Type Approval Manager

General Motors

Type Approval Manager leading GM vehicle homologation, recycling compliance, and regulatory approvals in Japan. Coordinating global teams and Japanese authorities to support launches and ongoing compliance.

Posted 9/10/2026full-timeTokyo • 🇯🇵 JapanSeniorLeadWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates extensive expertise in type approval, homologation, and vehicle certification processes within the automotive industry, with a strong focus on Japanese regulations and compliance requirements. Proficient in cross-functional coordination and effective communication with stakeholders in both Japanese and English.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Type Approval ExpertiseHomologation KnowledgeJapanese Automotive RegulationsCross-Functional CoordinationBilingual Communication

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Type ApprovalHomologationVehicle CertificationRegulatory ComplianceRecycling ComplianceTechnical DocumentationApproval ProcessesAudit SupportRisk AssessmentPortfolio Planning

Soft Skills

Autonomous WorkEffective CommunicationLeadershipProblem SolvingStakeholder Management

Industry Keywords

Automotive ManufacturerImporter Automotive CompanyJapanese Automobile RegulationsEnd-of-Life ComplianceRecycling RequirementsMLIT/JMLITJAIAGlobal CertificationQuality AssuranceEngineering Topics

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Lead type approval and homologation activities for all imported GM products in Japan
Ensure approvals, certifications, recycling compliance requirements, and legal notifications are completed on time
Define homologation requirements with source plants and coordinate approval plans, submissions, documentation, and issue resolution with global certification, product, engineering, quality, and program teams
Represent GM Japan with MLIT/JMLIT, JAIA, relevant authorities, and industry bodies
Manage submissions and notifications related to vehicle approvals, running changes, organizational changes, and compliance status
Lead Japan end-of-life compliance activities, including recycle fee calculation, disassemble manual development, records management, and publication requirements
Support source plant and VPC-related audits, completion inspection requirements, and sampling inspections
Advise the Product Director on type approval, recycling, regulatory implications, launch strategy, timing, portfolio planning, and business risk
Monitor Japanese automotive regulations and translate changes into actionable business requirements
Act as GM Japan focal point for type approval and end-of-life matters with internal stakeholders, global teams, and external authorities

Requirements

What you’ll need

Minimum 10 years of experience in type approval, homologation, or vehicle certification within an automotive manufacturer
Experience and background in an importer automotive company highly preferable
Strong knowledge of Japanese automobile regulations, approval processes, recycling-related requirements, and related regulatory framework
Good understanding of vehicle technical and engineering topics relevant to homologation
Good understanding of the automotive retail environment in Japan
Ability to work autonomously and lead cross-functional coordination with local and global stakeholders
Business-level Japanese and English required, both verbal and written
Ability to communicate effectively on regulatory and technical matters
Expected to report to GM Japan Headquarter office in Tokyo, Japan full time

Benefits

Comp & perks

Reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities
Role-related assessment(s) and/or pre-employment screening may be provided where applicable
Inclusive workplace fostering belonging and employee development