Associate Product Manager - Bilingual Japanese & English

Please note- Relocation Assistance will be considered for this role. 
MISUMI is a leading global supplier and manufacturer of fixed, configurable and custom parts for automation devices and equipment, dies/molds, tools, and more. We are driving the growth of the Industrial Automation (IA) industry through innovative technology, outstanding customer service, and operational excellence. And it all starts with our talented employees. Our North American distribution business – MISUMI USA – is seeking an Associate Product Manager for our Schaumburg, Illinois headquarters. We are prepared to offer relocation assistance for non-local candidates.
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. Your principal responsibilities include:

• Product Management: 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.

WHAT WE NEED FROM YOU:
This role offers significant professional development opportunities with training and mentoring. However, at a minimum, we require the following qualifications:

• Japanese language fluency to effectively interact with our global HQ and suppliers in Japan.
• 2+ years of project and product management experience with manufacturing/tangible products – ideally at the component level and with a very large number of SKUs.
• Experience with product life-cycle management including defining the target market, identifying market needs, developing/onboarding products, managing delivery, promotion and end-of-life for unprofitable products.
• Strong business acumen, highly motivated to achieve results and learn new things.
• 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%.

These are preferred qualifications that would strengthen your candidacy:

• Bachelor’s degree in mechanical, robotics, automation, electrical, or industrial engineering, business, or economics; an MBA is a big plus.
• Knowledge of Fastener and Measuring Tool/Hand tool product category
• Knowledge of web page development and digital marketing
• Knowledge of merchandising methodologies
• Track record of growth results in managing a product portfolio including cost savings, sales growth, time saving/improving efficiencies, taking initiatives to make changes and create impact.
• Leadership experience including leading a cross functional/international project.
• Experience in an international environment.

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 Happiest Employees and Best Company Perks and Benefits in 2024 in recognition of our employee centric culture, opportunities for growth and advancement, and outstanding leadership.