Design Manager - Plastics

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Design Manager - Plastics

Company: Goken

Location: Tokyo, Japan

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: Engineering / Design Management

Date Posted: 2026-06-08T12:47:54

Experience Level: 10+ years

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead and manage automotive resin design projects across global teams (Japan, India, US) focusing on technical execution, quality assurance, scheduling, and resource allocation.

• Serve as the primary liaison between project teams and clients, ensuring alignment on technical specifications, project timelines, and budgetary goals.

• Oversee commissioned design work and manage dispatched personnel, acting as a technical mentor and supervisor.

• Drive operational excellence for the Goken Nihon division by managing a comprehensive portfolio of business and core projects.

• Foster strong communication and collaboration between internal and external stakeholders, including clients, suppliers, and team members across different geographies.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is a hybrid position, requiring on-site presence in Tokyo, Japan, with the flexibility to manage and coordinate teams across multiple international locations (Japan, India, US). The focus is on leading engineering design projects, implying a strong need for project management and technical leadership skills within the automotive plastics domain.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Lead and direct the overall technical execution, quality assurance, scheduling, and resource allocation for both contract (Haken) and core design projects, managing teams across Japan, U.S., and India.

• Drive project success by serving as the primary liaison between project teams and Haken clients, ensuring seamless alignment on technical specifications, project timelines, and budgetary goals.

• Manage the comprehensive portfolio of Haken business and core projects within the Goken Nihon division, ensuring strategic alignment with company objectives and operational excellence.

• Foster collaboration and maintain critical communication channels between internal and external engineers and key suppliers located in Japan, India, and the U.S. to ensure timely and effective support for ongoing and future projects.

• Act as the central point of coordination for all project stakeholders, facilitating technical reviews, resolving scope issues, and ensuring all parties are operating under a unified project vision.

• Provide technical guidance and mentorship to design engineers, particularly concerning automotive resin parts design best practices and manufacturing processes.

• Conduct interviews and manage dispatched personnel as a dispatch manager, ensuring their performance and integration into project teams.

• Oversee general management of local operations to ensure efficient and effective project delivery.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a dual role: technical leadership in design and operational management of outsourced engineering services. The emphasis on "Haken" (dispatch) and client coordination suggests a significant client-facing aspect and a need to manage contractor relationships effectively.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: While specific educational qualifications are not explicitly stated, the extensive experience requirements in design, engineering, and management imply a Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Design, or a related field is highly probable.

Experience:

• Approximately 10+ years of experience in automotive resin parts design.

• 10+ years of experience working with an OEM or Tier 1 supplier for Interior/Exterior resin parts development.

• 5+ years of experience leading teams to manage projects, including technical guidance, schedule, and quality of outputs. Required Skills:

• Proficiency in CATIA V5 or V6 (3DEXPERIENCE) with experience in the following workbenches:

  • Generative Shape Design (GSD)
  • Part Design
  • Assembly Design
  • Drafting

• 10+ years of experience in the design and development of various automotive resin parts for Interior/Exterior (soft and hard trim).

• Knowledge of solid/surface modeling and mechanical drafting.

• Understanding of automotive development schedules.

• Thorough understanding of various resin parts manufacturing processes.

• Deep understanding of DFMEA, GD&T, and cumulative tolerance analysis.

• Japanese-English bilingual skills are essential (JLPT N2 or higher).

• Essential MS Office skills (Excel, PowerPoint, Word, Teams). Preferred Skills:

• Preference given to those with Honda resin parts development experience.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for JLPT N2 or higher strongly indicates a need for advanced Japanese language proficiency, crucial for client interactions and internal coordination within Japan. The specific CATIA modules listed are critical technical requirements.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Demonstrations of complex automotive resin part designs, showcasing proficiency in CATIA V5/V6 with specific attention to GSD, Part Design, Assembly Design, and Drafting modules.

• Case studies illustrating successful project management of automotive design projects, highlighting technical guidance, schedule adherence, and quality control.

