Demand Planning AFA Specialist

Japan, Tokyo Operations Full-Time

The AFA (Apparel, Footwear, Accessories) Demand Planner will be responsible for supporting planning activities related to stock needs throughout the year. The role requires a comprehensive understanding of the market, including sales and market demand, across all trade channels (Wholesale, Retail, E-commerce), with a primary focus on Retail full-price stores (O-Stores). The Demand Planner will balance sales expectations with stock levels to ensure the company maintains healthy inventory, particularly focusing on the weekly replenishment flow from the Kawasaki warehouse to O-Stores.
The role involves triggering replenishment orders for the stores, as well as creating and updating reports to identify sales opportunities based on available stock. Additionally, the Demand Planner will support stock preparation to maximize sales, considering sales rankings and trends. Proactively, the Demand Planner will work to minimize missed sales due to stockouts, while also taking into account available storage space across various locations and overall inventory levels for each item. Strong communication skills are essential, particularly when collaborating with local teams to maintain service levels and support accounts.

• Strong analytical and numerical skills (mandatory)
• Excellent Japanese communication skills (mandatory)
• Approximately 2+ years of experience in data analysis (preferred)
• Basic proficiency in English communication (preferred)

• Understanding Different Business Segments: Gain in-depth knowledge of various business channels (Wholesale, E-commerce, Retail), with a particular focus on the Retail business.
• Replenishment Management: Focus on replenishment activities from the warehouse to the stores, balancing key factors such as stock availability in the warehouse, sales opportunities in stores, and physical space for storage.
• Stock Target Adjustments: Collaborate with the Retail Merchandise Team to adjust target stock levels by item for O-Stores.
• Sales Team Support: Work closely with the Sales team to ensure adequate stock levels are in place and leverage analytical skills to identify and capitalize on sales opportunities.
• Stock Level Awareness: Monitor and maintain ideal stock levels both in the warehouse and in stores to ensure efficient inventory management.
• Report Creation: Develop customized and straightforward reports to analyze and assess service levels and inventory status.
• Stock Efficiency Optimization: Identify and implement opportunities for improving stock efficiency across all channels.
• Analysis Summarization: Compile and summarize analytical findings to communicate key information within the company.

Country / Region

Japan

Prefecture (State)

Tokyo

Location (Address)

Kojimachi, Tokyo HQ Office