Planning Manager
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 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