The Demand Planner role is responsible for both demand planning & supply management. This position requires developing and communicating a consensus forecast for a defined portfolio of products. Responsiblities include integrating historical data, market data, & strategic plans collected throughout the S& OP Process by close collaboration with sales, marketing, finance, and regional & global supply chain partners. The Demand Planner position also requires supply management functions. The Demand Planner is expected to manage supply & inventory to maintain high service levels while maintaining optimal inventory levels. This can include having difficult conversations with multilple key stakeholders.

Key Demand Planner functions include:
-Team management, team development
-Developing SKU-level operational forecasts
-Interacting regularly with cross-functional partners including Marketing, Finance, QA, Regulatory, Regional & Global Planning
-Handle escalations & negotiate with various internal & external stakeholders
-Create scenario plans to support on-time launch of new products
-Take action with an appropriate sense of urgency to mitigate supply shortages
-Optimize inventory to avoid stock outs while reducing slow-moving inventory and scrap.
-Lead local S& OP process to ensure consistency between consensus forecast and business plan.
-Meet KPI targets (Inventory/OTIF/SLOB/MAPE) and find ways to improve versus those targetsRequired Experience
-3yrs or more of business level-English (both written & verbal), 30-60% of work conducted in English
-Experience in supply chain management, preferably in the healthcare field

Required Skills
-Business level English skills & fluency in Japanese
-Knowledge of Microsoft office (particularly Excel)

Preferred Skills
-ERP & or APS experience (JDE, SAP, APO, Manugistics, OMP, etc)
-APICS certification is a plus

Desired Skills
-Strong communication skills required to manage a wide range of internal stakeholders
-Appropriate sense of urgency & ability to manage pressure from stakeholders
-Ability to communicate with stakeholders both in & outside of Japan
-Willingess to provide knowdlege & experience to other peers in addition to one's own assignments