Sales Manager - Engineering Plastics

Mitsubishi Performance Polymers Division; Commerce Charter Township (MI); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Mitsubishi Performance Polymers Division in Michigan is seeking a Sales Manager, Engineering Plastics to drive growth in automotive and related markets. You will connect US commercial, Sales and R&D teams in Japan, develop opportunities, and deliver material solutions to customers.

You will lead strategic accounts, expand the customer base, and collaborate across regions to align commercial priorities with product development.

Qualifications

• Fluency in Japanese, both written and verbal, is required.
• Four-year degree in plastics technology, business, engineering, chemistry or related field.
• Minimum 5 years in sales, marketing or business development in a related field.
• Strong knowledge of engineering plastics, compounding and applications.
• Experience in a multinational organization.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute sales strategies to drive revenue growth and objectives.
• Identify and pursue new business opportunities in engineering plastics and automotive markets.
• Expand the customer base across automotive and non-automotive industries.
• Upsell and cross-sell products and services where appropriate.
• Provide technical and commercial value propositions to customers.
• Collaborate with global Sales and R&D teams and support key accounts.

Skills

Fluency in Japanese

Sales leadership

Engineering plastics knowledge

Account management

Education

Four-year degree in Plastics Technology or related field

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 a