An interview with a Mitsubishi Heavy Industries employee responsible for on-site construction contracts introduces practical work on overseas projects, including Singapore, the use of English, telecommuting and flexible working arrangements, and business travel experience.
The employee is responsible for on-site construction contract operations in the chemical plant and new transportation sectors, coordinating with internal and external stakeholders from inquiries through the negotiation of commercial terms and schedule adjustments. English is used daily in emails and web conferences with overseas suppliers.
Procurement work, including communication with overseas suppliers and reviewing contracts, requires a certain level of English proficiency. At the same time, the employee believes that it is important to consider what to communicate and how to communicate it, and is improving their English through exchanges with their supervisor in English and proofreading of English documents.
The employee uses telecommuting, the flextime system and annual paid leave taken in hourly increments, enabling a flexible response to kindergarten drop-offs and sudden illness while balancing work and childcare.
Business trips, both in Japan and overseas, take place approximately once every 1–2 months, with experience in South Korea, India, Uzbekistan and Singapore. The appeal of procurement lies in moving projects forward in coordination with suppliers and other stakeholders.
In a message to students seeking employment, the employee says that the foundation of procurement is the approach of comparing and evaluating options to make the best choice, and feels that procurement plays an important role in supporting the business by working with many people inside and outside the company.