• Examples of collaboration and coordination with OEMs or Tier 1 suppliers, detailing problem-solving approaches and client communication strategies.

• Documentation showcasing understanding and application of DFMEA, GD&T, and cumulative tolerance analysis in design projects.

• Projects demonstrating experience with soft and hard trim for automotive interiors and exteriors. Process Documentation:

• Examples of how project schedules were managed and met within the automotive development lifecycle.

• Documentation of manufacturing process considerations for resin parts and how design choices were influenced by these processes.

• Evidence of experience in managing dispatched engineering personnel, including technical assessment and performance oversight.

• Examples of cross-functional team coordination, detailing communication strategies with teams in Japan, India, and the US.

📝 Enhancement Note: Candidates should prepare to showcase their design work and project management capabilities through a portfolio. This portfolio should clearly articulate their experience with specific automotive resin components, the tools used (especially CATIA), and their leadership in managing projects and teams, particularly in a cross-cultural and geographically dispersed environment.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Given the senior management level, extensive experience required (10+ years), specialized technical skills (CATIA, automotive design), and location in Tokyo, Japan, a competitive salary is expected. A typical range for a Design Manager with this profile in Tokyo could be between ¥9,000,000 to ¥15,000,000 JPY annually, depending on the specific responsibilities, negotiation, and candidate's exact qualifications.

Benefits:

• Support for professional growth and development.

• Benefits that support personal well-being.

• Competitive compensation structure.

• Opportunities for continuous improvement and professional development.

Working Hours: The standard working hours are likely 40 hours per week, common in Japan. However, as a manager, flexibility may be required to meet project deadlines and manage international teams across different time zones.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary estimate is based on industry benchmarks for senior engineering management roles in Tokyo, Japan, considering the specialized nature of automotive design and the management responsibilities. Benefits are described broadly but suggest a focus on employee development and well-being, aligning with Goken's company values.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Engineering Services and Product Development, with a strong focus on the mobility sector (automotive) and other non-mobility industries. Goken positions itself as a company that partners with OEMs and suppliers to accelerate product development.

Company Size: Goken is a global company with engineering centers in multiple countries. While the exact number for the Japan division isn't specified, the overall company structure suggests a medium to large-sized organization with a significant international presence, implying robust processes and collaborative frameworks.

Founded: Goken was founded in 2004. This relatively young company history suggests a dynamic, modern, and potentially agile organizational structure, driven by innovation and growth. The company motto, "Time to Innovate," underscores a culture that values forward-thinking and problem-solving.

Team Structure:

• The Design Manager will lead teams that include both on-site/nearshore engineers in Japan and India, as well as potentially managing dispatched personnel.

• There will be a reporting structure within the Goken Nihon division, likely with the Design Manager reporting to a higher-level director or executive.

• Cross-functional collaboration is a key aspect, involving close interaction with clients (OEMs, Tier 1 suppliers), internal engineering teams in Japan, the US, and India, and potentially external suppliers. Methodology:

• Goken emphasizes "Time to Innovate," suggesting a methodology that encourages entrepreneurial thinking, tackling challenges, and embracing fresh ideas to create solutions.

• The company's mission is to build trust that fosters greatness in people, excellence in clients, and positive impact. This implies a process-oriented approach focused on reliability, quality, and client satisfaction.

• For this role, methodologies will likely involve structured project management, rigorous quality assurance, and efficient resource allocation, especially in managing geographically dispersed teams and outsourced services.

Company Website: https://www.gokenamerica.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: The company culture appears to be innovation-driven, client-focused, and globally collaborative. The Design Manager role is central to facilitating this across different regions and project types, requiring strong leadership and intercultural communication skills.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is at a senior management level, specifically a Design Manager within the engineering services sector. It involves significant responsibility for project outcomes, team leadership, client relations, and operational management of design services. This position is crucial for driving engineering excellence and client satisfaction within the Goken Nihon division.

