Associate Product Manager (Bilingual Japanese) Factory MRO - Misumi USA : Job Details

*ABOUT THE POSITION:*The Associate Product Manager is responsible for developing and executing product category strategies and tactics, including market and business analysis, product and supplier development, pricing, stocking, sales, costs, marketing initiatives, service improvements, product merchandising, and customer support. You will work with our global headquarters in Japan, support the customer's inquiry, delivery and RRQ. This position is based in Schaumburg, IL. We may consider relocation assistance for candidates that meet all the skills needed for the role.* Product Management: Manages assigned portfolios as product and application expert. Category ownership of the product line plan: new product/supplier selection, procurement, pricing, launch, promotion including merchandising on web catalog, and sustaining maintenance of the product line.* Customer Support: Provide product expertise and assistance to internal and external customers related to performance, function, pricing, packaging, merchandising, and value.* Financial Analysis: Analyze and report on key financial metrics and develop product, pricing, and promotion strategies for the category.* Supplier Management: Onboard and collaborate with suppliers and ensure optimal performance standards of products.* Research: Conduct primary qualitative & quantitative end-user research in partnership with sales, engineering, and product management team members.* Project Management: Facilitate the development of detailed scopes for individual projects, action plans for implementation, and communication with other departments to ensure timely completion.* Language Support: Support for Japanese language-related operations, including US expansion of MISUMI Japan-developed products, product inquiries, special order support, etc.* Travel: Some travel may be required (10-20%)*WHAT WE NEED FROM YOU:** 2+ years of experience managing a product portfolio with strong growth/results.* Experience in product lifecycle management, preferably in the manufacturing/EC commerce setting.* Highly motivated, results oriented, and capable of handling multiple tasks/projects simultaneously.* Strong business acumen, strategic mindset and goal-oriented approach* Excellent problem-solving, interpersonal, leadership, and conflict-management skills.* Able to identify and analyze relevant information to develop effective solutions.* Knowledge of Fastener and Measuring tool /Hand tool product category preferred* Knowledge of web page development and digital marketing preferred.* Highly proficient in Excel, PowerPoint, Word, and Outlook.* Excellent verbal/written communication skills/fluency in English and Japanese.* Experience working in an international environment preferred*WHAT WE CAN OFFER YOU:*MISUMI will provide training you need to be successful in this role, as well as opportunities for growth and innovation in our team-oriented company culture. We have outstanding benefits and retirement plans that allow you to focus on successfully doing your job and exceeding customer expectations and the excitement that comes with growth. The part that matters most is you!MISUMI is the most comprehensive and user-friendly resource for factory automation components. With a vast selection of 80 sextillion standard and customized parts, MISUMI is an unmatched, one stop shop to meet customer specifications. We're committed to empowering customers to do incredible design work incredibly fast. We also are committed to our employees and are excited to announce that we received Comparably's annual Best Team Leadership Teams award of 2022 in recognition of our employee centric culture, opportunities for growth and advancement, and outstanding leadership.MISUMI is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, citizenship status, genetic information, gender identity, or any other protected status under applicable law.FOR CALIFORNIA RESIDENTS:MISUMI USA, Inc. (“MISUMI”) complies with the California Consumer Privacy Act (“CCPA”), California Privacy Rights Act (“CPRA”), and other applicable privacy laws. We may collect the following categories of personal information for purposes of the application and hiring process: name and contact information (phone number; mailing address; email address(es)); education and qualifications; employment history and experience; LinkedIn profile; and other information voluntarily provided by the applicant. Under the CCPA and CPRA, California residents have the right to know, correct, delete, and/or limit the use of certain information collected by MISUMI. For further information, see our full privacy policy at If you have any concerns, please send an email to [email protected] Type: Full-timePay: $70,000.00 - $80,000.00 per yearBenefits:* 401(k)* 401(k) matching* Dental insurance* Health insurance* Life insurance* Paid time off* Vision insuranceCompensation Package:* Bonus opportunitiesSchedule:* Monday to FridayApplication Question(s):* Will you now or in the future require sponsorship for employment visa status (e.g., H-1B visa status)?* What are your annual base salary requirements?Experience:* product portfolio product management: 2 years (Preferred)Language:* and write Japanese (Required)Work Location: Hybrid remote in Schaumburg, IL 60173