[Demand Planner/Forecasting Professional] Global automotive product manufacturer

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Job details

Company overview

Our client is a foreign-owned company specializing in high-quality audio systems primarily for automobiles. They provide premium sound systems specifically designed for each vehicle model, which are adopted by many top-tier car manufacturers. Consequently, vehicles equipped with our sound systems are sold not only in Japan but also worldwide. Their products are known for their high sound quality and customization, making us a significant presence in the car audio market.

Responsibilities

They are seeking an experienced Demand Planner and Forecasting professional to manage and lead forecasting and demand planning functions for Automotive Systems Division. The successful candidate will play a critical role in driving demand forecasting accuracy, optimizing inventory levels, and supporting the Sales and Operations Planning (S&OP) process. This role requires strong analytical capabilities, excellent cross-functional collaboration skills, and a proactive approach to continuous improvement.
Main responsibilities:

• Demand Forecasting & Planning
  • Develop and manage demand forecasts based on sales trends, historical data, market insights, and OEM demand signals.
  • Collaborate closely with sales, engineering, and product teams to gather input on sales trends, new product launches, and customer-specific requirements.
  • Lead monthly demand review meetings at the OEM level and adjust forecasts based on changes in the business environment.
• Sales & Operations Planning (S&OP)
  • Play a key role in the S&OP process, working cross-functionally to balance demand and supply, minimize demand variability, and optimize inventory levels.
  • Communicate forecast adjustments, risks, and opportunities to the supply chain, operations, and finance teams to support eŀective decision-making.
  • Analyze historic forecast accuracy, pacing, and demand variability to identify trends and provide root cause analysis
• Long Range Sales Planning
  • Support the Sales teams to maintain long range sales plan, track target business opportunities, and run new business return maps (business cases)
• Process Improvement
  • Establish new and refine existing forecasting processes, methodologies, and tools to improve accuracy and eŀiciency

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Requirements

Minimum requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain, Business, Statistics, Economics, or related field
• 5+ years of experience in demand planning, forecasting, or supply chain management, preferably within manufacturing or automotive industries.
• Advanced knowledge of Excel and experience with data visualization tools (Power BI, Tableau, etc.).
• Strong analytical skills and proficiency in demand planning and forecasting tools (e.g., SAP, Kinaxis, Saphran or similar).
• Proven experience driving continuous improvement in demand planning and forecasting processes. 

Preferred qualifications:

• Master’s degree preferred.

Salary

6 - 8.5 million yen

Location

Tokyo