Reporting Structure: The Design Manager will likely report to a Director of Engineering, Country Manager, or a similar senior leader within Goken's Japan operations. They will, in turn, manage a team of design engineers and potentially oversee dispatched personnel, acting as a direct supervisor and technical lead.

Operations Impact: The Design Manager's impact is directly tied to the successful delivery of automotive resin design projects. This includes ensuring high-quality designs that meet client specifications, on-time project completion, and efficient resource utilization. Their leadership directly influences client satisfaction, repeat business, and Goken's reputation for engineering excellence. Effective management of the Haken (outsourced) business is critical for revenue generation and operational efficiency.

Growth Opportunities:

• Technical Specialization: Deepen expertise in advanced automotive plastics design, new material applications, or specific design methodologies.

• Leadership Advancement: Progress to higher management roles such as Director of Engineering, Head of Operations, or a senior client management position, potentially overseeing larger teams or broader business units.

• Global Mobility: Opportunities to work on international projects or relocate to other Goken engineering centers, leveraging global collaboration experience.

• Business Development: Contribute to expanding Goken's client base and service offerings within the automotive sector in Japan and beyond.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers a clear path for experienced automotive design engineers to transition into management and leadership roles, with opportunities for both technical and managerial growth within a global engineering firm.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is described as Hybrid, indicating a blend of on-site work and remote flexibility. Given the location in Tokyo, Japan, this likely involves working from a Goken office in or near Tokyo. The company's global engineering centers (Pune, India; Yokohama, Japan) suggest a sophisticated infrastructure for remote collaboration.

Office Location(s): The primary work location is Tokyo, Japan. The company also has engineering centers in Dublin, Ohio (USA) and Pune, India, and a Yokohama, Japan engineering center, highlighting a global operational footprint.

Workspace Context:

• The workspace will be collaborative, requiring frequent interaction with design teams, project managers, and clients.

• Access to advanced design software (CATIA V5/V6) and standard office productivity tools (MS Office Suite, Teams) is expected.

• The environment will necessitate seamless communication across different time zones and cultures, utilizing digital collaboration platforms.

• The role involves managing both internal Goken teams and external dispatched engineers, requiring an adaptable workspace that supports diverse team structures.

Work Schedule: The standard work schedule is likely 40 hours per week. However, the managerial nature of the role, coupled with international team coordination, may require flexibility to accommodate meetings and urgent project needs across different time zones.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid nature of the role, combined with global team management, means candidates should be comfortable with a dynamic work environment that balances in-office collaboration with remote coordination and potentially non-standard hours for international calls.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: HR or recruitment team will review applications, focusing on required experience, technical skills (CATIA, automotive plastics), and language proficiency (Japanese-English bilingual).

• Technical Interview: Likely conducted by senior engineering staff or department heads, this stage will delve into technical expertise in automotive resin design, CATIA usage, DFMEA, GD&T, and project management methodologies. Candidates may be asked to walk through specific design examples.

• Management & Behavioral Interview: Focuses on leadership experience, team management, conflict resolution, client communication skills, and cultural fit with Goken's values. This may involve situational questions.

• Portfolio Review: A dedicated session to review the candidate's portfolio, assessing the quality, scope, and impact of previous projects, with a specific focus on automotive resin design and management achievements.

• Final Interview: May involve senior leadership or country management to discuss overall fit, strategic alignment, and confirm compensation and role expectations.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Showcase CATIA Proficiency: Clearly present projects where CATIA V5/V6 was used extensively, highlighting specific workbenches (GSD, Part Design, Assembly, Drafting) and complex modeling techniques.

• Detail Project Management: For each relevant project, outline your role in technical guidance, schedule management, quality assurance, and team leadership. Quantify achievements where possible (e.g., "reduced design cycle time by X%," "managed a team of Y engineers").

• Highlight Cross-Cultural Experience: Include examples of successful collaboration with international teams or clients, demonstrating your ability to navigate communication and cultural nuances.

• Demonstrate Technical Depth: Explain your understanding of automotive resin manufacturing processes, DFMEA, GD&T, and tolerance analysis through specific design examples.

