Lead, Assortment Planning Sporting Goods, Japan at Nike

Tokyo, Japan

Nike Logo
Not SpecifiedCompensation
Senior (5 to 8 years), Expert & Leadership (9+ years)Experience Level
Full TimeJob Type
UnknownVisa
Sporting Goods, Retail, Apparel, FootwearIndustries

Requirements

  • Minimum 6 years of experience in Buying, Planning, Allocation and/or Vendor Sales for a multi-store retailer or Assortment Planning experience with apparel/footwear wholesale organizations
  • Bachelor’s degree in business or related field
  • Comprehensive understanding of retail math, including gross margin profitability planning
  • Strong ability to communicate and influence effectively
  • Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office, especially Excel (spreadsheets, advanced formulas, pivot table)
  • Strong oral and written communication skills in both Japanese and English
  • Experience analyzing customers, competitors and retail trends; knowledge of sports apparel and footwear market preferred

Responsibilities

  • Lead and influence alignment on seasonal assortment plans for Sporting Goods, leveraging expertise in consumer behavior, trends, and marketing activities
  • Provide detailed seasonal analysis based on actual sales results to inform future seasonal financial planning
  • Develop seasonal assortment plans at style-color level (and Key Franchise) for footwear, apparel, and equipment to maximize revenue, margin, and optimize inventory
  • Partner with Account Executives to negotiate with partners, ensuring adoption of suggested assortment plans and timely, accurate order entry
  • Communicate weekly sales results, highlighting positive and negative trends and proposing actionable plans
  • Create and manage monthly Stock & Sales Plan for key franchises, providing inventory outlooks to guide buying decisions
  • Manage product offer end-date extensions, return applications, and stock transfers

Skills

Key technologies and capabilities for this role

Assortment PlanningRetail MathGross Margin PlanningExcelPivot TablesAdvanced FormulasBuyingPlanningAllocationVendor Sales

Questions & Answers

Common questions about this position

What experience is required for this Lead, Assortment Planning role?

Minimum 6 years of experience in Buying, Planning, Allocation and/or Vendor Sales for a multi-store retailer or Assortment Planning experience with apparel/footwear wholesale organizations is required, along with a Bachelor’s degree in business or related field.

What key skills are needed for this position?

Candidates need comprehensive understanding of retail math including gross margin profitability planning, advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office especially Excel with spreadsheets, advanced formulas, and pivot tables, strong communication skills in Japanese and English, and experience analyzing customers, competitors, and retail trends.

Who will I be working with in this role?

This role is part of the Nike Japan Planning team, reports to the Director of Sales Planning, and collaborates closely with the Marketplace Unit, Sporting Goods Business Planner, Marketplace Supply Chain, Operations, Inventory Operations, Nike Value Stores planning team, Territory Merchandising team, and Sales.

What qualities does Nike look for in candidates for this position?

Nike seeks a leader who demonstrates strong leadership, embraces and leads change, acts with courage, values differences, thinks strategically, cultivates innovation, and fosters an end-to-end process improvement mindset.

What is the salary or compensation for this role?

This information is not specified in the job description.

Nike

Designs and sells athletic footwear and apparel

About Nike

Nike designs, manufactures, and sells a variety of footwear, apparel, equipment, and accessories aimed at athletes, fitness enthusiasts, and everyday consumers. Their products are created to be stylish and performance-oriented, catering to the needs of a diverse clientele. Nike operates through multiple sales channels, including retail stores, online platforms, and third-party retailers, and enhances its brand image through endorsements from well-known athletes and sports teams. A key aspect of Nike's approach is its membership program, which offers exclusive access to products and content, fostering a deeper connection with consumers. Unlike many competitors, Nike places a strong emphasis on sustainability and corporate responsibility, integrating these values into its operations and product development. The company's goal is to continue growing by creating products that resonate with consumers while promoting positive social and environmental impact.

Beaverton, OregonHeadquarters
1964Year Founded
IPOCompany Stage
Consumer Software, Social Impact, Consumer GoodsIndustries
10,001+Employees

Benefits

Health Insurance
Remote Work Options
Flexible Work Hours

Risks

Emerging sportswear brands increase competition through digital marketing and direct sales.
Rising raw material costs could impact Nike's profit margins.
Consumer backlash over labor practices could harm Nike's brand reputation.

Differentiation

Nike integrates electronics into footwear for active recovery, enhancing product innovation.
The company capitalizes on retro designs, appealing to nostalgic consumers.
Nike's strong brand loyalty is bolstered by high-profile athlete endorsements.

Upsides

Nike's partnership with Oaklands Wolves boosts brand visibility among younger demographics.
Significant investments indicate strong investor confidence in Nike's growth prospects.
Nike's recognition as a socially responsible stock appeals to environmentally conscious investors.

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