Key Account Manager

Key Account Manager (m/f/d)

Düsseldorf, Germany | Nationwide Travel Required

Permanent | Full-Time

Our truly international client is seeking an experienced Key Account Manager (m/f/d) to strengthen its German operations. As part of a globally respected Japanese construction group, our client delivers high-quality industrial, commercial, and large-scale residential projects across Europe.

This is a critical hire, focused on supporting Japanese clients in Germany while driving new business development across the industrial and commercial construction sectors.

The Opportunity

This role sits within the German Promotion team and reports directly to the Manager Promotion DE. You will be responsible for:

• Acquiring new industrial and commercial construction projects in Germany (project volume €5–85m)
• Managing and expanding relationships with existing Japanese customers
• Representing Takenaka at trade fairs, networking events, and client presentations
• Overseeing sales activities across western, northern, and parts of southern Germany
• Collaborating closely with operational project teams to evaluate risks, costs, and opportunities
• Supporting project management and coordinating with planners, subcontractors, and clients

This is a highly autonomous position with real commercial impact.

Candidate Profile

Education & Experience

• Degree in Civil Engineering or Architecture (or comparable technical qualification)
• Minimum 5 years’ professional experience within the construction industry
• Background in construction and/or project management
• Proven sales experience within the construction sector
• Strong industry knowledge (essential)

Language Skills (Critical Requirement)

• Japanese – native level (strong preference)
• German – minimum C1
• English – minimum B2

Given the responsibility for Japanese customers and projects in Germany, native-level Japanese capability is considered a decisive factor for success in this role.

Personal Attributes

The successful candidate will be:

• A strong relationship-builder with intercultural competence
• Commercially driven and confident in acquiring new clients
• Technically credible and able to communicate complex construction topics clearly
• Structured, analytical, and solution-oriented
• Comfortable with high levels of responsibility
• Resilient and willing to travel extensively (100% mobility required, including overnight stays)

A Class B driving licence is mandatory

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What’s on Offer

• Salary: Competitive
• Company car + fuel card (also for private use)
• 37.5-hour working week with flexitime
• 2 days home office per week
• 29 days holiday + additional traditional holidays
• Employer-funded pension scheme and capital-forming benefits
• Corporate health programme and employee benefit schemes
• Regular training and development opportunities

Why This Role?

This is more than a traditional sales role. It sits at the intersection of technical expertise, cross-cultural relationship management, and strategic business development. For the right individual, particularly someone with strong Japanese language capability and deep construction sector experience, this is a highly visible and impactful position within a globally respected organisation.