• Focus on Impact: Articulate the business impact of your designs and management efforts, such as cost savings, improved performance, or client satisfaction.

• Tailor to the Role: Emphasize experience with interior/exterior automotive resin parts and any preference for Honda-related projects.

Challenge Preparation:

• Be prepared for technical questions about resin properties, manufacturing methods, and design validation techniques.

• Practice articulating your project management approach, especially in managing dispersed teams and client expectations.

• Prepare a concise summary of your bilingual capabilities and how you leverage them in a professional setting.

• Research Goken's recent projects and clients to demonstrate genuine interest and understanding of their business.

📝 Enhancement Note: A strong portfolio is critical for this role. Candidates should prepare to present detailed case studies that not only showcase their technical design skills but also their ability to lead teams, manage projects effectively, and communicate with diverse stakeholders in both Japanese and English.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• CAD Software: CATIA V5 or V6 (3DEXPERIENCE) is mandatory, with specific experience in Generative Shape Design (GSD), Part Design, Assembly Design, and Drafting.

• Project Management Tools: Likely includes MS Project, Asana, Jira, or similar platforms for scheduling, task management, and progress tracking.

• Collaboration Platforms: Microsoft Teams is explicitly mentioned, suggesting its use for communication, file sharing, and virtual meetings. Other tools like Slack or internal communication systems may also be in use.

Analytics & Reporting:

• MS Office Suite: Excel is essential for data analysis, reporting, and budget management. PowerPoint for presentations and stakeholder updates.

• Data Analysis Tools: While not explicitly stated, familiarity with data analysis techniques for design optimization and project performance metrics is expected.

CRM & Automation:

• CRM Systems: Although not specified, Goken likely uses a CRM to manage client relationships and project pipelines. Familiarity with CRM principles is beneficial.

• ERP Systems: For managing resources and project financials, an ERP system might be involved, though direct user experience may not be required for this role.

• PLM Systems: Product Lifecycle Management systems are common in automotive development; experience with these could be advantageous.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency in CATIA V5/V6 is a non-negotiable technical requirement. The emphasis on MS Office and Teams indicates a reliance on standard enterprise software for daily operations and communication.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Innovation: Goken actively promotes a "Time to Innovate" mindset, encouraging fresh ideas, entrepreneurial thinking, and problem-solving.

• Excellence: A commitment to delivering excellence for clients, which translates to high-quality engineering solutions and reliable project execution.

• Trust & Greatness: Building trust is foundational, fostering an environment where associates can achieve greatness through collaboration and empowerment.

• Continuous Improvement: The company culture supports ongoing professional development and a drive for efficiency, likely reflected in design processes and project management.

• Global Collaboration: Working effectively across different cultures and geographical locations is a key operational value, essential for managing international teams and clients.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: The role demands strong collaboration with internal engineering teams (Japan, US, India), clients (OEMs, Tier 1 suppliers), and potentially suppliers.

• Client-Centric Approach: A primary focus on understanding and meeting client needs, acting as a key liaison and ensuring alignment on technical and business objectives.

• Mentorship & Guidance: As a manager, there's an expectation to mentor and guide team members, fostering a supportive and growth-oriented environment.

• Open Communication: Utilizing tools like MS Teams and maintaining clear communication channels across diverse teams and time zones is crucial for operational success.

📝 Enhancement Note: Candidates should demonstrate an alignment with Goken's innovative and client-focused culture, highlighting their ability to foster collaboration and drive excellence in a global, cross-functional engineering environment.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Global Team Management: Effectively leading and motivating diverse engineering teams across different time zones, cultures, and work practices (Japan, India, US).

• Client Expectation Management: Balancing client demands with project scope, budget, and timelines, especially in managing outsourced (Haken) services.

• Technical Complexity: Staying abreast of evolving automotive plastics technologies, materials, and design standards to ensure cutting-edge solutions.

