Building an Ideal Career Through the Sumitomo Corporation Internal Job Posting System: Employee Shares Their Experience

Our internal job posting system is designed to support both strategic talent placement and self-directed career development for employees. It consists of two options: PC (Post Challenge) and FA (Free Agent). Manager notification and approval are not required at the application stage, making it easier for employees to take on new challenges.

PC (Post Challenge): Divisions announce openings for specific positions; interested employees can apply.
FA (Free Agent): Employees express interest in a division; if there is a need, the division proceeds with a selection process.

In FY2024, 38 employees made use of the system to transfer to new roles. Common reasons cited for applying include: "I want to work in a field that interests me" or "I want to apply my experience to a new area." Applicants range from new hires to team leaders, with wide variation in position, seniority and length of service. Many transfers are to departments completely different from the previous roles – for example, from corporate functions to sales, from sales to corporate, or from one sales domain to an entirely different area.

Over the past few years, more and more employees have been taking advantage of the internal job posting system.

Under the previous medium-term management plan, we worked to improve the foundation of our HR systems by removing various institutional barriers. Specifically, we introduced a job grading system in which grades are determined by the scope and size of the job, rather than seniority. We also eliminated the rigorous course-based career system and unified them under a professional track. This created a foundation for truly placing the right talent in the right positions.

Today we spoke with an employee who has used the internal job posting system: Keisuke Kuroki, who in his tenth year at Sumitomo Corporation decided to leap into a completely different field.

What are your current responsibilities in the Industrial Park Unit?

The Industrial Park Unit operates under the mottos " For the local community - Empowering lives and inspiring dreams" and "Your journey starts the moment you choose us." We have developed and manage 10 industrial parks across six Southeast and South Asian countries, creating an environment that supports overseas expansion of mainly Japanese manufacturers. In Vietnam – our flagship market, where we have five industrial parks – I handle supervisory tasks supporting park management and operations as well as research and planning for new park developments.

Other articles related to overseas industrial parks:

What motivated you to apply for the internal job posting system?

There were two main reasons. First, I wanted to be involved in a business that contributes to the development of Southeast Asia. During my time in the Planning ＆ Administration Dept. and Food & Agriculture Business Division, I worked on projects in Myanmar and spent two years in Thailand. Those experiences strengthened my desire to work in Southeast Asia and contribute to its growth.

Second, ever since joining the company, I had aspired to work in business investment. Trading is fast-paced and stimulating, and learning its fundamentals built a solid foundation for me. Ten years in, as I reflected on my future vision and what I wanted to achieve at Sumitomo Corporation, my desire to take on a new challenge grew stronger and led me to apply.

Weren't you anxious about making such a big change in your 10th year?

Absolutely. The work is completely different, so I braced myself to approach it with a beginner's mindset. The greatest benefit of the internal job posting system is how it allows you to embrace a new role while continuing to grow within Sumitomo Corporation. I have many acquaintances at other trading companies, but I like Sumitomo Corporation's people and culture best. I'm grateful for a system that allows me to take on the work I want without changing employers. Because Sumitomo Corporation employees share the same culture, basic work styles and organizational norms, I felt reassured. And indeed, my new team members embody the "Sumitomo Corporation style." To those who are hesitating, I'd say: "Don't worry. Even if the work is totally new, you'll be able to quickly adjust working with people of a similar mindset."

Which of your previous skills or experiences are proving useful now?

My experience dealing with a diverse range of companies. When I worked in the meat industry, I did business with everyone from local wholesalers to Japan's largest processors. Today, I negotiate daily with a diverse client base, from SMEs with outstanding technologies to major corporations. Despite differences in client needs and the agility required to meet them, my past experience has helped me adapt.

In what ways do you feel you've grown since transferring?

Interacting with companies in diverse fields has naturally expanded my knowledge and added new "drawers" to my skill set. Buying land overseas and building new factories represents a major management decision for our clients. Supporting them through this process has given me many insights and lessons that have contributed to my growth.

What does the Industrial Park Unit look for in candidates applying through the internal job posting system?

I now also interview colleagues who want to transfer to our unit. We don't focus on specific experience or skills. Instead, we value a willingness to take on new challenges and whether the candidate embraces our motto of being "cheerful, fun and energetic."

What advice do you give junior staff who consult you about their careers?

First, cultivate the habit of envisioning your future self – what you want to achieve through your career – and think about what you should or want to do to get there. We all get caught up in day-to-day tasks, but by occasionally stepping back and planning your career in reverse from a more distant future perspective, you can clarify your direction and find more effective opportunities for growth.

Second, be proactive about taking on work. When someone decides who to entrust with an important task, they will naturally choose whoever shows the most enthusiasm. That's why I encourage colleagues to express their interest openly and seize opportunities to take on a wide range of assignments.

What are your own future career plans?

I would like to be involved in the management of an industrial park company. One of the attractions of an integrated trading and business investment company is the opportunity to invest in diverse businesses and even take part in management. The Industrial Park Unit in particular operates multiple companies in Southeast and South Asia, developing highly socially impactful businesses such as job creation. I'm determined to realize that goal.