Position Overview:
The Key Account and Project Manager will serve as the primary liaison for our new Japanese customer, fostering strong relationships, managing projects from concept to delivery, and driving customer satisfaction. The role requires exceptional project management skills, cultural fluency with Japanese business practices, and a deep understanding of medical device lifecycle.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Key Account Management:

• Build and maintain a trusted partnership with the Japanese customer’s stakeholders.
• Understand the customer’s needs, challenges, and expectations to deliver tailored solutions.
• Ensure ongoing communication, alignment, and transparency between the customer and internal teams.
• Develop account strategies to achieve long-term business growth and customer retention.

2. Project Management:

• Plan, execute, and monitor projects from initial inquiry to delivery, ensuring timelines, budgets, and quality standards are met.
• Act as the main point of contact for project status, updates, and issue resolution.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams (R&D, production, quality assurance, supply chain) to meet project milestones.
• Identify risks and develop mitigation strategies to ensure project success.

3. Cross-Cultural Communication and Customer Advocacy:

• Serve as a cultural bridge between the German headquarters and the Japanese customer, ensuring effective communication and understanding of cultural nuances.
• Translate customer feedback into actionable insights for the organization.
• Provide reports, presentations, and status updates in both English and (if applicable) Japanese.

Minimal Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Science, Engineering, Project Management, or related field.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English and Japanese.
• Strong project management skills with experience in Agile, Waterfall, or other methodologies.
• Ability to work independently, prioritize tasks, and meet deadlines.

The Ideal candidate would also have some or all of the following:

• 5+ years of experience in Key Account Management and/or Project Management, ideally in the medical device, pharmaceutical, or high-tech manufacturing sectors.
• Experience managing Japanese clients, with an understanding of Japanese business etiquette and culture.
• Strong negotiation, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
• Technical understanding of OEM manufacturing processes and medical device standards (e.g. ISO 13485).
• German language competency (Business Fluent)
• Experience working with cross-functional, international teams.
• Familiarity with ERP systems and project management tools.

What can you expect?