Our goals - Your path

Position Summary
The Platform Manager at Sika Japan, Automotive and Industry, is a strategic customer-facing role responsible for driving business growth within our Parts Business. You will act as the bridge between the customer’s engineering teams and Sika’s global capabilities. While the focus is on business development and solutioning, this role requires a solid technical grounding in parts design to effectively communicate with customer engineers using common industry language (CAD data, D-FMEA, DVP). You will orchestrate collaboration with local partners and internal teams to deliver comprehensive value propositions.

Main Function / Responsibility / Competencies:

  • Strategic Business Development & Technical Interface:
    • Act as the key technical and commercial liaison for OEM customers. Proactively identify opportunities for Sika’s Damp, Baffle, and Bonding solutions early in the vehicle development phase.
    • Speak the "customer's language" regarding engineering processes. Review and discuss CAD inputs, D-FMEA, and DVP (Design Verification Plan) requirements to ensure Sika's solutions meet technical and quality standards.
    • Bridge the gap between customer needs and internal R&D by translating technical pain points into internal development roadmaps.
  • Platform Leadership & Partner Alliance:
    • Lead the platform strategy, moving beyond single-part management to comprehensive system proposals.
    • Manage relationships with local partner companies (molders, sub-suppliers) to ensure seamless delivery and joint-development proposals.
    • Coordinate with the Global Key Account Management (GKAM) team to align local strategies with global platform directions.
  • Solution Design & Feasibility:
    • Drive "Design-in" activities: Conduct functional analysis and feasibility studies.
    • Verify and challenge design assumptions based on a solid understanding of parts design principles.
    • Challenge internal and external stakeholders on Design-to-Cost and Value Engineering (VE/VA) to maximize profitability.
  • Project Steering (High-Level):
    • Oversee the macro-timeline and commercial milestones of the platform (Kick-off, SOP, Profitability).
    • Lead critical change management (EC) negotiations to protect commercial interests.

Your expertise - Our strength

Qualifications:

  • Experience: 5+ years in the automotive industry, preferably in Technical Sales, Business Development, or Engineering/Program Management within the Parts Business.
  • Technical Acumen:
    • Parts Design Literacy: Ability to understand and discuss 2D/3D drawings, CAD data structures, and geometric tolerances.
    • Process Knowledge: Familiarity with automotive development processes, specifically D-FMEA and DVP (Design Verification Plan & Report).
    • Understanding of materials (polymers, adhesives) and manufacturing processes (injection molding).
  • Global Mindset: Proven ability to work with global teams and introduce overseas technologies to the Japanese market.
  • Communication:
    • Japanese: Native level preferred (Fluent level is acceptable). Must be able to negotiate complex technical and commercial issues with Japanese OEMs.
    • English: Fluent. Daily interaction with global teams is required.
  • Soft Skills: Entrepreneurial spirit, proactive problem solver, ability to influence without direct authority.

 

Going Beyond. Together.

当社では、現地市場の水準や、各職務の具体的な内容・責任の範囲を踏まえ、競争力のある給与を提示しています。
報酬は、業務に関連するスキルや学歴、研修・経験などを総合的に考慮して決定します。
また、当社は関係法令および規制を遵守し、公正かつ公平な賃金制度の運用に努めています。

シーカについて

Sika is a specialty chemicals company with a globally leading position in the development and production of systems and products for bonding, sealing, damping, reinforcing, and protection in the building sector and industry. Sika has subsidiaries in 103 countries around the world, produces in over 400 factories, and develops innovative technologies for customers worldwide. In doing so, it plays a crucial role in enabling the transformation of the construction and transportation industries toward greater environmental compatibility. Approximately 33,000 employees generated CHF 11.20 billion in sales in 2025.