PR/118519 | Japanese Speaking Planning Manager

Key Responsibilities

● Sales Planning
o Develop and oversee the creation and ongoing updates of sales plans for each
product and sales channel / key account.
o Collaborate closely with sales, direct e-commerce, and marketing teams in
both the UK and HQ to strategize and manage the sales plans for each product
and channel.
o Analyse stock and sell out data to identify, report, and capitalise on trends,
challenges, and opportunities. Utilise this data to make informed decisions for
purchase planning.
● Stock Planning & Purchasing
o Develop and execute comprehensive stock planning strategies to ensure
optimal inventory levels.
o Coordinate with HQ to manage the purchasing process, ensuring timely and
cost-effective procurement.
o Work closely with sales and marketing to optimise inventory for all brand and
seasonal campaigns.
● Product Lifecycle Management
o Manage the entire cycle of the product, starting from its initial introduction
and spanning until its discontinuation.
o Collaborate closely with cross-functional teams to develop strategies and carry
out product launches, oversee transitions, and handle obsolete inventory.
● Retail & E-commerce Coordination
o Work in close collaboration with our internal store, e-commerce site, and
external retailers to ensure alignment between inventory levels, sales forecasts,
and promotional plans.
o Meticulously monitor sales performance and promptly make any required
adjustments to stock levels in order to effectively meet demand and achieve
sales targets.
● Monthly Reviews & Reporting
o Prepare and present monthly reviews, detailing inventory status, sales
performance, and purchasing activities.
o Analyse data to identify trends, opportunities, and areas for improvement.
● Profit planning and Budgetary Management:
o Support the improvement of profitability and identification of opportunities
for improvement through profit analysis and the preparation of annual
budgets.
o Effectively manage and accurately record and report invoicing and actual
costs.
● KPI Management:
o Monitor and provide updates on important performance indicators, such as
sales quotas, inventory levels, and net profitability.
o Devise and execute strategies to surpass and achieve KPI objectives.
● Personnel and Stakeholder Management:
o Motivate, lead, and enhance the skills of the Planner.
o Collaborate closely with various stakeholders within the company such as
sales, planning, operations, and marketing.
KPIs:
● Achievement of sales targets.
● Maintenance of optimal stock levels.
● Net profitability of product lines.
● Build strong relations, communications with stakeholders
 

Qualifications / Skills / Experience:
• Minimum of 2 years of experience in sales and purchase planning, preferably
within consumer goods industries.
• Exceptional analytical skills, enabling accurate interpretation of data and informed
decision-making.
• Excellent organisational and time-management abilities, coupled with the capacity
to rapidly adapt to shifting priorities.
• Extensive proficiency in Excel and Microsoft Office Suite.
• Proficient in inventory management software. Previous JDE or eStar experience
would be highly advantageous.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, excellent interpersonal skills, and
the ability to effectively collaborate with both internal and external stakeholders.
• Japanese speaker, or has good experience of working within a Japanese
organisation/culture
• High attention to detail with a keen interest and drive to proactively problem-solve
• Strong ability to thrive in high-pressure environments and consistently meet
challenging deadlines.