About the Company
We are recruiting for our client - a Japanese company who is engaged in the import, export, and domestic and international sales of machine tools and machine tool-related products.
The have local sales subsidiaries in the US and Germany, while the Japan sales division works as an independent sales company which has over the years expanded into manufacturing.
The entire group currently provides global sales and support through two domestic manufacturing and sales offices in Japan, and two sales offices in the US and Germany.
In order to stabilize operations in Germany and expand business into other European regions, we are recruiting for the position of General Manager (Operations Manager) of the German office in Wörrstadt.
Job Description
The GM position involves the import and sales of machine tools for machining centers, lathes, and related products. Related tasks are :
- Route sales to distributors, focusing on German, Japanese, and Asian companies
- New sales activities to sell our products in Europe
- Ordering and inventory management with suppliers
- New supplier development
- Negotiations and visits to existing suppliers
- Domestic and international business trips
- Exhibiting and marketing activates at international trade shows (observing industry trends, market research, etc.)
- Troubleshooting product-related issues
Required Skills & Experience :
General :
Ability to effectively manage production control, schedule coordination, and resource allocationLeadership skills to manage a team and make appropriate decisionsAbility to communicate smoothly with multinational teams and business partners (especially in English)Ability to respond quickly and resolve issues or problems when they ariseAccounting : Knowledge and experience in budget management, cost control, and financial reportingExperience in international business : Experience in management at overseas locations or proven success in international trade and business operationsDrivers LicenseFor those residing in Japan : Ability to travel to Germany and relocate there (minimum 3-5 years)Sales / Sales Engineer-related :
Ability to make technical product proposals based on customer needsProduct demonstration and presentation skillsExperience in providing technical support and after-sales serviceAbility to build strong customer relationships and develop and implement sales strategiesProcurement / Order Management :
Negotiation skills with suppliersExperience using inventory management systemsKnowledge and experience in order management, delivery scheduling, and cost optimizationAbility to develop and optimize order management processesLanguage Skills
English : Fluent (B2-C1) or aboveGerman : Business-level (B2) or aboveJapanese : not required, but welcomeDesired Skills & Experience
Experience living and working in GermanyKnowledge of machining centers, lathes, and the basic operating principles of machine tools5–10 years of industry experience in machine tools or related fieldsAbility to analyze financial statements and prepare financial reportsProduction management experience, including production processes, inventory control, and quality managementAccounting experience, such as cost management, financial analysis, budget planning, and financial closing operationsSales engineering experience, particularly in B2B sales, technical product promotion, and customer supportPurchasing and ordering experience, including purchasing, inventory control, and delivery schedule coordinationKnowledge of tax and legal compliance for overseas operations, including international accounting standardsOwning a personal vehicle and being able to commute by carConditions & Other Information
Location : Wörrstadt, Rhineland-Palatinate, GermanyContract : Full-time permanentProbation Period : 3 monthsWorking hours : Mon - Thu : 8 : 00 - 17 : 00 and Fri : 8 : 00 - 16 : 00Paid holidays : 28-30 daysCompensation : 80,000 - 90,000 Euro (depending on skills and experience)Bonus : Once a year (at the end of the term)Team Size onsite : 5 membersSelection Process
Document screeningInterviews : 1-2 interviews - Interviews with team members and president. Interviews with both sides may be conducted at the same time.Reference CheckInterviews may be conducted online
