Q. Please tell us about your usual work..
DK
As the general group leader, I make action plans for each business partner that the group members are in charge of in order to achieve the budget, and I check, manage, and follow up on progress.
As a planning salesperson, I am in charge of a variety of clients, including major domestic mass retailers, convenience stores, and home improvement stores. I propose plans that meet the challenges of each customer and the needs of consumers at the time, including design, packaging, price, and sales methods, so the appeal of a planning sales position is that I can plan everything from 0 to 100 myself.
KS-san
The planning sales team is divided into office and field members, and they work together to support each other so that the field members can concentrate on sales activities by making proposals to customers, planning products, negotiating with suppliers, and checking production status in order to achieve goals. If we compare it to soccer, if the field members are forwards, the office members are like defensive midfielders.
We always look at three directions: our internal planning and sales department, our customers, and our supplier factories, to take the best possible action.
Q. What made you join Izawa Towel?
DK
When I was looking for a job, I was hoping for a planning and sales position that sells familiar products.
I decided to join the company because I was attracted to the fact that towels are a product that everyone uses every day, that they develop products from the consumer's point of view, and that they have the discretion to sell products that they have planned themselves.
KS-san
In my previous job, I worked in planning and sales for a toy manufacturer.
In terms of manufacturers, the general flow of planning and production is the same, and I was interested in towels, a product that is more familiar to me. I also decided to join the company after learning about the company president's passion and vision for Towel.
Q. What is rewarding and interesting about working at Izawa Towel?
DK
The best thing is that you can come up with your own plans.
A single towel costs a few hundred yen, but if Izawa Towel uses the know-how it has cultivated to create towels that are suited to the market and customer, it could generate sales of hundreds of millions of yen per year. Because I can come up with the idea, discuss it with the factory, and propose it to our business partners, the joy I feel when my product is adopted and appears on store shelves is great.
KS-san
There are many people who like making things and giving shape to ideas.
Of course, there are many hurdles to overcome before the idea can take shape, but the people who push through without giving up are the ones who are successful. It's a great feeling to see towels that were made based on your idea and are now on sale in stores.
Q. Message to those considering joining the company
DK
It is a lively company with many young employees.
You are full of curiosity and can take on any challenge. Let's work together.
KS-san
The good thing about Izawa Towel is its openness, where you can consult with anyone at any time.
Work is carried out by teams, but there is an environment where you can consult with other departments regardless of your situation.
*Job titles are as of the time of the interview.