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Job description
Business Development & Program Manager
Location: Southern California, USA
Employment Type: Full-Time
Position Summary
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.
Key Responsibilities
Program & Project Management
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 escalate 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.
Supplier & Partner Management 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.
Business Development & Market Research 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.
Planning & Reporting 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.
Process Improvement 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.
Required Qualifications Bachelor's degree or equivalent professional experience.
Experience in one or more of the following: Business Development
B2B Sales
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 United States.
Preferred Qualifications
Experience in one or more of the following areas is highly desirable: Aerospace, Defense, Space, Electronics, Telecommunications, Industrial Equipment, or MRO industries
Trading companies or manufacturing organizations
Working with U.S.-based manufacturers or suppliers
Japanese multinational companies or their U.S. subsidiaries
Government or large industrial customers
Technical documentation, specifications, engineering drawings, or RFPs
Import/export operations, trade compliance, or contract administration
CRM, ERP, or project management systems
Market research and new business development
Trade shows, industry conferences, and customer visits
Valid driver's license
Ideal Candidate
The ideal candidate is someone who: Takes initiative rather than waiting for instructions.
Can prioritize issues and proactively drive projects forward.
Communicates clearly and objectively, distinguishing facts from assumptions.
Escalates risks and problems promptly.
Works effectively across multicultural and cross-functional teams.
Values documentation, organization, and process improvement.
Learns new products and technologies quickly.
Demonstrates professionalism, integrity, and strong attention to detail.
Enjoys balancing day-to-day project execution with long-term business development.
What You'll Accomplish
During your first several months, you will: Build relationships with key suppliers, customers, and internal stakeholders.
Learn existing business operations and ongoing programs.
Participate in customer meetings, supplier communications, and project coordination.
Become familiar with reporting processes and project management tools.
As you grow into the role, you will: Independently manage assigned business programs.
Support strategic business initiatives between North America and Japan.
Identify new suppliers, products, and market opportunities.
Improve operational processes and documentation.
Become a key contributor supporting business expansion in the North American market.
Work Location
Southern California (Los Angeles Area)
Travel
Occasional domestic U.S. travel and international travel to Japan may be required.
Compensation & Benefits Competitive salary commensurate with experience and qualifications
Performance-based bonus opportunity
Medical insurance
Additional benefits provided in accordance with company policy
Application Form
Worksite address
torrance, CA, 90504, US
Who can apply
Review the original listing for work authorization, qualifications and employer requirements.