Sales Manager | Pharmaceutical Manufacturing Software (MES)

Overview

A global leader in pharmaceutical manufacturing software is seeking a Sales Manager to drive business growth across Japan. This role focuses on expanding the adoption of Manufacturing Execution System (MES) solutions within pharmaceutical and biotechnology manufacturers, partnering with customers on their digital transformation initiatives.

Working closely with regional and global teams, you will manage the full sales cycle, build strategic customer relationships, and position advanced manufacturing software solutions that improve production efficiency, compliance, and operational performance.

Key Responsibilities

• Drive new business development and achieve sales targets within the pharmaceutical and biotech manufacturing market.
  


• Manage the full sales cycle, from opportunity identification through proposal, negotiation, and contract closure.
  


• Develop strategic relationships with key stakeholders across manufacturing, quality, engineering, IT, and procurement functions.
  


• Understand customer manufacturing challenges and propose MES and digital manufacturing solutions that align with their business objectives.
  


• Collaborate with technical, pre-sales, and delivery teams to develop solution proposals and implementation strategies.
  


• Build and maintain partnerships with system integrators and other industry partners.
  


• Manage sales pipeline, forecasting, and CRM activities to ensure accurate business planning.
  


• Represent the company at industry events, conferences, and customer meetings to strengthen market presence.
  

Requirements

Required Experience

• Experience in technical sales, consulting, or business development within industrial software or automation.
  


• Knowledge of manufacturing systems such as MES, SCADA, ERP, LIMS, eQMS, DCS, or related industrial software.
  


• Experience selling software, automation, or digital transformation solutions to pharmaceutical, biotechnology, medical device, or other regulated manufacturing industries.
  


• Strong commercial acumen with experience managing complex B2B sales opportunities.
  


• Business-level Japanese and English.
  

Preferred Experience

• Understanding of pharmaceutical manufacturing processes and GMP-regulated environments.
  


• Experience with manufacturing digitalization or Industry 4.0 initiatives.
  


• Knowledge of Computerized System Validation (CSV), GxP, or Data Integrity requirements.
  


• Experience working with system integrators or enterprise software implementation projects.
  

Ideal Profile

• Consultative sales approach with strong relationship-building skills.
  


• Comfortable engaging stakeholders from plant operations through executive leadership.
  


• Strong presentation, negotiation, and communication skills.
  


• Self-motivated with the ability to manage multiple opportunities in a fast-paced, international environment.
  


• Willingness to travel domestically as required.
  

Benefits

Why This Opportunity?

• Join a global technology leader supporting digital transformation in the pharmaceutical industry.
  


• Work with cutting-edge manufacturing software used by leading life sciences companies.
  


• Collaborate with international teams across sales, consulting, and product development.
  


• Excellent opportunity to develop expertise in pharmaceutical manufacturing, automation, and smart factory solutions.