Mobility Powersports Business Development Manager (Japan)

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

The following responsibilities are essential for the successful performance of the Mobility Powersports Business Development Manager role. Other tasks may be assigned as necessary.

1. Develop & Execute Regional Business Strategy:
• Formulate & implement a business strategy to drive growth in the Japanese mobility market, creating localized product roadmaps specific to the region.
2. Sales Planning & Forecasting:
• Establish & forecast regional sales quotas for Japan, ensuring accurate projections for both new & existing products. Analyze trends to recommend pricing strategies & adjust for market-specific conditions.
3. Regional Alignment with Technology & Tools:
• Ensure alignment between Gates’ technology offerings & the Japanese market needs. Oversee customer training on the latest technologies & systems.
4. Market & Product Development:
• Research & leverage market opportunities to improve product marketability & profitability. Collaborate with local teams to ensure products meet market needs & gather valuable customer feedback.
5. Key Relationships:
• Build strong relationships with key customers & suppliers in Japan, establishing Gates as a leader in the mobility market. Leverage partnerships with key players in Japan’s e-mobility sector to strengthen Gates’ market presence.

SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES BY AREA:

1. Grow Regional Mobility Sales (25%):
• Drive OE specifications with major Japanese brands to increase product volume.
• Expand aftermarket sales through premium distribution & tailored online platforms.
2. Develop an Effective Regional Business Development Organization (25%):
• Build & lead a team with expertise in the Japanese mobility industry.
• Develop engineering roles to support customer application validation & design.
• Enhance team collaboration with local & global teams through training & development.
3. Develop Business Development Strategies & Processes (20%):
• Formulate strategies to grow both OE & aftermarket sales.
• Create processes for winning OE application specifications unique to Japan.
• Manage pricing strategies & develop strategic partnerships to strengthen Gates’ position in the market.
4. Technical & Marketing Tools Development (20%):
• Address gaps in application engineering data & tools tailored to Japan’s needs.
• Develop sales & marketing tools specific to the Japanese market.
5. Champion New & Improved Products (10%):
• Advocate for the introduction of new & improved products to increase sales in Japan.

Supervisory Responsibilities

• Directly manage regional application engineering.
• Collaborate closely with global teams to ensure alignment and support for the Japanese market.

Requirements and Preferred Skills

QUALIFICATIONS: To succeed in this role, candidates must meet the following qualifications:

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Engineering Technology or Business (MBA preferred).
• Experience: Minimum of 10 years of experience in OE field sales, application engineering, product engineering, or business development.
• Industry Expertise: Experience in the motorcycle, scooter, or powersports market in Japan is highly preferred.

REQUIRED SKILLS:

• Proven leadership abilities to build and motivate teams in the Japanese mobility market.
• The ability to lead sales and marketing teams to exceed growth expectations in a regional context.
• Strong understanding of the Japanese distribution network and go-to-market models, including direct/OE and distribution channels.
• In-depth knowledge of Gates power transmission products and the OE sales process as it applies to Japan.
• Excellent interpersonal and leadership skills for driving regional initiatives and building relationships with Japanese customers.
• Expertise in product manufacturing and supply chain strategies specific to the Japanese market.
• Experience with pipeline reviews and performance tracking for commercial teams.
• Client-driven approach with the ability to network and develop relationships with Japanese customers.
• Proficiency in PowerPoint, Excel, and CRM tools.
• High-level interpersonal skills for forming partnerships with Japanese stakeholders.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Language Skills: Fluency in Japanese (written and spoken) is required. Proficiency in English is also desirable for communication with global teams.
• Travel: Domestic travel within Japan is expected up to 40% of the time to visit customers and Gates facilities. Occasional international travel (up to 10%) to other company facilities or customers may be required.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS: The physical demands required for this position include the ability to sit, stand, walk, and handle tools. The employee must be able to lift and/or move up to 10 pounds regularly. Specific vision requirements include the ability to see close-up.

This role requires domestic travel within Japan and occasional international travel, as well as the ability to work in both office and manufacturing environments.