Lead Business Planner, Strategic Partner, Japan at Nike

Tokyo, Japan

Nike Logo
Not SpecifiedCompensation
Mid-level (3 to 4 years), Senior (5 to 8 years)Experience Level
Full TimeJob Type
UnknownVisa
Retail, Apparel, Footwear, SportswearIndustries

Requirements

  • Minimum 6 years’ experience in Buying, Planning, Allocation and/or Vendor Sales for a multi-store retailer or Financial Planning experience with other apparel/footwear wholesale organization
  • Bachelor’s degree in business or related field
  • Solid understanding of retail math, including gross margin and profitability planning
  • Proven ability to communicate and influence across teams
  • Advanced Excel skills (formulas, pivot tables, spreadsheets) and proficiency in Microsoft Office
  • Experience interpreting customer behavior, competitor activity, and retail trends; knowledge of the sportswear and footwear market is a plus
  • Fluent in English and Japanese, with strong written and verbal communication skills
  • Strategic planner with strong analytical skills and deep retail financial expertise
  • Excel in fast-paced, collaborative environments and use data to influence decisions and align stakeholders

Responsibilities

  • Lead seasonal financial planning for Strategic Partner, using consumer insights and market trends to shape demand and inventory strategies
  • Develop and manage rolling four-season open-to-buy forecasts (sales, inventory, margin)
  • Adjust financial plans based on performance and evolving targets
  • Build integrated strategies with Finance, Analytics, Assortment Planning, Inventory Operations, Marketing, Supply Chain, and Merchandising
  • Create marketplace capacity plans and identify growth opportunities
  • Partner with Assortment Planners to align pre-season targets and develop reconciled merchandise and assortment plans
  • Monitor KPIs such as inventory weeks on hand (WOH), turns, and cancellations to meet goals
  • Prepare monthly and seasonal financial plans, including net ship projections in units and value, aligned with Nike’s inventory strategy
  • Lead planning alignment meetings with stakeholders and Marketplace Unit (MPU) leaders
  • Build scenario plans to assess risks, opportunities, and manage inventory liquidation
  • Use planning tools and forecasts to anticipate trends and develop KPI-driven strategies (e.g., traffic, conversion rates)

Skills

Excel
Pivot Tables
Retail Math
Financial Planning
Demand Planning
Inventory Planning
Forecasting
Open-to-Buy
Stakeholder Influence
Japanese
English

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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