APAC Management Trainee - Sales Automotive & Industry JAPAN

Sika is a specialty chemicals company with a globally leading position in the development and production of systems and products for bonding, sealing, damping, reinforcing, and protection in the building sector and industry. Sika has subsidiaries in 103 countries around the world, produces in over 400 factories, and develops innovative technologies for customers worldwide. In doing so, it plays a crucial role in enabling the transformation of the construction and transportation industries toward greater environmental compatibility. Approximately 33,000 employees generated CHF 11.20 billion in sales in 2025.

About the Programme

Kick-start your career through our structured 18-month Management Trainee Programme , designed to develop high-potential talent into future professionals and leaders within our organization.

The programme offers an accelerated learning journey that combines structured on-the-job training, formal learning, mentoring, coaching, and project-based assignments. Throughout the programme, you will progressively build technical expertise, business acumen, and leadership capabilities while gaining valuable hands-on experience in your chosen function.

As a Management Trainee, you will be assigned to a sponsoring department and follow a structured learning journey tailored to your function. While developing specialized knowledge within your department, you will also participate in company-wide learning initiatives, cross-functional exposure, and programme milestones that support your overall professional growth.

The programme consists of three developmental phases , each with clearly defined learning objectives, competency milestones, and performance reviews to ensure continuous growth throughout your journey.

Throughout the programme, you will receive guidance and coaching from experienced mentors and leaders who are committed to supporting your development and helping you succeed.

If you are passionate about learning, enjoy solving complex challenges, and aspire to build a rewarding career in a dynamic multinational environment, we invite you to begin your journey with us.

About the Programme

Kick-start your career through our structured 18-month Management Trainee Programme , designed to develop high-potential talent into future professionals and leaders within our organization.

The programme offers an accelerated learning journey that combines structured on-the-job training, formal learning, mentoring, coaching, and project-based assignments. Throughout the programme, you will progressively build technical expertise, business acumen, and leadership capabilities while gaining valuable hands-on experience in your chosen function.

As a Management Trainee, you will be assigned to a sponsoring department and follow a structured learning journey tailored to your function. While developing specialized knowledge within your department, you will also participate in company-wide learning initiatives, cross-functional exposure, and programme milestones that support your overall professional growth.

The programme consists of three developmental phases , each with clearly defined learning objectives, competency milestones, and performance reviews to ensure continuous growth throughout your journey.

Throughout the programme, you will receive guidance and coaching from experienced mentors and leaders who are committed to supporting your development and helping you succeed.

If you are passionate about learning, enjoy solving complex challenges, and aspire to build a rewarding career in a dynamic multinational environment, we invite you to begin your journey with us.

About the Department

(To be completed by the Sponsoring Department)

• The Market Field Engineering team plays a key role in driving the Automotive business by connecting customer needs, market strategy, and technical solutions across regions. The team works closely with customers, sales, marketing, technical service, R&D, and regional business units to support business growth and strengthen relationships with Japanese automotive interior customers.

• Acting as a bridge between Japan, China, APAC, and global teams, the department supports strategic customer development, market intelligence gathering, business planning, and cross-functional collaboration to expand Sika's presence in the automotive interior market.

• For a Management Trainee, the department provides a unique opportunity to gain exposure to customer engagement, market development, strategic planning, and international business collaboration. You will participate in real business projects while building commercial, technical, and leadership capabilities within a global automotive environment.

Your Learning Journey

(To be completed by the Sponsoring Department)

Describe the learning roadmap for your Management Trainee throughout the 18-month programme.

Suggested format:

Phase 1 – Expose (Months 1–6)

• Complete department onboarding and gain an understanding of Sika's Automotive business model, organization, products, technologies, and customer landscape.

• Learn the fundamentals of the Japanese automotive interior market, customer organizations, and industry value chain.

• Understand the roles and interactions among Sales, Marketing, R&D, Technical Service, and other key business functions.

Phase 2 – Experience (Months 7–12)

• Support customer-related activities and participate in interactions with Japanese automotive interior suppliers and OEMs.

• Build an understanding of customer strategies, business opportunities, and key account management approaches.

• Assist in market analysis, business planning activities, and cross-functional projects involving regional and global stakeholders.

• Participate in business visits, customer meetings, and selected international collaborations where applicable.

Phase 3 – Enhance (Months 13–18)

• Independently support selected customer development and market growth initiatives.

• Contribute to strategic business planning and customer engagement activities.

• Lead assigned improvement or business development projects with guidance from mentors and managers.

• Act as a coordinator between local, regional, and global teams to support key business objectives and customer opportunities.

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What You'll Experience

Throughout the programme, you will have the opportunity to:

• Participate in a structured 18-month learning journey comprising three developmental phases.

• Receive coaching and mentoring from experienced managers and subject matter experts.

• Gain practical, hands-on experience within your sponsoring department.

• Develop technical, business, and leadership competencies through structured learning and on-the-job training.

• Work on meaningful projects that contribute to business objectives.

• Collaborate with cross-functional teams and build professional networks across the organization.

• Participate in company-wide learning programmes, leadership development initiatives, and networking opportunities.

• Receive regular feedback, coaching, and performance reviews to support your development.

Key Responsibilities

Programme Responsibilities

As a Management Trainee, you will:

• Complete all learning milestones and development activities throughout the programme.

• Participate actively in training programmes, workshops, coaching sessions, and other learning opportunities.

• Learn and apply company policies, business processes, systems, and best practices.

• Support departmental operations and contribute to assigned projects and business initiatives.

• Conduct research, analyse information, and prepare reports, presentations, or recommendations where appropriate.

• Collaborate with colleagues across different functions to support business objectives.

• Demonstrate initiative, accountability, professionalism, and a continuous learning mindset.

• Build strong working relationships with mentors, managers, an