Foreign Material Manufacturer / 外資系素材メーカー

PURPOSE OF THIS JOB
The primary objective of the General Manager Japan for the Ceramics Business Unit is to drive profitable growth in Japan. Key responsibilities involve developing and executing strategies, overseeing daily operations, optimizing the supply chain, and leading a team to achieve or surpass business targets for Japan. In this role, the individual is directly accountable for the commercial, supply chain, and P&L performance of the business in Japan.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES AND ACTIVITIES
• Oversee daily commercial operations to achieve or surpass defined sales targets in Japan, while collaborating with the respective VP/GM for each business unit.
• Develop and execute marketing strategies in Japan to promote products and activities.
• Formulate and implement strategies to drive sustainable and profitable growth from both existing and new markets and customers.
• Manage the supply chain of products from manufacturing sites and external warehouses to deliver a top-tier customer experience, as measured by metrics such as On-Time Delivery, Net Promoter Score, Quality Index, etc.
• Continuously monitor and analyze market trends, technological advancements, competitor activities, pricing trends, and customer movements in Japan. Leverage marketing tools such as Granular Growth, New Product Blue Printing, Value Proposition, and Digital Marketing to identify high-growth market segments and develop strategies to address them.
• Identify new profitable growth opportunities, both short- and long-term, beyond the current business scope, including new material platforms, diversification, and/or acquisitions. If a suitable acquisition target is found, assist with evaluation, negotiations, and post-acquisition integration if a deal is finalized.
• Coordinate and prepare the annual Strategic Plan and Budget. Ensure effective communication of plans to the management of each business, peers, other functional heads, and reporting structures (both direct and matrix).
• Effectively train, guide, and motivate the team to optimize performance. Ensure full utilization and development of human resources through formal and informal personnel practices, management by objectives, role definition, performance appraisals, counseling, salary administration, and personnel development. Ensure strict adherence to companies Code of Conduct and Action by both the team and oneself.

•At least 10 years of business management experience & knowledge with the ability to manage in a global
organization.
•Strong leadership and decision making skills with proven ability to influence, develop, and empower
employees to deliver results with a team approach.
• Strong customer orientation to be able to ensure optimal customer experience.
•Knowledge and understanding of the Japanese market with the ability to analyze and define action plans
to achieve growth.
•Strategic thinking and ability to identify and cultivate new sales in both existing & new markets.
•Strong sense of urgency & entrepreneurial spirit to be able deliver results quickly especially in dynamic
markets.
• Strong communication skills in English and Japanese with multiculturalism and diversity.