About the company
Join a German family-owned global leader in industrial connecting components and supply solutions. The business supports manufacturing and engineering customers with fasteners, consumables and innovative inventory and replenishment systems that improve efficiency across production environments.
The Japanese organisation is a small, ambitious and rapidly growing operation, supported by the resources, expertise and shared services of a well-established international group. This combination offers the best of both worlds: the visibility, influence and entrepreneurial impact of a close-knit local team, alongside the stability and global reach of a market-leading organisation.
With a strong customer focus, clear processes and collaborative international support, this is an exciting opportunity to help shape the next phase of growth in Japan. Your contribution will have a direct impact on customers, colleagues and the development of the local business.
What the job entails
As Head of Sales, you will lead and develop the Japan sales organisation, taking ownership of customer relationships, sales performance and local business growth. Based in Yokohama, you will manage a team of four field sales professionals, growing to five with your appointment.
You will combine strategic leadership with significant hands-on activity. This includes visiting customers, developing new opportunities, building long-term relationships and identifying projects where products and system solutions can create measurable value. You will lead the sales process from opportunity development through to implementation, including projects for manufacturing, heavy machinery, railway, shipbuilding, semiconductor and general machinery customers.
You will energise and coach the sales team, set a proactive example in the field and work closely with colleagues across the international group. The role reports to the Japan leadership team and offers considerable scope to influence the direction and continued expansion of the business.
Key requirements
Native-level Japanese language proficiency and conversational to professional English.
Proven industrial sales experience in Japan, ideally serving manufacturing, heavy machinery, semiconductor, railway, construction machinery, shipbuilding or general machinery customers.
An established network or strong understanding of relevant end customers, such as major machinery manufacturers, railway companies, truck manufacturers or industrial equipment producers.
Experience leading, motivating and developing a sales team, or clear potential to step into people management with confidence.
A proactive, energetic and visible leadership style, with the motivation to spend substantial time meeting customers and developing business in the field.
Strong B2B sales and business development capability, including project development, consultative selling and managing the full sales cycle.
Product experience in fasteners, MRO, industrial consumables, PPE, chemicals or related products would be advantageous.
Commercial understanding of industrial supply chains, customer production processes and solution-based selling.
Confidence, charisma and resilience, with the ability to make a meaningful impact within a small, fast-growing organisation.
Willingness to work primarily onsite in Yokohama, travel extensively to customers and undertake occasional domestic or international travel.