Key Account /Sales Manager - Industrial Automation (Japan Market)

Job brief

Our client is a leading industrial automation solution provider with solid R&D strength and a comprehensive product portfolio, covering servo motors, drives, HMIs, and integrated motion control systems. With a global market presence and a reputation for reliable performance and technical innovation, it delivers tailored solutions to automation and machinery manufacturers worldwide, driving efficiency and productivity for clients across industries. This role is critical to expanding our clients strategic footprint in the Japan market.
As the linchpin between local Japan customers and global headquarters, you will forge high-value partnerships, drive OEM/ODM collaborations, and translate market demands into business growth, directly fueling the Japanese market expansion and revenue targets.
You will join a diverse, international team that values collaboration and expertise, with access to a competitive salary package and comprehensive benefits. For sufficiently senior candidates, there is a clear growth path leading to the Country Manager role, offering ample room to shape regional business strategies and advance your career.

Responsibilities

• Identify and cultivate strategic partnerships with automation, machinery, and electrical equipment manufacturers across Japan. Establish strong connections with product management teams, R&D leaders, purchasing departments, and executive decision-makers to align with their long-term product strategies and roadmaps.
• Drive solution-oriented sales of the companys servo motors, servo drives, HMIs, and motion control product portfolio. Emphasize value propositions, performance advantages, and cost competitiveness while translating customers technical requirements into feasible proposals with support from the global R&D team.
• Serve as the primary liaison between Japan-region customers and the global headquarters. Coordinate cross-functional teams (engineering, product management, supply chain, and quality) to drive the launch of OEM/ODM projects, oversee engineering validation, and ensure a smooth transition to mass production.
• Manage the full project lifecycle for customized solutions and joint development initiatives, including technical alignment, feasibility evaluation, prototype development, commercial offer formulation, contract negotiation, and the maintenance of long-term customer partnerships.
• Conduct in-depth competitive analysis and track technology trends in Japans industrial automation sector. Deliver structured market insights and customer feedback to the headquarters to inform product planning, R&D priorities, and Japan market expansion strategies.

Requirements

• Bachelors degree or above in Electrical Engineering, Automation, Mechatronics, Business, or a related field, with 5+ years of proven experience in key account sales, business development, or product management within the industrial automation or motion control industry.
• Demonstrated technical expertise in servo systems, motors, drives, HMIs, and related industrial control technologies, with a proven track record of success in OEM/ODM projects, customized solutions, or joint development initiatives.
• Fluent in Japanese (written and spoken); proficiency in Chinese or English is a plus.
• Proven cross-cultural communication experience and the ability to collaborate effectively with international teams to align customer needs with engineering capabilities.
• Prior experience working with major automation brands is highly preferred. Candidates must be willing to travel within Japan and have experience working in newly established regional organizations.