Planning Manager

Role Overview

• Develop and oversee the creation and ongoing updates of sales plans for each product and sales channel/key account.
• Collaborate closely with sales, direct e-commerce and marketing teams in both UK and HQ (Tokyo) to strategise and manage the sales plans for each product and channel.
• 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.
• Develop and execute comprehensive stock planning strategies to ensure optimal inventory levels.
• Coordinate with HQ to manage the purchase planning process, ensuring timely and cost effective procurement.
• Work closely with sales and marketing to optimise inventory for all brand and seasonal campaigns.
• Manage the entire cycle of the product, starting from its initial introduction and spanning until its discontinuation.
• Collaborate closely with cross-functional teams to develop strategies and carry out product launches, oversee transitions and handle obsolete inventory.
• 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.
• Meticulously monitor sales performance and promptly make any required adjustments to stock levels in order to effectively meet demand and achieve sales targets.
• Prepare and present monthly reviews, detailing inventory status, sales performance and purchasing activities.
• Analyse data to identify trends, opportunities and areas of improvement.
• Support the improvement of profitability and identification of opportunities for improvement through profit analysis and the preparation of annual budgets.
• Effectively manage and accurately record and report invoicing and actual costs.
• Monitor and provide updates on important performance indicators such as sales quotas, inventory levels and net profitability.
• Devise and execute strategies to surpass and achieve KPI objectives.
• Motivate, lead and enhance the skills of the Senior Planner.
• Collaborate closely with various stakeholders within the company such as sales, planning, operations and marketing.

Requirements

• Minimum of 2 years of experience in sales and purchase planning, preferably within consumer goods industries.
• Japanese speaker, or has good experience of withing within a Japanese organisation/culture.
• 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.
• High attention to detail with a keen interest and drive to proactively problem-solver
• Strong ability to thrive in high-pressure environments and consistently meet challenging deadlines.

Benefits

• 25 days annual leave plus Bank Holidays
• Paid Birthday Day Off
• Competitive Salary & Bonus Scheme
• Fantastic healthcare benefits from Day One: Private Medical Insurance via BUPA, Permanent Health Insurance, Medicash Health Plan
• Death In Service (4x salary)
• Excellent non-contributory Pension Scheme, up to 14%**
• Employee Discount, up to 50%**
• Anytime access to personal development and training courses via LinkedIn Learning
• Anytime access to retail discounts at 200+ retails (Reward Gateway)
• Casio Sponsorship Scheme for employee charity fundraising
• Head Office team social events and activities including giveaways and reward & recognition incentives
• Join a company that's recently been certified as a 'Great Place to Work'!