Sales Engineer/Program Lead

Job Title: Sales Engineer/Program Lead

Company: Aisin World Corp. of America

Department: Sales - Drivetrain

Location: Northville, MI

Aisin Group Overview:

Based in Kariya City, Aichi, Japan, the Aisin Group is a $35 billion global, Tier One supplier of automotive components and systems with over 214 consolidated companies spanning over 20 countries and some 110,000 employees.

Our Northville Township location is the North American sales headquarters of Aisin Group the world's sixth largest Tier One supplier of automotive components and systems, such as brakes, transmissions, navigation systems, drivetrain, chassis, body, engine-related parts, electronics and intelligent transportation systems.

As we like to say: "Chances are the car your drove to work this morning is equipped with an Aisin product."

Position Summary

Support customer relations activities with OEM's

Position Responsibilities

The incumbent is expected to perform the following functions that the company has determined are essential to this position:

Execute sales activities for Drivetrain products to various OEM's and automotive parts suppliers:

• Lead the entire sales process for various products, set the schedule for the RFQ and quotations and gather all information required for quotation
• Build piece price quotations and submit to customers on time, by understanding the products, target & market price for the products, manufacturing processes, cost structures and profit potential
• Negotiate pricing with each customer's Purchasing personnel based submitted quotations
• Develop and execute short and long-term sales plans based on gathered account data/information, considering product, AISIN, customer and market conditions
• Support the launch of new programs, track and report profitability of products sold, including prototypes, components and production
• Conduct monthly sales meetings with AISIN North American Plants (NAP's), in order to closely communicate and to identify and meet AISIN expectations
• Conduct weekly sales meeting with Aisin Japan, in order to closely communicate and resolve open commercial issues and recovery from customers
• Research information for Drivetrain products, in regard to the market, customers, and competitors in order to gather "key" information for AISIN activities, which will result in possible, but not limited to, new products, product and process improvements, VA/VE, profit improvements, cost reductions, etc.
• Support AISIN cross-functional teams in their daily activities
• Promote cost reduction activities with NAPs and AISIN cross functional teams, in order to achieve cost reduction targets specified in the annual expectations given by customers
• Responsibly plan yearly/monthly business activities within established budget constraints by defining the targets/tasks/expected results. Prioritize the daily work according to Company policies by timely consulting with the management
• Evaluate current business systems and suggest improvements for continuous improvement
• Interface with Drivetrain Engineering/Quality/Production Control personnel as appropriate, both AWA and customer, with the purpose of supporting management of programs and the development of program strategies from initiation through end of production
• Operate with "cross-functional" approach and accordingly accept/assume new responsibilities as dictated by business environment
• Function as a key person to compile/summarize/analyze necessary data and develop summary and status documents / materials for products you support
• Complete reports as required

Additional Program lead activities include (but not limited to):

• Create and maintain a project master schedule for the program. Report program status as directed by management
• Define project goals/ targets and conduct activities to meet those goals/ targets
• Conduct all kickoff, planning and follow-up meetings within Aisin
• Coordinate preparation for all necessary customer meetings relating to the project
• Coordinate, track and report all prototype and production activities/requirements for the project
• Support customers, Aisin NAPs and cross-functional project team members for all necessary activities related to successfully launching the project (i.e. APQP activities, customer development process activities, open issues/ closure, etc.)

Required Skills and Abilities

Essential Skills and Experience:

• Related experience, including internship or Co-op, in a professional environment
• Computer literacy (MS Word, MS Excel, PowerPoint)

Beneficial Skills and Experience:

• Familiarity with OEM purchasing procedures
• Sales experience or internship in the automotive industry, preferably with a Tier One supplier relating to Drivetrain products i.e. manual transmissions, transfer cases, automatic transmissions, etc.
• Must show initiative and be able to think ahead to anticipate customer or Aisin personnel's requests and offer potential solutions before approaching
• Project Management experience and prior use of MS Project
• English/Japanese bilingual literacy (speaking/writing/reading) preferred

Education/Training/Certifications

• Bachelor degree in Engineering, Business, or Applied Science is preferred

Work Environment Requirements

• Must be able to operate a personal computer, telephone and other office equipment
• Must perform job duties onsite, except those duties that are customarily or by their nature performed offsite (for example, offsite customer visits)
• Must be able to work effectively in a fast paced environment where constructive criticism is encouraged
• Must be able to work on multiple assignments at once, and complete assignments within deadline and budget (if applicable) with satisfactory quality
• Must be able to operate as an effective team member
• Must be committed to a high standard of safety, and be willing and able to comply with all safety laws and all company safety policies

Attendance/Work Hour Requirements

• Must maintain an acceptable attendance record
• Must be willing and available to work a full time regular work schedule, plus other hours per day or week as necessary or desirable to meet business needs
• Must be willing and available to work such weekends and holidays as necessary and desirable to meet business needs
• NOTE: These requirements are consistent with Company policy

Travel Requirements

• Approximately 25% depending on customer and program needs
• Must be willing and available to travel to such locations and with such frequency as is necessary and desirable to meet business needs

**Candidates applying for positions with Aisin must be legally authorized to work in the United States. Verification of employment eligibility will be required at the time of hire

**To the selected candidate, Aisin offers a competitive salary, comprehensive benefits and outstanding growth opportunities

**Aisin is an Equal Opportunity Employer

Current Openings for Sales Engineer/Program Lead Jobs at AISIN World Northville