sales Manager will be responsible for increasing revenue by expanding the client portfolio and strengthening relationships with existing customers within the assigned region.
Scope of Role
Territory: Japan
Customer Base: Primarily domestic clients
Annual Revenue Responsibility: €6 million
Direct Reports: None
Key Responsibilities
Develop and execute the annual sales budget for assigned markets and customer accounts in Japan, across the following sectors:
Mobile Energy (e.g., Lithium-ion batteries, fuel cells)
Engineering Materials (e.g., carbon brushes, friction materials, powder metallurgy, hard metals)
Carbon Additives for Polymers
Refractories & Metallurgy
Oversee relationships with 18+ regular customers, including distributors
Maintain and grow key accounts through strategic, data-driven approaches that leverage competitive advantages
Lead new business development by connecting customer needs with internal capabilities to build long-term growth
Provide market intelligence to contribute to strategy development
Coordinate technical discussions with internal engineering teams, distributors, agents, and clients
Deliver technical support both pre- and post-sale, including training and troubleshooting
Ensure quotations and inquiries are handled promptly and professionally
Assist in negotiating contract terms in support of the Sales Director
Participate in trade shows, conferences, and industry events alongside the Sales Director and Marketing team
Collaborate with Application Directors to analyze customer and market demands for product innovation and alignment
Facilitate direct communication between internal departments (R&D, Marketing, Production) and customers
Maintain comprehensive and up-to-date customer relationship records
Monitor and manage account receivables within assigned market according to company targets
Qualifications
Education:
Bachelor’s or Master’s degree preferred
Background in chemistry, materials science, chemical processing, physics, or related field preferred
Experience:
5+ years of technical sales experience in specialty materials (e.g., graphite, carbon black)
Alternatively, significant commercial experience in specialty products (e.g., minerals, plastics, polymers)
Language Requirements:
Japanese: Native level
English: Business proficiency
Other Requirements:
Willing to travel within the region up to 50%
Key Competencies
Strong relationship-building and communication skills
Collaborative and team-oriented approach
Proactive and results-driven mindset
High level of personal integrity and initiative
Strong interpersonal and influencing abilities
Sound judgment and ability to analyze and process information effectively