Manager, Distribution & Logistics

Role Mission

Manage the country Distribution & Logistics (D&L) operations including:

• Inbound & outbound freight
• Customs clearance
• Warehousing
• Inventory control
• Value-added service
• Returns management
• Import/export
• Provider management to meet internal SLA and external KPI

Plan and execute country D&L strategy by aligning with the Japan commercial teams, Asia/Global D&L leadership teams and manage to achieve budget of DC costs. Coach Japan D&L team members to ensure achieving annual goals and support individual career development plans.

What You'll Do

D&L operations management

• Oversee and manage the country’s day-to-day DC and Logistics operations to fulfill internal/external SLA/KPI.
• Support team members as they take ownership of executing projects.
• Align with Global/Regional D&L strategies and ensure implementation in Japan.
• Manage 3PL stakeholders at all levels to develop strong partnerships.

Optimization of D&L team across regions

• Proactively engage in the Regional/Global D&L team as a key player.
• Support Regional/Global network optimization and be the "go-to" person for D&L matters to distribute products timely and cost-effectively.
• Collaborate cross-functionally to achieve D&L and company goals.

Country DC strategy

• Lead country D&L strategy and footprint.
• Stay updated on market developments and best practices for best-in-class performance.
• Oversee RFP process, execution, and ensure seamless implementation.

Budget management

• Manage country D&L budget in AOP, aligning with business strategy for growth.
• Review and adjust country D&L budget as necessary via quarterly Latest Estimates.

People management

• Coach and develop the team, grow D&L expertise in the country and establish backup/succession plans.
• Support global/regional D&L initiatives, acting as the go-to person for D&L matters to distribute products efficiently.

Deliverables and Indicators (KPIs)

• Manage budgets and mitigate cost increase.
• Ensure OTIF, CPP & SOX compliance.
• Demonstrate effective day-to-day management of D&L activities in Japan.
• Conduct performance appraisals in people management.

What You'll Bring to the Table

Education

Bachelor’s degree or above.

Experience

• 5-10 years’ experience in SCM/DC/Logistics function in relevant industry, including 3-5 years managerial experience.
• Retail industry experience preferred.

Knowledge

• Technical skills in freight & warehouse, service provider management.
• Analytical skills using MS Excel, continuous improvement, across country/culture.
• People management and task management skills.
• Effective presentation skills in both English and Japanese.
• Business-level language skills in reading, writing, and speaking in Japanese/English.
• Logical thinking to take proactive actions to plan ahead.

Interpersonal Skills

• Build sound relationships with local partners (internal and external) and overseas colleagues.
• Lead company objectives both independently and collaboratively.
• Possess a self-driven and proactive character, taking ownership and leading one's area forward.
• Collaborative, with great interpersonal and communication skills, managing assigned responsibilities independently.
• Results driven with excellent attention to detail.

Travel Requirement

• Overseas business trips mainly to Asian countries (once a year).
• Mobility to visit DC to support operations, especially during peak seasons and continuous improvement.

Key Role Dimensions

Key Relationships

Internal

• Country GM
• Country Channel Directors
• Regional Customer Service
• Business Operations and Planning
• IT and HR
• Regional/Global D&L
• Overseas D&L

External

• Vendors such as 3PL, Freight Forwarders, Customs Broker, X-dock operator
• Other service providers like consultancy services for annual Customs clearance amendments.

About the Company

The Company is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to a diverse and inclusive work environment.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or disability, or any other classification protected by law.