General Manager – Business Operation

About the Role:

Our client is a leading company in the Automotive Parts Manufacturing industry seeking an experienced General Manager – Business Operation to lead business growth and overall commercial operations.

This role will be responsible for driving sales growth, new customer acquisition, new business opportunities and customer development, while also overseeing sourcing, cost competitiveness, supply stability and international business operations.

The role will focus on developing business opportunities within the automotive OEM/Tier-1 business environment, while working closely with cross-functional teams across commercial, sourcing and operations functions to support sustainable business growth.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Drive Sales & New Business Development

• Develop and execute strategies to grow revenue and expand the company's automotive business.
• Identify and pursue new customers, new programs and new business opportunities within the automotive industry.
• Develop relationships with OEMs, Tier-1 customers and potential strategic accounts.
• Lead business development activities from opportunity identification through RFQ, quotation, negotiation and business award.
• Monitor market trends, customer requirements and competitor activities to identify potential business opportunities.
• Establish and maintain strong relationships with key customers and decision-makers.
• Develop sales plans, business forecasts and commercial strategies to achieve growth objectives.

2. Lead Customer & Commercial Activities

• Manage the overall commercial relationship with existing and prospective customers.
• Lead customer discussions on pricing, commercial terms, RFQ requirements and business conditions.
• Coordinate with Engineering, Production, Quality, Purchasing and other functions to develop competitive quotations.
• Ensure timely and competitive responses to customer RFQs.
• Support new product and new model development from initial customer requirements through mass production.
• Resolve commercial and operational issues with customers while maintaining long-term business relationships.

3. Strengthen Sourcing & Cost Competitiveness

• Oversee sourcing and supplier management activities for materials, components and services.
• Develop supplier strategies to improve cost, quality, delivery and supply stability.
• Lead supplier negotiations and cost improvement initiatives.
• Identify opportunities for Cost Reduction, VA/VE and localization.
• Monitor material costs, supplier performance and supply risks.
• Work closely with internal teams to improve overall product and business competitiveness.

4. Manage Business Performance & Profitability

• Drive business performance with a focus on revenue growth, profitability and cost competitiveness.
• Review business performance, project profitability and commercial opportunities.
• Develop and manage budgets, forecasts and business plans.
• Identify risks and improvement opportunities affecting revenue, margin and operational efficiency.
• Balance customer requirements, business growth, profitability, cost competitiveness and supply capability.

5. Oversee Import, Export & Supply Operations

• Ensure smooth coordination of import/export activities and international logistics.
• Work with customers, suppliers, freight forwarders and customs-related parties to ensure efficient operations.
• Identify opportunities to improve logistics efficiency and international trade costs.
• Monitor supply risks that may impact customer delivery and business continuity.

6. Lead Teams & Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Lead and develop teams across Sales/Marketing, Sourcing and Import-Export functions.
• Set clear objectives and performance expectations for the team.
• Promote effective collaboration between commercial and operational functions.
• Develop talent and strengthen the organization's capability to support future business growth.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree or higher in Engineering, Business Administration, Supply Chain, Industrial Management or a related field.
• 15+ years of experience in automotive parts manufacturing, automotive supply chain or a related industrial business.
• At least 5 years in a senior management position such as General Manager, Deputy General Manager, Senior Manager or equivalent.
• Strong track record in Automotive Sales, Business Development, Customer Management or Commercial Management.
• Experience in developing new customers and securing new business/projects.
• Strong understanding of RFQ, costing, quotation, price negotiation and new model development.
• Experience in OEM / Tier-1 automotive business is highly preferred.
• Good understanding of sourcing, procurement, supplier management and cost improvement.
• Experience with Cost Reduction, VA/VE and localization is an advantage.
• Understanding of APQP, new product development and mass production processes.
• Strong commercial judgment, negotiation and business planning skills.
• Good leadership and stakeholder management capabilities.
• Good command of English, Japanese language ability is an advantage.
• Experience working with Japanese automotive companies or customers will be advantageous.