Account Manager

Location Tokyo
Discipline Industrial
Job type Permanent
Salary Negotiable
Reference 52055

Job Title: Account Manager
Location: Tokyo, Japan

Introduction

Join a global, multi-disciplinary team that is leveraging the power of technology to transform the future of mobility. This role offers an exciting opportunity to work on next-generation solutions that enhance the driving experience, integrating audio, infotainment, and advanced connectivity platforms.

About the Role

As an Account Manager, you will be responsible for long-term commercial success and customer satisfaction across a portfolio of projects with a major Japanese automotive client. You will serve as the primary customer interface, managing high-level relationships and ensuring alignment between internal teams and client needs. While the focus is on commercial activities, the role may also support adjacent business areas. This position offers diverse learning opportunities in a dynamic environment.

Key Responsibilities

Customer & Business Management

  • Capture and represent the customer’s commercial perspective for ongoing programs.

  • Act as the "voice of the customer" for internal teams, guiding processes and strategy.

  • Develop and maintain strong client relationships at all levels.

  • Support long-term budget planning and account strategy (5–10 year outlook).

  • Oversee completion of commercial and legal agreements, including negotiations.

  • Track customer satisfaction and propose corrective actions when needed.

  • Ensure continuity of awarded business, focusing on profitability and long-term growth.

  • Build and maintain a relationship map to support strategic development.

Operational Activities

  • Manage day-to-day communication with customer contacts for pricing, tooling, change requests, cost recovery, and related topics.

  • Prepare and finalize purchase orders, quotations, and agreements.

  • Coordinate responses to customer surveys and investigations.

  • Handle account receivables/payables in coordination with client departments.

  • Monitor competitive landscape, market developments, and product portfolios.

  • Align internal global operations (capacity, availability, new product introductions, end-of-life management) with customer expectations.

What You Need to Succeed

Education & Skills

  • Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Business Administration, or a related field (MBA is a plus).

  • Fluency in Japanese and business-level English.

  • Strong communication skills, including business writing and presentations.

  • Excellent MS Office skills, especially Excel.

  • Strong project management and analytical abilities, with comfort in working with financial data and P&L statements.

Experience

  • Minimum 5 years of experience in the automotive sector, ideally with Japanese OEMs.

  • Solid understanding of OEM structures and processes.

  • Technical knowledge of automotive hardware/software systems.

  • Negotiation and relationship-building skills.

  • Ability to work effectively across global teams and time zones.

Competencies

  • Results-driven with a proactive mindset.

  • Team-oriented and collaborative.

  • Adaptable to change and customer-driven.

  • Strong self-awareness, integrity, and resilience.

Preferred Qualifications

  • Master’s degree in Engineering or Business Management.

  • Prior experience with Japanese automotive OEMs (e.g., Subaru, Honda).

  • Background with Tier 1 suppliers in infotainment, audio, connectivity, or ADAS.

Additional Details

  • Willingness to travel domestically and occasionally internationally (up to 25%).

  • Office-based role in Tokyo.

What’s Offered

  • A diverse, inclusive, and collaborative workplace that supports professional growth.

  • Exposure to global teams and cutting-edge technologies shaping the future of mobility.

  • Competitive compensation, benefits, and ongoing training/development opportunities.