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 the UK and HQ to strategize 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.
Stock Planning & Purchasing
Develop and execute comprehensive stock planning strategies to ensure optimal inventory levels.
Coordinate with HQ to manage the purchasing process, ensuring timely and cost effective procurement.
Work closely with sales and marketing to optimise inventory for all brand and seasonal campaigns.
Product Lifecycle Management
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.
Retail & E commerce Coordination
Work in close collaboration with 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 to effectively meet demand and achieve sales targets.
Monthly Reviews & Reporting
Prepare and present monthly reviews, detailing inventory status, sales performance, and purchasing activities.
Analyse data to identify trends, opportunities, and areas for improvement.
Profit planning and Budgetary Management
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.
KPI Management
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.
Personnel and Stakeholder Management
Motivate, lead, and enhance the skills of the Planner.
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.
