A Japanese chemical company is hiring a Sales Assistant Manager.
B2B Sales Position
Location: New York City
Salary: $80,000 – $87,000
Language: Fluent Japanese and English required
[Job Description]
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POSITION TITLE
Sales Assistant Manager
Department
Sales and Marketing
Reports to
President
SUMMARY OF JOB FUNCTION
Promotes company services or products to individuals or businesses, selling individually or as a team. Maintains existing customer accounts, acknowledges and handles their needs, and ensures customer satisfaction. Helps maintain and expand existing accounts while developing new business opportunities.
Communicates regularly with current and prospective customers via phone or email to understand needs, answer inquiries, and resolve issues. Ensures products and services meet customer expectations and maintains accurate customer records for tracking account activity.
Gathers information and submits reports to management and the company’s global headquarters. Builds industry networks and monitors competitors. Prepares and delivers presentations (in-person and virtual), explains product offerings, prepares proposals, and closes sales.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES
- Prepare, monitor, and manage sales budgets, forecasts, and performance results
- Submit sales budgets and forecasts to global headquarters as required
- Achieve and exceed assigned sales and performance targets
- Negotiate commercial terms and resolve issues with customers, distributors, and agents
- Maintain and grow sales with existing customers through upselling
- Identify and develop new customers and promote both existing and new products
- Monitor and manage consignment inventory (and eventually company inventory)
- Lead coordination with internal teams to resolve commercial, technical, legal, financial, and logistics issues
- Prepare and submit reports and internal approval documents
- Communicate with global teams (sales, technical, logistics, legal) via email, phone, online platforms, and in-person
- Travel within North America to visit customers (approx. 30–50%)
- Plan and coordinate visits and accompany global teams during business trips (approx. 2–6 times annually)
- Conduct market research through customer interaction and participation in trade shows and conferences
- Develop and execute strategies aligned with headquarters’ policies to maximize business results and minimize risks across the Americas
- Implement approved strategies and provide progress reports
- Execute action plans based on general guidance
- Perform additional activities to support business growth and risk management
- Perform other tasks as assigned by management
OTHER RESPONSIBILITIES
- Maintain open communication across teams and departments
- Keep supervisors informed of progress and status
- Maintain professional and technical knowledge through training, publications, networking, and industry awareness
- Perform other duties as assigned
QUALIFICATIONS
EXPERIENCE
- Minimum 5 years of B2B sales experience (Required)
- Experience contributing to upselling and cross-selling initiatives (Preferred)
EDUCATION
- Bachelor’s degree (Required)
LICENSES & CERTIFICATES
- Driver’s license (Required)
TECHNICAL KNOWLEDGE & SKILLS
- Technical understanding of EV, semiconductor, and electronics industries in B2B markets
- Proficiency in MS Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook)
- Knowledge of B2B commercial practices, including pricing, contract terms, negotiations, procurement processes, and Incoterms
EXPECTED COMPETENCIES
- Strong learning mindset and curiosity
- Positive and proactive attitude
- Compliance with company policies and procedures
- Strong communication and relationship-building skills
- Team collaboration and information sharing
- Detail-oriented with strong follow-up skills
WORK ENVIRONMENT / PHYSICAL DEMANDS
- Office-based role with standard equipment
- Mostly sedentary, with occasional standing, walking, and lifting up to 25 lbs
Business Travel
- Approximately 30–50% travel
Language Requirements
- Fluent Japanese (speaking, writing, interpreting) required for coordination with global headquarters
- Fluent English required
- Japanese preferred (if not required depending on role variation)