• Communication Barriers: Overcoming language and cultural differences to ensure seamless information flow and project alignment.

• Resource Optimization: Efficiently allocating resources (personnel, budget, time) to maximize project success and profitability.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Design Techniques: Opportunities to learn and implement advanced modeling, simulation, and material science applications in automotive plastics design.

• International Project Leadership: Gaining extensive experience in managing complex, multi-national engineering projects.

• Cross-Cultural Management Skills: Developing expertise in leading and collaborating with diverse global teams.

• Business Acumen: Deepening understanding of client relationship management, contract negotiation, and business development within the engineering services sector.

• Industry Trends: Staying updated on automotive industry shifts, new vehicle technologies, and evolving sustainability requirements in materials.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role presents significant challenges that are also excellent opportunities for professional development, particularly in global project leadership and cross-cultural management within the demanding automotive sector.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• Operations Strategy: "Describe your approach to managing a global team of design engineers for automotive projects. How do you ensure technical consistency and quality across different regions like Japan, India, and the US?" (Focus on process, communication, and quality control frameworks).

• Client Management: "How would you handle a situation where a key client's requirements change mid-project, impacting the schedule and budget? What steps would you take to manage this situation with both the client and your team?" (Focus on stakeholder communication, negotiation, and scope management).

• Problem-Solving: "Imagine a critical design issue arises close to a project deadline. Walk us through your process for diagnosing the problem, developing solutions, and implementing them while minimizing impact on the schedule." (Focus on structured problem-solving, risk assessment, and decision-making).

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What attracts you to Goken and this specific Design Manager role? How do you see your skills and experience aligning with our 'Time to Innovate' motto?" (Research Goken's mission, vision, and values).

• "Describe your experience working in a hybrid environment and managing teams that may be geographically dispersed. What strategies do you use to foster team cohesion and productivity?" (Highlight your adaptability and collaboration skills).

• "How do you measure the success of your design projects and your team's performance? What KPIs are most important to you?" (Focus on metrics, impact, and client satisfaction). Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure Your Case Studies: For each project, clearly outline the challenge, your role and responsibilities, the solutions implemented (especially design and management aspects), and the achieved results (quantify where possible).

• Highlight CATIA Expertise: Be ready to demonstrate your CATIA skills, perhaps through screenshots or brief explanations of complex modeling techniques used.

• Showcase Leadership: Emphasize your experience in technical guidance, team management, and client liaison. Use specific examples of how you led teams to overcome obstacles.

• Address Bilingualism: Be prepared to discuss how your Japanese and English language skills have been an asset in your previous roles, especially in cross-cultural communication.

• Tailor to the Role: Ensure your portfolio examples directly relate to automotive resin parts (interior/exterior, soft/hard trim) and any experience with OEMs or Tier 1 suppliers, particularly Honda if applicable.

📝 Enhancement Note: Candidates should prepare to articulate their leadership style, technical expertise, and project management capabilities using real-world examples from their portfolio. Demonstrating an understanding of Goken's global operations and client-centric approach will be key.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Design Manager position:

• Submit your application through the Greenhouse job portal at the provided URL.

• Tailor your Resume: Ensure your resume clearly highlights your 10+ years of experience in automotive resin parts design, OEM/Tier 1 supplier experience, and 5+ years of team leadership. Emphasize your CATIA V5/V6 proficiency and specific workbench experience.

• Prepare Your Portfolio: Curate a portfolio showcasing relevant design projects, project management achievements, and cross-cultural collaboration examples. Be ready to present and discuss these in detail.

• Practice Interview Responses: Prepare for technical questions about automotive plastics design, DFMEA, GD&T, and CATIA. Practice behavioral questions related to leadership, client management, and global team coordination.

• Research Goken: Familiarize yourself with Goken's company mission, vision, services, and client base, particularly in the automotive sector. Understand their global footprint and "Time to Innovate" philosophy.

• Confirm Language Proficiency: Be ready to demonstrate your Japanese-English bilingual skills during the interview process.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.