- 2021
- Joined an automotive parts manufacturer as a new graduate.
Assigned to the Global Sales Department - 2023
- Joined Archem Inc. as a mid-career hire.
Seat pad sales representative
Please tell me your reasons for joining the company.
In my previous job, I worked in production management support at an automotive parts manufacturer. Because the scope of my work was limited, I felt dissatisfied with my own growth rate. I realized that if I continued in this position, I would remain lacking in knowledge and experience, so I sought a career change to an environment where I could gain experience as a primary manager. I chose Archem because it offered a similar scope of work to my previous job, and I saw great potential in the strengths of their seat pad product. Although I had some concerns because the organization was relatively new at the time, I decided to join because I wanted to grow together with a company undergoing transformation.
Could you please describe your current job responsibilities?
I am in charge of "prototype delivery operations" for our new seat pad product. From receiving orders from customers, to managing design changes, arranging production, and finally delivering the product, I handle everything consistently while taking quality, cost, and delivery time into consideration.
What do you find rewarding about your work?
I feel a great sense of accomplishment when a new product development project successfully moves into the mass production phase. I believe the significance of my role in handling tasks close to production management, even though I belong to the sales department, lies in acting as a bridge between customers, design, and production. Design changes frequently occur even within short development periods, but I strive to maintain an environment where design and the factory can concentrate on solving problems, and to ensure a smooth and swift transition to the mass production phase that generates reliable profits.
Are there any memorable experiences you've had in your work?
As mentioned above, the vehicle model I was in charge of moved into mass production. The product in question was a new seat pad shape unlike anything before, so the launch was highly challenging, with design changes occurring right up until the mass production deadline. At the time, when considering prototypes, we had to respond quickly despite the physical distance of transporting them from the Tosu factory in Saga Prefecture to Aichi Prefecture, which was a difficult situation. However, by coordinating with the factory and the product design department, we were able to successfully reach mass production. Those days of working tirelessly under rapidly changing circumstances not only helped me improve my skills, but also allowed me to experience firsthand the joy of creating a product together as a team. I truly feel that deciding to join Archem was the right decision.
What do you value most in your work?
Our approach is to work quickly and without errors. We strive to promptly communicate customer requests within the company to ensure sufficient lead time for in-house production, while maintaining a stable production environment.
Please tell me about the appeal of Archem.
1. Human warmth and a cooperative spirit
I often ask questions and seek advice from design and development team members in my work, and I've found them all to be very kind. Another great thing is that we can work together as a team across departments on a single mission or task.
2. Flexibility to change
I remember being impressed when, shortly after joining the company, I had the opportunity to propose improvements to the workflow to my supervisor, and they were adopted. One of the attractive aspects of Archem is its culture of incorporating and implementing good ideas for improvement and optimization, regardless of seniority or position.
Please tell me about your future career vision.
Three years have passed since I joined the company, and I feel that I have grown through various tasks that I would not have experienced if I hadn't changed jobs. I have encountered obstacles along the way, but by systematizing my past experiences, I have strived to maintain and strengthen a stable development environment. My goal for the future is to broaden my perspective little by little, as I feel that my knowledge and understanding of products and the work of other departments are still insufficient. I want to continue to grow by deepening my understanding of the work of those around me and the company, and become a valuable asset to the company.
