Sales Manager- Japanese Bilingual

Job Title: Sales Manager -Japanese BilingualLocation: Irvine, California (Hybrid – On-site required, no full remote)Salary Range: 150-200K DOE (including bonus)Company: A Japan-based global manufacturer specializing in high-performance products and advanced engineering solutions. The company develops and manufactures high-quality, customized components that leverage our proprietary technologies for advanced fields such as medical, semiconductor, information and communications, and aerospace.Work environment: Dynamic, multicultural work environment with close collaboration with Japan headquarters ________________________________________Position SummaryA leading Japan-based technology-driven global manufacturer with U.S. operations is seeking a highly motivated and experienced Sales Manager to lead B2B sales activities in the U.S. market. This role emphasizes solution-based selling, requiring deep engagement with customers to understand their technical needs and translate them into actionable insights for the Japan-based development team.This position is responsible for solution-based sales targeting design and development engineers in the manufacturing industry. The role requires a deep understanding of customers’ technical needs and development challenges, and close collaboration with engineering and development teams in Japan to drive technical evaluations and product development.________________________________________Key ResponsibilitiesDevelop and execute strategic sales plans to drive revenue growth and expand market presence Lead solution-based sales efforts, working closely with customers to identify detailed product requirements, challenges, and future needsAfter accurately identifying customers’ technical challenges, you will design and propose value-added solutions leveraging our proprietary technologies. In addition, you will organize insights and development issues gained through technical discussions with customers and share/report them to the headquarters in Japan.Collaborate and coordinate with Japan-based R&D and engineering teams to align customer needs with product development Manage and develop a local solution sales team of four to six members, including performance management.Oversee sales budget planning, forecasting, and performance tracking, ensuring targets are met and adjusting strategies as needed Monitor key sales metrics, pipeline activity, and revenue projections, providing regular reports to senior management Maintain and grow key client relationships while identifying new business opportunities Participate in and represent the company at industry trade shows, exhibitions, and customer events Prepare sales forecasts, reports, and market analysis for senior leadership Travel domestically approximately once per month (flexible depending on customer needs) Travel to Japan approximately twice per year for internal coordination and meetings Maintain flexibility to work extended hours as needed to support business demands and cross-border collaboration ________________________________________Required QualificationsMinimum 10+ years of B2B sales experience Proven experience managing and leading sales teams Bilingual proficiency in Japanese and English (business level or higher) Bachelor’s degree (4-year university degree required) Strong experience in solution-oriented sales (not just product-based sales) Experience with sales budgeting, forecasting, and performance management Excellent communication, negotiation, and relationship-building skills Ability and willingness to travel domestically and internationally Ability to work in a hybrid environment with regular presence in the Irvine, CA office (remote-only not permitted) Work authorization in the United States is required. (As this company does not sponsor visas, candidates who will require visa sponsorship now or in the future will not be considered)________________________________________Preferred QualificationsExperience in high-performance cables, tubing, and related components industry is a strongly preferred Technical background or experience in industrial or technical products Ability to understand and discuss complex technical specifications and customer requirements Experience working in a Japanese corporate environment or with cross-border teams