Customer Development Manager, Asian Channel

Who are we

Yamamotoyama U.S.A., a certified Great Place to Work, stands as a testament to the art of traditional Japanese green tea and nori seaweed products, upholding a commitment to unparalleled quality since 1690. Our culture is enriched by diverse backgrounds, all striving to find their unique voice in a harmonious blend. This spirit of unity in diversity extends to our portfolio, which includes the globally recognized Stash Tea Company, offering an expansive array of premium teas. In addition, we proudly present Ujido, a brand deeply rooted in the art and tradition of Japanese Matcha. Our dedication to excellence is not just in our products, but in the mosaic of voices that shape our legacy.


Purpose of the Role:

The Customer Development Manager for the Asian Channel at Yamamotoyama is responsible for driving international sales growth, leading the CD team, developing strategies, managing key customer relationships, and adapting to the unique demands and preferences of various international markets. Their role is crucial in achieving the company's global expansion and revenue generation objectives.

We Encourage You to Apply:

We understand that not everyone fits perfectly into a list of qualifications. If you are passionate about this role, our product, and our history, we encourage you to apply even if you don't meet all the listed requirements. We value diverse experiences and are committed to creating an inclusive environment where everyone can thrive.

Responsibilities:
 

• Identify current and potential sales opportunities within assigned regions.
• Work closely with the Customer Development Director to develop a business strategy to drive CD and brand growth.
• Develop and maintain effective CD and forecasting metrics.
• Collaborate with Customer Development Assistants to meet and exceed volume, operating profit, for assigned territories.
• Prepare monthly, quarterly and annual CD reports for senior management, with regular updates on results, challenges, opportunities, and competitive actions.
• Develop new business; identify prospective customers by following leads from existing clients, participating in organizations and clubs, and attending trade shows and conferences.
• Know the market conditions, product innovations, and competitors' products, prices, and sales; share information with customers as part of value-added services provided.

Core Skills:
 

• Stakeholder Management - Ability to manage multiple stakeholders and build relationships both internally and externally.
• Customer Focused - Deep understanding of customer needs and ability to consistently strengthen key customer relationships.
• Data Driven - Leverages accurate and timely data in order to make effective recommendations and create sustainable solutions.

Core Behaviors:
 

• Relationships Builder - build partnerships with customers and internal partners in order to drive execution and build inclusive relationships.
• Problem Solver - seek solutions to problems that create waste and create repeatable processes that improve efficiencies.
• Intellectually Curious - consistently strive to understand the why behind outcomes and look for learning opportunities in every aspect of the role.

Requirements:
 

• Bachelor’s degree required.
• 2+ years’ experience in the food industry required.
• Proven experience in building and maintaining business relationships.
• Interpersonal skills to interact with diverse groups of individuals and functional areas within the company and outside the company.
• Knowledge of Microsoft Excel, Word, PowerPoint required.
• Knowledge of the Asian Channel
• Ability to travel 20% of the time.
• Japanese and English as business level.

Physical Requirements: 
 

For the role of Customer Development Manager, the physical requirements are generally minimal due to the office-based nature of the job. However, some physical demands may include:

• Regularly required to sit for extended periods.
• Frequently required to use a computer, including typing and viewing a monitor.
• Regularly required to talk and/or listen in conversations with customers and team members, both in-person and over the phone.
• Occasionally may need to lift and move small office supplies, up to 25 lbs.
• Occasional travel may be required for trade shows or meetings, which could involve standing for long periods, walking long distances, and transporting light materials.

• Good manual dexterity for the use of common office equipment such as computer keyboards, monitors, copiers, and scanners. 
  
  The annual pay range for this full-time position is $75,000 -  $85,000. Our pay ranges are guided by the discipline, level, and experience required. Within the range, individual pay may vary based on additional factors, including your specific location, desired skills/ technical competency, relevant experience, and advanced education/ training. Benefits include Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, AD&D, LTD, EAP, Wellness Stipend, Vacation Accrual, and 401(k) with Safe Harbor Contribution.  In addition, we offer our employees discounts on our product, tuition reimbursement, continuing education support, and more!

Note: The above physical requirements are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Yamamotoyama is an equal opportunity employer. At Yamamotoyama, we are dedicated to fostering an inclusive environment that cultivates creativity and innovation. Although rich in history, innovation is woven into our DNA, and this demands diversity of thought. Our commitment to serving our community wholeheartedly compels us to embrace a broad spectrum of perspectives, backgrounds, regions, and experiences.