Logistics Manager/物流マネージャー

Overall Position Objective:
• The primary role is to oversee and manage the supply chain operations in Japan, focusing on cost-effectiveness and performance optimization.
• Responsible for supervising and leading the supply chain team.
• Accurately forecast inventory requirements to meet sales demand while minimizing inventory holding costs.
• Ensure a seamless supply of inventory to meet sales demand.

Key Responsibilities:
• Analyze inventory needs and develop precise inventory forecasts.
• Maintain a balanced inventory that aligns with demand, including the management of phase-in and phase-out products.
• Manage the movement of goods, including inventory transfers between distribution centers.
• Identify, manage, and communicate any supply constraints.
• Lead inventory optimization initiatives for various inventory-managed entities, such as warehouses, service technician van stocks, etc.
• Participate in the S&OP (Sales and Operations Planning) process.
• Contribute to defining demand and supply planning parameters and ensure their ongoing maintenance.
• Lead stock-taking and reconciliation processes.
• Manage relationships with logistics service providers (LSPs).
• Continuously improve supply chain processes to enhance efficiency.
• Oversee people management and ensure effective staff utilization.
• Provide support for other supply chain tasks as needed.

Key Relationships:
• Collaborate closely with supply chain team members.
• Interface with the global logistics service team.
• Interact with various stakeholders, including Marketing, Sales, Service, Professional Product Managers, and Back Office teams.

Desired Outcomes in Two Years:
• Achieve accurate stock forecasting that meets demand while minimizing holding costs.
• Ensure a smooth supply chain operation with minimal disruption to customers.
• Demonstrate the ability to lead S&OP processes independently.
• Establish highly efficient and cost-effective warehouse and/or 3PL (3rd Party Logistics) operations.
• Maintain a low inventory discrepancy rate.

Key Performance Measures:
• Stock levels as a percentage of turnover.
• Inventory record accuracy.
• Management of slow-moving and B-class stock.
• Cost-to-sales ratio.

Competencies/Skills for Position:
Education:
• Academic qualification (engineer, economics, logistics, or related fields) or equivalent work experience.

Work Experience:
• Experience in demand and supply planning.
• Management of 3PL services.
• Proficiency in supply chain management.
• Preferred experience with SAP.

Skills & Competencies Required:
• Strong grasp of supply chain principles.
• Effective leadership capabilities.
• Excellent analytical skills.
• Proficient in stakeholder management.
• Strong IT proficiency.
• Process-oriented and end-to-end thinking with a structured approach.
• Strong communication skills adaptable for all organizational levels, with fluency in English for both written (TOEIC 730+) and verbal (CEFR B1, preferred B2) communication.

Time Allocation:
• Strategy & Leadership: 20%
• Operation: 80%