PILOT PEN (S) PTE LTD is the Singapore subsidiary of PILOT CORPORATION, a leading Japanese manufacturer of writing instruments. We provide innovative, high-quality writing tools that bring joy and comfort to users around the globe. Our Singapore office plays a key role in sales strategies and distribution across Japan, ASEAN, and other international markets.
We are seeking a Sales Executive to lead our sales initiatives across Japan and ASEAN regions. This role involves managing client relationships, developing new business, executing marketing strategies, and overseeing operational aspects of sales including import/export management.
Job Description
1. Build and maintain strong relationships with key clients
Develop and nurture long-term, trust-based relationships with key accounts including but not limited to large distributors, stationery retailers and educational institutions, while also strengthening ties with existing customers and identifying new strategic business opportunities. A core focus of this role is servicing distributors in East Malaysia and Brunei, which requires monthly or quarterly travel to these regions. This includes conducting regular client meetings, understanding specific needs, and offering tailored product and service solutions to ensure customer retention and drive business growth.
2.Conduct B2B sales activity
Engage in B2B sales efforts across industries. This entails preparing and presenting proposals and offering solutions that align with clients’ operational or procurement needs, thereby delivering value through problem-solving product sales.
3. Develop and execute sales strategies, conduct pricing and contract negotiations, and follow through with post-sales support
Formulate and implement tailored sales strategies based on market insights and customer behavior. Lead pricing and contractual negotiations with a strong closing ability. Responsibilities include full-cycle sales management, including after-sales follow-up such as handling feedback, troubleshooting, and ensuring continued satisfaction.
4. Conduct market research and acquire new clients
Conduct thorough research on market trends and competitive analysis. Proactively identify and develop new business opportunities to expand the customer base.
5. Apply regional business expertise to enhance operations and strategy
Utilize knowledge and experience gained from other geographic markets in Japan, Southeast Asia, South Asia, the Middle East, or Africa to inform and strengthen Pilot Pen Singapore’s business strategy, operations, and development efforts.
6. Manage and support distributors in ASEAN regions
Responsibilities include setting sales targets, providing sales support, aligning distribution strategies, and delivering training to enhance their capabilities and ensure brand consistency.
7. Coordinate correspondence between HQ and Pilot Pen Singapore
Coordinate and manage correspondence between the Japan Headquarters and Pilot Pen Singapore. This includes communicating and negotiating with relevant personnel in departments such as international and domestic sales, marketing, accounting, manufacturing, intellectual property, internal control, and other related divisions.
Job Requirements
1. At least 10 years of experience in the writing instrument or related industry, with a minimum of 5 years in a sales role managing client accounts and achieving sales targets.
2. Over 10 years of sales experience in writing instrument indutry, building strong relationships with key corporate clients in Japan and ASEAN countries. Successful candidates are expected to have experience working with clients from a wide range of industries, including large distributors, stationery retailers and educational institutions.
3. Over 10 years of experience of end-to-end sales management in writing instrument or related industry for corporate clients, including strategy, negotiation, and post-sales support. Successful candodate must demonstrate a full-cycle sales leadership background, ranging from strategic planning and proposal development to pricing, contract finalization, delivery oversight, and long-term client support.
4. Over 10 years of experience in sales, marketing, or business development in the writing instrument, stationery, or related consumer goods industry, with a strong track record in markets in Japan, Southeast Asia, South Asia, the Middle East, or Africa.Candidates should demonstrate the ability to transfer successful regional practices to new markets and enhance local operations and strategy.
5. Knowledge of import/export regulation of Japan and ASEAN. Trading experience in region with high speed of economic growth (such as Middle East, Africa and frontier markets in Asia) would be an added advantage.
6. Over 10 years of experience as a distributor or managing distributors in writing industry over Japan and ASEAN region.
7. Experience in conducting international market research not only for Singapore but ASEAN countries for writing instrument industry or related industry, applying consumer insights to develop effective product positioning and sales strategies.
8. Business-level proficiency in both English and Japanese (equivalent to JLPT N1) is required to communicate effectively with our key clients and stakeholders, and to conduct product presentations, sales negotiations, and reporting to headquarters in Japan.