SENIOR PLANNER_

JOB SUMMARY.
The Senior Planner is responsible for optimizing inventory levels and projecting supply based on varying demand through data driven decision making to ensure KPIs are met in the end-to-end supply chain process.
He or she will work closely with key cross functional stakeholders including client channel managers, program managers, and supply chain functions to develop and implement cohesive analyses, processes, and reporting that will drive demand/supply plans using analytical tools, strong product knowledge, customer relationships, and business judgement while conducting point of sale analysis to create, refine, and report forecasts.
The Senior Planner develops, implements, and improves a daily, weekly, and monthly repeatable work cadence that is integrated with the customer’s transportation and distribution logistics, operations planning cadences, and internal manufacturing and capacity planning that should strategically aligned and linked with the designated S&OP and S&OE processes.
Accordingly, he or she possesses excellent cross functional communication, relationship-building skills, and a bias toward process and action.
RESPONSIBILITIES.
Create accurate and timely supply and demand plans supported by sales forecast, historical sales data analysis, seasonal manufacturing as well as sales fluctuation, shipment lead time, market trends and all other factors of economic and global logistics environment, and produce the master supply plan by determining products to be produced by each manufacturing site to best support customer demand requirements and business objectives.
Examine and strengthen supply and demand plans to link with manufacturing capacity planning, and c ollaborate with manufacturing sites, customers through sales function as well as CX (Customer Experience) team to ensure a seamless flow of inventory.
Manage purchase orders based on planning execution, service commitments, existing inventory on hand and lead times.
Manage lead times and influence business partners when changes are needed to drive operational efficiency and improve service.
Conduct daily/weekly forecast and PSI review among Sales and CX teams for the latest and reliable demand/supply validation and updates.
Own reporting capabilities including compiling data of demand plan, projection, sales and inventory etc.
for monthly S&OP meeting.
Accountable for supply execution including shipment from manufacturing site, strategic inventory plan in-house and external warehouses, judgement and instruction for NG products upon designated rules, unusual and/or extra treatment of products for safety and all other supply related activities.
Provide data-based analysis for SKU rationalization recommendations.
Interface and actively engage with senior level leads of cross functional partners such as Sales, PMG, CTA (Customer Technical Assistance)/QA, BTS (Blend Testing Service) Operations, HSES/GA, CX, Logistics and Facility Engineering to drive process/customer optimization and cost efficiency.
Check, validate, supervise and align a Planner’s activities to ensure the reliable supply process and mitigate any risk of demand & supply planning activities.
Meet or exceed Supply Chain KPI targets and assist in defining, implementing and standardizing best practices and business processes.
Own SAP operational capability in planning and all the necessary data analysis for reliable S&OP process.
Liaise regional and global stakeholders for all the necessary activities such as production, allocation, shipments and extra airfreight arrangements.
REQUIREMENTS (education, experience, competencies and specific job requirements).
Education.
Bachelor's degree in Business, Statistics, Supply Chain Management, Operations, Finance, Accounting, Information Systems, or other related quantitative disciplines.
Master’s degree in Business Administration, Finance, Logistics etc.
is a plus.
Experience.
At least 4-6 years of experiences in either one or more of demand planning, supply planning, supply chain management, production control, logistics and manufacturing.
Experience communicating with internal and external business partners and cross functional teams at various levels.
Experience applying concepts of basic algebra and/or statistics.
3+ years of experience using MRP and ERP systems (SAP preferred) Understanding of planning and materials management within a regulated manufacturing and production control environment.
Team management and individual development experience is a plus Experience in Chemical industry or related industry is preferred   Main Core Competencies ： Seek new and better approaches to their work Analytical and good problem solving Deliver Results Initiative Teamwork   Knowledge, technical/professional skill.
Good data analytical skills Proficient in Microsoft Excel, Word and Outlook Advanced level skill in Microsoft Excel (using average, pivot table and vlookup etc.) Knowledge and skills in Microsoft Access is a plus Project Management Excellent analysis and problem-solving skills TQM, Lean Management will be a plus ISO management skill is a plus Hands-on, willing to work under pressure          Language Skill.
Fluent in Japanese and English (verbal and written)