Planning Manager

ROLE PROFILE

Job Title:            Planning Manager

Function:            Finance

Report to:           Senior Planning Manager

Work Location:   Tokyo, Japan

FUNCTION SUMMARY

The Finance department in BATJ exists to provide both strategic direction/ guidance to the management and the organization of BAT Japan Group (the “Group”) and operational finance services to the Group to support the achievement of its business plans. The department also monitors the Japan Group finances, overall financial performance and provides periodic updates to Japan Group management. Broadly, the Finance function consists of three groups: (i) Corporate Finance, (ii) Commercial Finance and (iii) Planning. This position resides within the Planning team.  The Planning team leads the Demand Planning function and drives the Integrated Business Planning Management (IBPM) process, enabling integration between cross-functional teams and facilitating key business decisions 

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Demand Planning & Forecasting 
   • Develop and maintain robust demand forecasts for product categories by utilizing statistical baseline analysis, cycle plans, and market trends 
   • Lead weekly drumbeat meetings with cross-functional teams (Category, Supply Chain, NPI, and Commercial) to address relevant changes, ensure agile forecasting, and support the implementation of cycle activity 
   • Support the development and evaluation of business cases by providing sound volume assumptions 
   • Collaborate with the Supply Chain team and Planning Hub to ensure optimal inventory levels and mitigate stockout risks 

2. Integrated Business Performance Management (IBPM) 

   • Drive the monthly market share and volume performance review for assigned product categories, presenting forecasting scenarios and recommendations during the Demand Review Meeting (DRM) 

   • Collaborate with cross-functional teams and other end markets (Korea, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Macau) to support line managers in preparing materials for Japan S&OP and Area S&OP meeting 

   • Prepare meeting minutes for DRM and S&OP meetings to ensure proper governance and documentation of business decisions  

3. Competition & Industry Analysis 

   • Monitor and analyse industry movements, cross-category switching, and macro trends to support the line manager in formulating industry forecasts 

   • Prepare market share and volume forecasts for key competitors to support competitor P&L projections 

4. Reporting

   • Ensure timely and accurate BATJ volume uploads to relevant systems to maintain supply connectivity and support financial projections 

   • Provide monthly reporting on market share, industry, and key competitors, in line with regional and global guidelines 

5. Team Leadership 

   • Coach and develop direct reports, assist in building a high-performing team, and support professional growth 

   • Play an active role in shaping BAT’s culture by demonstrating the right behaviours in line with BAT’s values 

6. Stakeholder Engagement: Represent the Planning team in alignment meetings to address variances and ensure consensus on volume forecasts 

7. Process Improvement: Identify opportunities to enhance demand planning processes and implement best practices 

POTENTIAL CAREER PATH

• Senior Planning Manager / Senior Commercial Finance Manager
• Finance Director in small-mid size market outside Japan
• Head of Planning / Corporate Finance Controller / Commercial Finance Controller
• Head of Growth Management

LEADERSHIP & MANAGEMENT / BEHAVIOURAL COMPETENCIES

• Strong communication, influencing, and presentation skills to effectively engage with team members
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills to address complex scenarios effectively
• Resilient and agile, skilled at thriving in fast past environment
• Integrity and a disciplined approach to decision-making and execution

QUALIFICATIONS & REQUIREMENTS

• 5+ years Demand Planning / Supply Chain / Commercial Finance experience (FMCG industry experience an advantage) 

• Strong commercial acumen with an understanding of supply chain processes, S&OP, and business planning 

• Experience with planning and reporting systems such SAP BPC, SAP APO and Kinaxis 

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office tools, including Excel & PowerPoint 

• Fluency in both English and Japanese 

WE ARE BAT
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