Associate Product Manager - Bilingual Japanese & English

Misumi USA - Detroit, MI

Full-time - Entry Level

Detroit, MI

Wholesale Trade Agents and Brokers

About the position

The Associate Product Manager at MISUMI is responsible for developing and executing product category strategies and tactics, which include market and business analysis, product and supplier development, pricing, stocking, sales, marketing initiatives, service improvements, product merchandising, and customer support. This role involves category ownership of the product line plan, providing product expertise to customers, conducting financial analysis, managing supplier relationships, and facilitating project management to ensure timely completion of initiatives.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute product category strategies and tactics.
• Manage category ownership of the product line plan including new product/supplier selection, procurement, pricing, and promotion.
• Provide product expertise and assistance to internal and external customers.
• Analyze and report on key financial metrics and develop product, pricing, and promotion strategies.
• Onboard and collaborate with suppliers to ensure optimal performance standards.
• Conduct primary qualitative and quantitative end-user research in partnership with sales and engineering teams.
• Facilitate the development of detailed scopes for individual projects and action plans.

Requirements

• Fluency in Japanese to interact with global HQ and suppliers in Japan.
• 2+ years of project and product management experience with manufacturing/tangible products.
• Experience with product life-cycle management including defining target markets and managing delivery.
• Strong business acumen and motivation to achieve results.
• Ability to handle multiple tasks and projects simultaneously.
• Experience working with multiple stakeholders.
• Strong skills in communication, conflict management, decision-making, and data analysis.
• Ability to travel up to 10%.

Nice-to-haves

• Bachelor's degree in mechanical, robotics, automation, electrical, or industrial engineering, business, or economics; an MBA is a plus.
• Knowledge of Fastener and Measuring Tool/Hand tool product categories.
• Knowledge of web page development and digital marketing.
• Knowledge of merchandising methodologies.
• Track record of growth results in managing a product portfolio.
• Leadership experience including leading cross-functional/international projects.
• Experience in an international environment.

Benefits

• Training and mentoring opportunities.
• Outstanding benefits and retirement plans.
• Opportunities for growth and innovation in a team-oriented culture.