Account Executive

About Us:

Founded in 1966, Niterra North America, Inc. (formerly NGK Spark Plugs) is the world leader in technology, innovation, and world-class quality in the design of spark plugs and oxygen sensors. Today, that tradition continues as we transform our organization's portfolio, expand our core ceramic technologies, explore capabilities beyond traditional areas, and challenge ourselves to develop solutions and services that leverage technology to address social issues while contributing to a sustainable society.

Summary:

The Account Executive is responsible for driving sales growth and managing key customer relationships for NTK Ceratec products within the Semiconductor Production Equipment (SPE) market. This role involves full ownership of project management, leading price negotiations, managing end-to-end sales operations through customer-specific platforms, and coordinating quality and change management processes with Japanese manufacturing sites. The ideal candidate is a self-motivated sales professional with strong technical acumen, bilingual communication skills in English and Japanese, and the ability to collaborate effectively across a global team.

Responsibilities:

• Achieve assigned sales targets and objectives for NTK Ceratec products through proactive account management.
• Take full ownership of project management, ensuring all customer requirements and deadlines are strictly met with high accountability.
• Lead and manage price negotiations with customers to ensure competitive positioning and achievement of desired profit margins.
• Manage end-to-end sales operations via customer-specific platforms, including EDI systems, accurate order entry, delivery scheduling, and demand forecasting.
• Oversee and coordinate quality and change management processes, such as DMR (Defective Material Reports) and SNF (Special Notification Forms), in close collaboration with the SPE team and Japanese manufacturing sites.
• Act as a primary liaison between customers, Niterra North America, and NTK Ceratec to ensure seamless communication and issue resolution.
• Identify future customer product applications and technical requirements, actively communicating findings to the SPE team and NTK Ceratec personnel.
• Monitor and communicate competitive market information obtained from customers or industry sources to the appropriate internal teams.
• Prepare and deliver professional presentations to customers to promote NTK Ceratec products and services.
• Compile and present reports on critical customer meetings to appropriate NTK Ceratec personnel in Japan.
• Comply with all applicable Antitrust and Competition Laws, ensuring all business activities are conducted fairly and ethically.
• Maintain strict confidentiality of proprietary information and adhere to Non-Disclosure Agreements (NDA) regarding both company and customer data.
• Adhere to all company policies and procedures, including IATF, ISO, J-Sox, and safety-related policies.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited four-year college or university.
• 2+ years of increasingly responsible sales or account management experience, preferably in the SPE (Semiconductor Production Equipment) or related technology markets.
• Proven experience in managing customer projects with high accountability, ensuring all requirements and deadlines are strictly met.
• Experience in sales operations via customer-specific platforms, including EDI systems, order entry, and demand forecasting.
• Ability to quickly acquire and apply technical knowledge related to semiconductor manufacturing processes and ceramic material properties.
• Capacity to understand quality assurance standards and change management protocols.
• Proficient in written and verbal communication skills in both English and Japanese.
• Advanced skills in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, PowerPoint) and other business software.
• Able to work independently with self-motivation while collaborating effectively as part of a global team.
• Valid driver's license and an acceptable driving record.

Physical Requirements:

• Frequent domestic and international travel is required to visit customers and manufacturing sites.
• Occasional weekend work and availability outside of standard business hours may be required to coordinate with global teams.
• Frequent sitting and extensive use of a computer, monitor, and keyboard for data management and video conferencing.
• Able to lift and move up to 25 pounds, such as product samples, trade show materials, or business equipment.
• Must be able to drive a motor vehicle for extended periods to visit customer locations.

Potential Hazards:

• Normal office hazards.
• Hazards associated with travel.

What We Offer:

• Comprehensive Health Benefits: Medical, dental, vision, and life insurance.
• Financial Security: Short-term and long-term disability coverage.
• Retirement Savings: 401(k) plan with a generous company match of up to 6%.
• Time Off: Generous paid time off, including vacation, sick leave, and holidays.
• Work-Life Balance: Paid maternity and paternity leave.
• And much more!

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement:

Niterra is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace. We prohibit discrimination and harassment of any kind based on race, color, sex, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, genetic information, pregnancy, or any other protected characteristic as outlined by federal, state, or local laws.

Notice to Staffing Firms:

Niterra does not seek or accept unsolicited resumes or CVs from recruitment agencies. We are not responsible for, and will not pay, any fees, commissions, or other payments related to unsolicited resumes or CVs, except as required by a written contract between Niterra and the recruitment agency or party requesting payment of a fee.

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If you are a California resident, please review our CCPA Notice to learn more about how we collect personal information from applicants and the purposes for which that information is used.