Business Development and Strategic Partnerships Associate -Japanese Bilingual

This opportunity is with a prominent Japanese SOGO SHOSHA conglomerate trade and investment company located in Seattle, WA. As a renowned multinational trading company, the organization plays an essential role in coordinating and facilitating cross-border trade, investments, and business development initiatives. The company has a strong presence in global markets, especially between Japan and the United States, and is dedicated to fostering sustainable business growth through strategic partnerships and innovative market approaches.

As a Japanese Bilingual Business Development and Strategic Partnerships Associate, you will be integral to the corporate US operations, actively participating in and supporting diverse business development projects. This exempt-level, hybrid role, requiring three days per week in the office, offers a competitive salary package ranging from $97,000 to $124,000 annually, with additional bonuses and a comprehensive health benefits plan.

The role focuses on fostering new business opportunities by performing in-depth quantitative economic analyses, utilizing econometric theory and data science skills to build robust models that inform decision-making. The candidate will be responsible for preparing persuasive presentation materials and proposals, which will be used to support project execution and management strategies. Additionally, this position involves identifying and shaping business initiatives, coordinating efforts with multiple internal business groups, and acting as a liaison between the company and external partners to enhance strategic alignment and opportunity generation.

Importantly, the role demands strong bilingual capabilities in English and Japanese, emphasizing communication, negotiation, and relationship management skills within a cross-cultural setting. Day-to-day responsibilities include research, coordination with stakeholders, and leveraging AI tools for efficient documentation and analysis. The supportive environment encourages active sharing of intelligence and insights across departments to maximize organizational impact and drive growth.

For professionals with a bachelor’s degree and between one to four years of experience in business development, research, or operational support, this position offers tremendous potential for career advancement. Ideal candidates are comfortable working in a dynamic, multicultural environment and are skilled in Microsoft Office applications such as PowerPoint. They should also have a demonstrated capacity for conducting thorough market and industry analysis leveraging various external information sources.

Overall, this role presents an exciting challenge to be part of a leading Japanese trading house’s critical expansion efforts in the US market, ensuring you work in a stimulating, supportive, and fast-paced setting where your contributions have measurable business outcomes.