POSITION TITLE Business Development Manager, Automotive
Position Summary
In this position, you will lead business development efforts for newly developed automotive products in the North American market. The role is responsible for introducing new products, identifying and developing new customers, building long-term relationships with automotive manufacturers and suppliers, and expanding market presence through proactive sales and business development activities.
Responsibilities
- Develop and execute sales and business development strategies for the North American automotive market
- Identify, approach, and develop new customers, including automotive manufacturers, OEMs, Tier suppliers, and other target accounts
- Build strong customer relationships by understanding product requirements, design needs, development schedules, and decision‑making processes
- Manage business development activities, including product presentations, sample coordination, order acquisition, production coordination, and post‑sales support
- Collaborate with customer teams in purchasing, quality, R&D, design, and logistics functions
- Coordinate customer support activities from initial product introduction and pre‑production through production and delivery
- Travel as required to visit prospective customers, attend trade shows, conduct market research, and establish new business relationships
- Research industry trends, design preferences, emerging technologies, and market needs to identify new opportunities
- Prepare sales reports, quotations, contracts, customer correspondence, and market research documentation
- Perform other related duties as assigned
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Engineering, or a related field, or equivalent professional experience
- Business-level Japanese language proficiency
- Minimum of five years of sales or business development experience in materials technology, automotive interior or exterior development, or related automotive OEM industries
- Proven ability to develop and implement sales and marketing strategies effectively
- Strong communication, organizational, and relationship‑building skills
- Self‑motivated and results‑oriented approach to business development
- Ability to communicate with Japan‑based colleagues and business partners during early morning or evening hours when required
- Willingness and ability to travel and drive as required
- Proficiency with standard computer systems and business applications
LOCATION Near Detroit, Michigan, USA (Hybrid)
SALARY USD100,000-150,000
#countryUS