Business Development Manager (Automotive) – Japanese Bilingual

Business Development Manager (Automotive) – Japanese Bilingual

Location: Near Detroit (Novi), MI – Hybrid

Salary: $100,000–$150,000 (Base)

Employment Type: Full-time

Position Overview:

A global manufacturing company is seeking a Business Development Manager to introduce newly developed automotive products to the North American market.

This role will serve as a key liaison between the local automotive team in Michigan and the headquarters in Japan, making business-level Japanese essential. The primary focus is new business development with automotive OEMs and Tier suppliers.

Key Responsibilities:

• Develop and execute sales and business development strategies to introduce newly developed automotive products to the North American market and create new business opportunities.
• Identify, approach, and develop new business with automobile manufacturers, OEMs, Tier suppliers, and other prospective customers.
• Build strong customer relationships by understanding product needs, development timelines, and decision-making processes.
• Manage the sales process from product introduction and sample development through production coordination and post-sale support.
• Collaborate with customers' Purchasing, Quality, R&D, Design, and Logistics teams, as well as the headquarters in Japan, to support product development and commercialization.
• Coordinate the entire customer support process from initial product introduction through production and delivery.
• Travel as needed to visit customers, promote products, attend trade shows, conduct market research, and develop new business opportunities.
• Monitor automotive industry trends, emerging technologies, and market needs to identify new product applications and growth opportunities.
• Prepare sales reports, market research, quotations, contracts, and other business documentation.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience.
• Business-level Japanese proficiency required.
• 5+ years of sales or business development experience in the automotive industry.
• Experience with automotive interior/exterior components, materials, decorative films, or related products.
• Proven ability to develop new business and build strong customer relationships.
• Willingness to travel as needed and communicate with Japan across time zones.