Sales Manager - Engineering Plastics

Mitsubishi Chemical America; Commerce Charter Township (MI); Remote; USD 128,000 - 161,000; Full time

Job summary

Mitsubishi Performance Polymers Division in the United States is seeking a Sales Manager, Engineering Plastics to drive growth across automotive and non-automotive markets. You will connect our U.S.

commercial team with Japan’s Sales and R&D, develop new business opportunities, support Japanese accounts, and deliver material solutions that meet evolving customer needs. The role requires fluent Japanese, a four-year technical or business degree, and at least 5 years in sales or business

Qualifications

• Four-year degree in plastics tech, business, engineering, chemistry, or related discipline.
• Minimum of 5 years commercial sales/BD experience.
• Strong knowledge of engineering plastics and applications.
• Experience in multinational corporate environments.
• Fluency in Japanese and understanding of Japanese business culture.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute sales strategies to drive revenue growth.
• Expand automotive and non-automotive markets.
• Support Japanese accounts and liaise with Japan teams.
• Provide technical and commercial solutions to customers.
• Maintain CRM records and report performance.

Skills

Fluency in Japanese

Relationship management

Business development

Sales strategy

Cross-cultural communication

Presentation skills

Education

Four-year degree in Plastics Technology, Business, Engineering, Chemistry

Tools

Salesforce

MS Office

Job description

Company

Mitsubishi Performance Polymers Division

Job Description

Are you a strategic sales professional with a passion for engineering plastics, automotive applications, and building strong customer relationships? Mitsubishi Chemical is seeking an experienced Sales Manager, Engineering Plastics to drive business growth, strengthen strategic customer partnerships, and expand our presence across automotive and non-automotive markets.

In this highly collaborative role, you'll serve as a key connection between our U.S. commercial organization and our Sales and R&D teams in Japan. You'll be responsible for developing new business opportunities, supporting Japanese customer accounts, and delivering innovative material solutions that meet evolving customer needs.

If you're a fluent Japanese-speaking sales professional who enjoys combining technical expertise with relationship management, business development, and global collaboration, we'd love to hear from you!

What You'll Do

Drive Sales Growth & Business Development

• Develop and execute sales strategies that support revenue growth, operating income improvement, and business objectives.
• Identify and pursue new business opportunities within engineering plastics, automotive applications, and related markets.
• Expand the customer base across automotive and non-automotive industries.
• Identify opportunities to upsell and cross-sell additional products and services.
• Develop compelling value propositions that demonstrate the technical and commercial benefits of Mitsubishi Chemical products.
• Provide strategic account direction and qualified business opportunities to the commercial team.

Build & Strengthen Strategic Customer Relationships

• Develop and maintain strong relationships with existing and prospective customers, including Japanese automotive accounts.
• Engage with senior-level customer stakeholders to understand business priorities, technical requirements, and growth opportunities.
• Serve as a trusted commercial partner by providing responsive customer service and technical solutions.
• Identify customer challenges and collaborate with internal teams to develop tailored solutions.
• Support long-term customer relationships that drive sustainable business growth.

Partner with Global Sales & R&D Teams

• Serve as a primary communication liaison between U.S. commercial teams and Sales and R&D teams in Japan.
• Facilitate communication, updates, and information sharing across global sales and marketing organizations.
• Collaborate with global stakeholders to align commercial priorities, customer requirements, and product development opportunities.
• Communicate customer feedback, emerging applications, and new product requests to Commercial and R&D teams.
• Support collaboration across regions to strengthen customer engagement and business development efforts.

Provide Technical Sales & Application Support

• Develop and maintain strong technical knowledge of engineering plastics, compounding, and application development.
• Partner with technical teams to provide customers with product information, application guidance, and technical support.
• Help customers identify material solutions that address performance, manufacturing, and application requirements.
• Support the introduction of new products, applications, and services.
• Translate technical capabilities into customer value and commercial opportunities.

Monitor Market Trends & Identify Opportunities

• Stay informed about automotive and engineering plastics industry trends, emerging technologies, and competitive developments.
• Monitor changes in legislation, regulations, trade developments, and industry standards that may impact the business.
• Gather customer and market intelligence to identify new opportunities.
• Share insights regarding customer preferences, market needs, and product development opportunities.
• Provide recommendations that support long-term commercial strategies and market expansion.

Drive Commercial Excellence

• Maintain accurate records of customer interactions, sales activities, and business opportunities.
• Prepare regular reports on sales performance, customer feedback, and market developments.
• Support the development and improvement of sales tools, processes, and commercial practices.
• Maintain strong product knowledge through ongoing training and professional development.
• Collaborate with internal stakeholders to ensure alignment on customer priorities and business objectives.

What We’re Looking For

• Fluency in Japanese, both written and verbal, is required, along with an understanding of Japanese business culture.
• Four-year degree in Plastics Technology, Business, Engineering, Chemistry, or a related technical discipline.
• Minimum of 5 years of related commercial experience in sales, marketing, or new business development, or equivalent experience.
• Strong knowledge of engineering plastics, compounding, application development, and technical support.
• Experience working within a multinational organization.
• Demonstrated ability to develop and maintain relationships with senior-level customer stakeholders.
• Strong business development, strategic thinking, and customer relationship management capabilities.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills.
• Strong planning, organization, and time-management abilities.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with cross-functional and international teams.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience within the automotive industry.
• Background in plastic resin manufacturing and sales.
• Experience supporting Japanese automotive customers or multinational accounts.
• Experience with Salesforce or another CRM platform.
• Experience collaborating with international Sales, Marketing, and R&D teams.
• Strong technical understanding of engineered plastic materials and their applications.

Work Arrangement & Travel

• Location: Remote (United States)
• Travel: Approximately 30% within the United States.
• Regular collaboration with global commercial and technical teams, including colleagues in Japan.

What Will Help You Succeed

We’re looking for a sales professional who combines technical knowledge, commercial expertise, and strong cross-cultural communication skills.

You’ll be successful in this role if you enjoy developing strategic customer relationships, identifying new applications for engineered materials, and collaborating with global teams to bring innovative solutions to market.

The ideal candidate is proactive, customer-focused, and comfortable navigating a multinational business environment. You’ll bring the ability to engage senior-level stakeholders, communicate effectively across cultures, and translate customer needs into meaningful business opportunities.

Why Join Us?

• Play a key role in expanding Mitsubishi Chemical’s Engineering Plastics business.
• Develop strategic relationships with Japanese automotive customers and other key industry partners.
• Serve as an important connection between U.S. commercial operations and global teams in Japan.
• Influence new product development and emerging application opportunities.
• Work with innovative engineering plastics and advanced material solutions.
• Collaborate with experienced professionals across Sales, Marketing, R&D, and technical functions.
• Contribute to business growth across automotive and non-automotive markets.
• Join a global organization committed to innovation, collaboration, and long-term customer partnerships.

The salary range for this position is $128,400.00 - 160,500.00 USD Annual. Factors such as scope and responsibilities of the position, candidate’s work experience, education/training, job-related skills, internal peer equity, as well as market and business considerations may influence base pay offered. This salary will be subject to a geographic adjustment (according to a specific city and state), if an authorization is granted to work outside of the location listed in this posting.