Overview
As the European hub of a global industrial group, the company is engaged in the sales and technical support of lubricant and grease products. It provides high‑performance, application‑specific solutions for a wide range of industries, including automotive, industrial machinery, construction equipment, and HVAC systems.
Through close collaboration with the R&D department, the company develops customized solutions tailored to customer specifications and continues to expand its presence in the European market.
Position Purpose / Background
To further accelerate the growth of the lubricants and greases business in Europe, the company is seeking a Senior Manager responsible for customer management, business development, and global coordination.
This position has the potential to evolve into a leadership role overseeing the Marketing & Sales team in the comingyears.
Responsibilities
- Leadership / Organizational Role
- Potential to lead the Marketing & Sales team within the next few years
- Contribute to the development of team strategy, operational execution, and organizational culture
- Customer Management
- Serve as the escalation point for existing key accounts, driving resolution of major issues
- Build and maintain strong relationships with B2B customers (e.g., automotive and industrial sectors)
- Global Coordination
- Act as the primary interface with global offices (e.g., Asia, North America) regarding technical requirements, product recommendations, and project progress
- Manage approval and qualification processes for global customers
- Business Development & Market Expansion
- Develop and execute strategies for new business acquisition and customer expansion in Europe
- Identify and commercialize new applications and niche markets
- Lead sustainability‑related initiatives (e.g., CO₂ reduction, localization strategies, environmentally friendly materials)
- Commercial & Operational Management
- Develop and implement mid‑term and short‑term business plans
- Conduct commercial negotiations, price discussions, and prepare proposals
- Manage demand forecasting, order handling, and coordination with logistics, procurement, and finance
- Oversee accounts receivable and secure optimal cash flow KPI & Performance Management
- Set annual and quarterly KPIs and drive actions toward achieving them
- Report on sales, profit, and project activities
Requirements
Qualifications
- Background in science or engineering
- PhD is a plus
- Experience as a Key Account Manager is preferred
Experience
- 10+ years of experience in B2B industrial sales, account management, or project management
- Strong track record in new customer acquisition
- Experience with automotive or industrial products is advantageous
Technical Knowledge
- Basic understanding of lubricants and tribology
- Knowledge of products and competitors in the European market is welcome
Skills
- Excellent communication and presentation skills
- Strong customer‑relationship‑building capability
- High level of autonomy, creativity, and ability to collaborate within small teams
Languages
- Business level English
- French language skills are a plus
Business Travel
Business travel within Europe and to the head office (Tokyo) as required
Expected Annual Salary
€100k- (negotiable)
#J-18808-Ljbffr