At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead high-impact automotive consulting projects and manage dynamic teams.
- Company: Join SBD Automotive, a global leader in automotive research and consulting.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, clear progression path, and exposure to cutting-edge technologies.
- Other info: Collaborative international team environment with opportunities for personal growth.
- Why this job: Shape the future of mobility while building trusted client relationships.
- Qualifications: Fluency in Chinese or Japanese, with experience in automotive consulting.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 € per year.
This role can be located in China or Japan. Ready to Lead High-Impact Automotive Consulting Projects in APAC? SBD Automotive is a global automotive research and consulting firm, supporting manufacturers, suppliers, and technology companies with strategy, insight, and execution across connected, electric, autonomous, and software-defined vehicles.
As a Consulting Manager, you will lead the delivery of complex client projects, manage and develop consulting teams, and play a key role in growing existing client relationships and supporting new opportunities. This is a hands-on leadership role, combining project delivery, team management, and commercial responsibility. You will work closely with Senior Managers and BU leadership to ensure projects deliver real value to clients while also identifying and shaping the next piece of work.
A day in the life
Your day will typically balance client delivery, team leadership, and commercial activity. You might start the day reviewing progress on a live consulting engagement, working with your team to resolve a client issue or refine the final deliverable. Later, you could join a client call to present findings, discuss emerging challenges, and explore how SBD can support the next phase of work. You may spend part of the day coaching a consultant, reviewing analysis, or helping shape a proposal for a new opportunity. You could also be supporting outreach to a target account or following up with an existing client to develop a new engagement. No two days are identical, but the focus remains the same: delivering high-quality work, building trusted client relationships, and converting those relationships into sustainable, long-term business.
Your key responsibilities include:
- Lead consulting projects from scoping through execution and final presentation.
- Act as the primary day-to-day contact for clients on assigned engagements.
- Ensure projects are delivered on time, on budget, and to a high professional standard.
- Translate client needs into clear project plans, deliverables, and outcomes.
- Provide structured, actionable insights that support client decision-making.
Commercial contribution:
- Grow existing client accounts by identifying and shaping follow-on opportunities.
- Take ownership of farming activities within your active client base.
- Support outreach to new clients and early-stage opportunities.
- Contribute actively to proposals, scopes, and pricing discussions.
- Help convert client conversations into funded projects.
People leadership:
- Manage and develop consultants and senior consultants.
- Provide coaching, feedback, and performance support.
- Ensure effective project staffing and utilisation.
- Foster a collaborative, high-performance team environment.
Domain and knowledge contribution:
- Contribute to SBD’s Centres of Excellence through domain expertise.
- Support the development of methodologies, tools, and best practices.
- Share knowledge across projects, teams, and regions.
About you:
- You are a delivery-focused consultant with strong client skills and a clear commercial mindset.
- You are comfortable leading projects, managing teams, and using client relationships to generate new work.
- Chinese and Japanese language fluency.
- Experience in automotive, mobility, or related technology sectors.
- A proven track record delivering consulting or complex analytical projects.
- Strong client-facing communication and presentation skills.
- Experience managing small teams or leading project workstreams.
- A commercial mindset, with experience identifying or supporting new business opportunities.
Ideally, you also have:
- Experience in areas such as connected vehicles, EVs, ADAS, software-defined vehicles, or digital services.
- Prior experience in consulting or strategy roles.
- Experience contributing to proposals, scoping, or client account development.
Why SBD Automotive:
At SBD Automotive, you will work with leading automotive and technology clients on some of the industry’s most important challenges. We offer:
- A clear progression path within a global consulting organisation.
- Exposure to cutting-edge mobility technologies and strategies.
- A collaborative, international team environment.
- Opportunities to shape projects, teams, and client relationships.
- Competitive salary and benefits.
Interested?
If you are ready to take the next step in your consulting career and lead high-impact projects while helping grow key client relationships, we would like to hear from you. Apply now to join SBD Automotive and help shape the future of mobility in the APAC region.
Consulting Manager APAC (Location China or Japan) employer: SBD Automotive
SBD Automotive is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic and collaborative work environment where you can lead high-impact consulting projects in the automotive sector. With a clear progression path, competitive salary, and exposure to cutting-edge technologies, employees are empowered to grow their careers while making meaningful contributions to the future of mobility in the APAC region. Join a diverse international team that values innovation and fosters strong client relationships, ensuring every day brings new challenges and opportunities for professional development.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Consulting Manager APAC (Location China or Japan)
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the automotive and consulting sectors. Attend industry events or webinars to meet potential employers and get your name out there. Remember, it’s all about who you know!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching SBD Automotive and their projects. Understand their approach to connected and electric vehicles. This will help you tailor your responses and show that you’re genuinely interested in the role.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your presentation skills! As a Consulting Manager, you’ll need to communicate complex ideas clearly. Grab a friend or use a mirror to rehearse your pitch. Confidence is key when discussing your experience and insights.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after interviews! A quick thank-you email can go a long way in keeping you top of mind. Plus, it shows your enthusiasm for the position. And remember, apply through our website for the best chance!
We think you need these skills to ace Consulting Manager APAC (Location China or Japan)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Consulting Manager role. Highlight your experience in leading consulting projects and managing teams, as well as your knowledge of the automotive sector. We want to see how your skills align with what we do at SBD Automotive!
Showcase Your Achievements:When detailing your past experiences, focus on specific achievements that demonstrate your ability to deliver high-quality work and build client relationships. Use metrics where possible to quantify your impact. This will help us understand the value you can bring to our team.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application clear and to the point. Avoid jargon and ensure your writing is easy to read. We appreciate straightforward communication, so make it easy for us to see why you’re a great fit for the role!
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team at SBD Automotive.
How to prepare for a job interview at SBD Automotive
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on the latest trends in the automotive industry, especially around connected vehicles and electric mobility. Being able to discuss these topics confidently will show that you're not just interested in the role but also passionate about the field.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully led teams or projects in the past. Highlight your ability to manage client relationships and deliver high-quality work on time and within budget. This is crucial for a Consulting Manager role, so be ready to share specific stories.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
During the interview, don’t hesitate to ask questions that demonstrate your understanding of the company’s goals and challenges. Inquire about their current projects or future directions in the APAC market. This shows that you’re thinking strategically and are genuinely interested in contributing.
✨Practice Your Presentation Skills
Since you'll likely need to present findings to clients, practice articulating your thoughts clearly and concisely. You might even want to prepare a mini-presentation on a relevant topic to showcase your communication skills during the interview.
