Logistics Manager/物流マネージャー

POSITION SUMMARY: This role is pivotal in driving the success and growth of our operations in Japan. The incumbent will hold direct responsibility for our partnerships with third-party logistics providers in Japan. The primary focus is overseeing the design and execution of our third-party logistics solutions, ensuring improvements in productivity and service levels through operational enhancements. Additionally, this role serves as the crucial link between our cross-functional teams and third-party providers in Japan and at the ports. Building strong relationships and effective influence are key drivers to inspire exceptional performance. Furthermore, it's vital to align our supply chain improvements with third-party operations and stay engaged with our organizational developments and opportunities.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Demonstrate leadership by upholding integrity and respect, approaching responsibilities with confidence and ownership, and inspiring superior performance in our third-party vendors and within our supply chain.

• Forge strong and effective relationships with third-party vendors and the imports customs team. Act as a resource for best practices related to the performance and management of our other third-party logistics providers in Japan.

• Establish key metrics to monitor vendor performance; provide support for processes or training aimed at improving performance against these metrics, including leveraging our organizational resources as necessary. Lead vendors to meet our expectations, service levels, and product delivery deadlines.

• Understand and enhance productivity and service levels concerning the flow of goods within our operations.

• Train and develop third-party teams to function independently while maintaining our brand integrity. Stay connected to the merchandising/receipts calendar to ensure shipping deadlines are met.

• Participate in the strategic alignment of the APAC/Japan Office team and our business partners in Transportation, Supply Chain, DC Operations, Finance, Inventory, and IT with our third-party providers. Assist with strategic execution related to the movement of goods from origin to receipt in Japan stores and Direct to Consumer.

• Oversee 3PL Japan DC Operations, delivery to stores, and Direct to Consumer.

• Develop communication and operational tools as necessary.

• Ensure vendors operate in compliance with local laws.

• Evaluate vendor performance and make recommendations to our leadership; research alternative partners in the area if needed.

• Proactively arrange visits to third-party providers and store visits, providing actionable feedback.

• Maintain a working knowledge of the technology/systems supporting third-party vendors and provide structured feedback to IT and Systems regarding ongoing issues and needed improvements.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Supply Chain Management, or a related discipline.

• Strong project management and leadership skills.

• Over 5 years of experience in Vendor Management, specifically in retail operations and/or transportation.

• Experience in developing operational strategies and instructional design.

• Proficiency in various applications, including Microsoft Word, Excel, Access, and PowerPoint.

• Effective communication skills in English.

• Willingness to travel as required for business needs.

• Excellent organizational skills, with the ability to thrive under pressure and meet deadlines.