Position Title: Strategist / Specialist ( Business Development Specialist )
Department: Business Development
Reports To: General Manager / Branch Manager
FLSA Status: Exempt
Base : $80-100K Plus bonus
Position Summary
We are seeking a motivated and analytical Strategist / Specialist to support new business development initiatives across the Americas. This role offers a unique opportunity to work at the intersection of technology evaluation, market intelligence, startup engagement, and strategic partnerships, while collaborating closely with global stakeholders.
The ideal candidate is intellectually curious, detail-oriented, and eager to grow in a dynamic, cross-border business environment.
Essential Duties & Responsibilities
Business Development & Strategy
- Conduct technology evaluation and market studies, including feasibility studies (FS), preliminary experiments, and technical discussions with partners, customers, and Key Opinion Leaders (KOLs).
- Support joint R&D decision-making by providing analytical insights and structured evaluations.
- Identify and assess potential collaboration and partnership opportunities in the Americas.
Startup Sourcing & Market Intelligence
- Source and evaluate startups through:
- Commercial databases
- Contracted venture capital networks
- Industry exhibitions, conferences, and networking events
- Perform market and competitive analysis to support strategic initiatives.
Global & Cross-Functional Collaboration
- Work closely with global headquarters and internal teams to identify potential partners and align collaboration strategies.
- Coordinate with internal and external stakeholders to advance business development activities.
Reporting & Documentation
- Prepare accurate and timely reports, including:
- Meeting minutes for all partner and stakeholder discussions
- Monthly activity and progress reports
- Ad-hoc updates as required
- Ensure clear documentation to support transparency and informed decision-making.
Other Responsibilities & Required Skills
- Strong planning, organization, and time-management skills with the ability to prioritize and meet deadlines.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
- Strong analytical thinking and creative problem-solving abilities.
- High attention to detail with strong self-learning capabilities.
- A confident, positive, and collaborative “people person”.
- Ability to work independently with minimal supervision and effectively in a team environment.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook).
- Chemical or manufacturing industry knowledge (a plus).
- Japanese language skills (a plus).
- Willingness to travel for business 1–2 days per month.
Qualifications
The experience and education described below are representative of what is expected to successfully perform this role. Equivalent combinations of education and experience may be considered.
Experience
- 1–3 years of professional experience preferred, ideally in a chemical or manufacturing-related environment.
- Entry-level candidates are welcome if they hold a degree in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or a related field and demonstrate strong analytical, communication, and learning capabilities.
Education
Technical Knowledge & Skills
- Project Management: Advanced (Required)
- CSR / Logistics Concepts & Practices: Intermediate (Preferred)
- Microsoft Office Applications: Intermediate (Required)
Expected Competencies
- Professional & Technical Capability: Ability to perform tasks of moderate complexity efficiently and effectively.
- Learning Initiative & Adaptability: Learn processes and acquire knowledge through hands-on experience.
- Process Efficiency: Identify and implement improvements in day-to-day operations.
- Policy Compliance: Adhere to all company and operational policies.
- Communication & Interpersonal Skills: Provide accurate, timely reporting and maintain effective communication with supervisors and stakeholders.
Work Environment & Physical Requirements
- Primarily office-based with standard office equipment.
- Work is generally sedentary but may require standing, walking, grasping, and lifting/moving up to 25 pounds.
- Business Travel: Minimal (approximately 1–2 days per month).
- Language Requirement: Must be able to read, write, and communicate fluently in English and Japanese