Process Associate Jobs in Ypsilanti, MI (NOW HIRING)

About Us:

Founded in 1966, Niterra North America, Inc. (formerly NGK Spark Plugs) is the world leader in technology, innovation, and world-class quality in the design of spark plugs and oxygen sensors. Today, that tradition continues as we transform our organization's portfolio, expand our core ceramic technologies, explore capabilities beyond traditional areas, and challenge ourselves to develop solutions and services that leverage technology to address social issues while contributing to a sustainable society.

Summary:

The Sales Process Specialist is responsible for leading the creation, analysis, and continuous improvement of sales-related workflows within the Commercial group, with a strong focus on automation and digital transformation. This role involves implementing automation and AI-driven tools, developing automated reporting and dashboards, optimizing the SAP system in collaboration with IT, and supporting sales forecasting and analysis. The ideal candidate brings strong project management skills, advanced Excel proficiency, and a proven ability to identify operational efficiencies in a fast-paced, multicultural environment.

Responsibilities:

• Lead the creation, analysis, mapping, and continuous improvement of all common sales-related workflows and processes within the Commercial group, actively identifying operational bottlenecks and redundant steps to drive organizational efficiency.
• Investigate, propose, and support the implementation of automation tools (such as RPA or Microsoft Power Automate) and AI-driven applications to streamline routine administrative tasks, data entry, and reporting workflows.
• Assist in the completion of long-term and monthly sales forecasts, performing analysis of data as necessary.
• Generate standardized and ad hoc reports using both internal and external data sources, and develop and implement automated reporting templates and dashboards (e.g., via Google Looker, Power BI) to minimize manual data compilation.
• Collaborate with IT to optimize the SAP system, investigate and assist in the implementation of additional ERP features and modules that apply to Commercial business, and coordinate with the business to implement new tools (e.g., Salesforce or Looker).
• Manage support requests from other departments, coordinate with commercial business, provide administrative support to department executives as needed, and work closely with the Finance department on account-specific discrepancies.
• Create supporting documentation and presentations for management reporting, meetings, and conferences.
• Engage in direct communications with local departments, Niterra HQ in Japan, and other global Niterra facilities.
• Train and mentor newer associates, participate in cross-functional projects, and review and maintain training, department, and process materials for relevance, embedding digital transformation and automated tools into standard training protocols.
• Support product start and end of production internal process activities, including changeovers, excess, and obsolete.
• Utilize customer websites, portals, and other software tools as necessary.
• Support and cross-train with others in the department.
• Adhere to all company policies and procedures, which include IATF, ISO, ISMS, TISAX, QMS, J-Sox, and Safety-related policies.

Qualifications:

• Associate's degree in business or an equivalent field required.
• 5 years of experience in an administrative or customer support role.
• 3 years of related experience in the automotive industry.
• 2 years of experience with SAP, with proven capabilities in business analysis and testing in an ERP environment.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Excellent project management, organizational, planning, and administrative skills.
• Exceptional attention to detail with a strong commitment to accuracy.
• Strong analytical and mathematical skills.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and Google Workspace, including expert-level Microsoft Excel skills.
• Bachelor's degree in business or an equivalent field preferred.
• Experience with other programs preferred (Looker, Power BI, Microsoft Project, etc.).
• Familiarity or foundational experience with automation tools (e.g., Robotic Process Automation/RPA, Power Automate, Kissflow) and AI-driven data tools is highly preferred.
• Experience working in a multicultural environment is preferred.

Physical Requirements:

• Able to operate a keyboard.
• Able to see and hear (correctable).
• Able to communicate verbally.
• Able to sit for extended periods of time.
• Able to drive a vehicle.
• Able to travel.

Potential Hazards:

• Normal office hazards.
• Hazards related to commercial travel.

What We Offer:

• Comprehensive Health Benefits: Medical, dental, vision, and life insurance.
• Financial Security: Short-term and long-term disability coverage.
• Retirement Savings: 401(k) plan with a generous company match of up to 6%.
• Time Off: Generous paid time off, including vacation, sick leave, and holidays.
• Work-Life Balance: Paid maternity and paternity leave.
• And much more!

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement:

Niterra is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace. We prohibit discrimination and harassment of any kind based on race, color, sex, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, genetic information, pregnancy, or any other protected characteristic as outlined by federal, state, or local laws.

Notice to Staffing Firms:

Niterra does not seek or accept unsolicited resumes or CVs from recruitment agencies. We are not responsible for, and will not pay, any fees, commissions, or other payments related to unsolicited resumes or CVs, except as required by a written contract between Niterra and the recruitment agency or party requesting payment of a fee.

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