Business Development & Program Manager

Our client is seeking a Business Development & Program Manager to support business operations between its U.S. office, global suppliers, customers, and headquarters in Japan.

This position plays a key role in managing existing business programs while identifying new business opportunities in the North American market. The successful candidate will coordinate with suppliers, customers, and internal stakeholders to ensure smooth project execution, provide market intelligence, and support strategic business growth.

In addition to maintaining ongoing programs, this individual will help standardize business processes, improve operational efficiency, and strengthen communication between the U.S. operation and headquarters.

• Manage multiple customer and supplier programs from quotation through delivery.
• Monitor project schedules, milestones, action items, and deliverables.
• Coordinate quotations, purchase orders, deliveries, technical inquiries, and customer requests.
• Identify and upscale schedule delays, quality concerns, contractual issues, and business risks.
• Organize project meetings, prepare meeting minutes, and track follow-up actions.
• Maintain accurate documentation of customer requirements, supplier responses, and project history.
• Develop and maintain relationships with U.S.
  
  -based manufacturers, suppliers, and business partners.
• Communicate Japanese customer requirements and market expectations to suppliers in English.
• Gather information regarding products, manufacturing capabilities, supply conditions, pricing, and business strategies.
• Coordinate technical discussions, pricing negotiations, delivery schedules, repair services, and quality-related issues.
• Visit supplier facilities, customer sites, trade shows, and industry conferences as needed.

• Support headquarters with business development activities in North America.
• Identify potential new suppliers, products, technologies, and strategic partners.
• Conduct market research on industry trends, competitors, pricing, regulations, and market opportunities.
• Coordinate customer and supplier meetings during visits from headquarters personnel.
• Support trade show participation and business meetings.
• Assist in preparing presentation materials, product introductions, and business proposals.
• Evaluate new business opportunities and recommend potential projects to headquarters.

• Prepare monthly business activity reports.
• Report project status, risks, issues, and future action plans.
• Support budget tracking and business performance reporting.
• Assist with annual business planning and mid-term strategic planning.
• Analyze market size, competitive landscape, and business strategy.
• Participate in regular meetings with headquarters and provide updates.
• Maintain organized records of contracts, quotations, purchase orders, and business documentation.

• Learn existing business processes through a structured transition period.
• Document workflows, customer information, supplier contacts, and project history.
• Improve documentation, reporting formats, and project management processes.
• Help establish standardized operating procedures that reduce dependency on individual knowledge.
• Promote effective information sharing between the U.S. office and headquarters.

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent professional experience.
• Experience in one or more of the following:
• Business Development
• International Sales
• Technical Sales
• Purchasing / Procurement
• Project or Program Management
• Trading Company Operations
• Experience coordinating with customers, suppliers, manufacturers, and external business partners.
• Proven ability to manage multiple projects, deadlines, and stakeholders simultaneously.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills in both English and Japanese
  .
• Experience preparing business documents using Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, and PowerPoint).
• Strong analytical and organizational skills with the ability to identify risks, summarize issues, and recommend next steps.
• Ability to work independently in a small, collaborative organization.
• Legal authorization to work in the…