International Sales-Supply and Demand Planner

Job type Permanent
Salary
Reference 56273

 

Position

International Sales – Supply & Demand Planner (Aftermarket Parts)

Location

Kanagawa, Japan

Company Overview

This organization is a Japan-based commercial vehicle manufacturer with a long history of manufacturing excellence. As part of a global commercial vehicle group, it plays a key role in worldwide operations, supplying trucks and buses to more than 170 markets.

By combining Japanese manufacturing traditions with global-scale capabilities, the company delivers high-quality products and services while operating in a truly international business environment. Employees work closely with global partners on a daily basis, contributing to worldwide supply chains and customer support operations.

Department Overview

The role sits within the Customer Service Parts Logistics function, which is responsible for the procurement and distribution of aftermarket parts both domestically and internationally.

This is a highly operational and decision-driven department where each action directly impacts customers and business performance. The import supplier management team is a small, specialized group responsible for ensuring the availability of imported service parts for aftersales operations.

Key objectives include preventing stock-outs, reducing recovery time when shortages occur, and optimizing inventory levels while minimizing overall inventory cost through continuous improvement.

Role Summary

The Supply & Demand Planner is responsible for securing the availability of imported spare parts through forecasting, ordering, and inventory planning. In addition to routine planning activities, the role plays a critical part in managing urgent supply issues, conducting root cause analysis for shortages, and driving process improvements.

This position requires close coordination with suppliers, logistics partners, and internal stakeholders such as procurement, engineering, and IT.

Key Responsibilities

  • Plan and manage inventory for imported service parts, including forecasting, ordering, and safety stock settings

  • Respond to part shortages by expediting orders, arranging emergency shipments, and implementing alternative solutions

  • Reduce stock-out duration by identifying causes and executing countermeasures

  • Analyze long-aging backorders and determine estimated arrival timelines

  • Optimize inventory cost while maintaining high service levels

  • Communicate and coordinate with internal and external stakeholders

  • Maintain master data, manage part replacements, and ensure accurate safety stock settings

  • Monitor and adjust demand forecasts to optimize order quantities

  • Lead or support projects focused on process automation and system efficiency improvement

  • Organize and facilitate meetings to strengthen supplier relationships and improve supply stability

Requirements

Experience & Knowledge

  • Experience in supply chain management, demand planning, supply planning, or a related field

  • Strong analytical skills with a continuous improvement mindset

  • High flexibility and adaptability in a fast-paced, international environment

  • Ability to communicate clearly and effectively across cultures

Education

  • Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Logistics, or a related field (preferred)

IT Skills

  • Advanced Excel skills and solid PowerPoint proficiency

  • Experience with planning or ERP systems such as SAP MM, APO, SAP IBP, or similar tools (preferred)

  • Experience using Power BI or other data visualization tools (preferred)

  • Experience with think-cell is a plus

Certifications (Preferred)

  • Supply chain–related certifications such as APICS or IBF (CPF / ACPF)

Working Conditions

Working Location

  • Manufacturing and headquarters site in Kawasaki, Kanagawa

  • Access via company shuttle bus from nearby major stations

  • Walking access available from local train station

  • Commuting by car, bicycle, or motorcycle permitted

Working Hours

  • Standard working hours: 8:00–17:00 or 9:00–18:00

  • Flexible working hours with no fixed core time

  • Remote and mobile work options available

Holidays & Leave

  • Annual holidays: 121 days

  • Five-day workweek (Saturday and Sunday off), plus national holidays based on company calendar

  • Paid annual leave, special leave, maternity and childcare leave, and nursing care leave

Compensation & Benefits

  • Bonus paid twice per year

  • Allowances include commuting, mobile work, overtime, child-related, housing, and defined contribution pension

  • Base salary determined based on skills and experience

  • Allowances paid separately from base salary