Manager, Distribution & Logistics

Overview

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, and 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 plan

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
• Give support to team members when individuals take an ownership of executing projects
• Align with Global/Regional D&L strategies and ensure those are implemented 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 in timely and cost-effective manner
• Collaborate cross functionally to achieve D&L and company goals

Country DC strategy

• Lead country D&L strategy and footprint
• Keep abreast of market developments and best practices to bring best-in-class performance to D&L
• Own RFP process, execution, and ensure seamless implementation

Budget management

• Manage country D&L budget in AOP and align with the business strategy for business 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 back-up/succession plans
• Support the global/regional D&L initiatives and be the go-to person for all D&L matters to distribute products in the timeliest, cost efficient and most compliant manner

Deliverables and Indicators (KPIs)

• Manage budgets and mitigate cost increase
• OTIF, CPP & SOX compliance
• Demonstrate effective day to day management of D&L activities in Japan
• Performance appraisal 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 preferred

Knowledge

• Technical skills such as freight & warehouse, service provider management
• Analytical skills using MS Excel, continuous improvement, across country/culture
• People management and task management skills
• Effective presentation skills both in 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 (both internal and external) and overseas colleagues
• Act as a head of department in a way to lead company objective (independent and collaborative)
• Self-driven and proactive character, taking ownership and leading own area forward
• Collaborative, possesses great interpersonal and communication skills and able to manage assigned responsibilities independently
• Results driven with excellent attention to details

Travel Requirement

• Overseas business trip 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 such as Consultancy services for annual amendment Customs clearance as necessary

People

• 6 employees

Geographical Area

• Tokyo