Lead Business Planner, NDDC Partners, Japan

Become a Part of the NIKE, Inc. Team

NIKE, Inc. does more than outfit the world’s best athletes. It is a place to explore potential, obliterate boundaries and push out the edges of what can be. The company looks for people who can grow, think, dream and create. Its culture thrives by embracing diversity and rewarding imagination. The brand seeks achievers, leaders and visionaries. At NIKE, Inc. it’s about each person bringing skills and passion to a challenging and constantly evolving game.

WHO YOU’LL WORK WITH

This role is part of Nike Japan Planning team, reporting to the Nike Japan Nike Direct Digital Commerce (NDDC) Planning Director and closely work with the Marketplace Unit.

You will partner and work with multiple key stakeholders to drive topline business strategy within a fast-growing and dynamic business. This role will work closely with Assortment Planning, Merchandising, Finance, Inventory Operations, Marketplace Business Unit teams to deliver revenue, margin, and inventory productivity goals as well as growing market share in Japan marketplace. Additionally, this role will collaborate with geo team to ensure accurate forecast reviews, timely updates, and the effective enablement of processes and systems.

WHO WE ARE LOOKING FOR

We’re looking for a person who can demonstrate strong leadership to enable growth of Nike Japan. As a business Merchandise Financial Planning role, ideal candidate will possess a comprehensive understanding of retail metrics, buying, forecasting, account management, and how they are used across functions to deliver profitable and sustainable growth for Nike. This role is accountable to be an objective partner to Marketplace Unit (MPU) teams to drive clear, thoughtful, fact-based business decisions. Understand product, marketplace, insights and marketing strategies to inform demand and inventory forecasts. Collaborate with key cross functional stakeholders on pre-season and in-season risks & opportunities. Cultivate an end-to-end process improvement mindset to optimize ways of working. Nike is committed to making every consumer's experience a rewarding one, and as a member of Demand and Supply Management team, this role’s contributions will be a big part of our success. Leadership competencies include embrace & lead change, acts with courage, value differences, thinks strategically and cultivate innovation.

• 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.

• Comprehensive understanding of retail math, including gross margin profitability planning.

• Strong and demonstrated ability to effectively communicate and influence others.

• Advanced knowledge of Microsoft office applications; high proficiency in Excel, including creating spreadsheets, advanced formulas, pivot tables, etc.

• Strong oral and written communication skills (in both English and Japanese).

• Experience in developing an understanding of customers, competitors and retail trends; knowledge of sports apparel and footwear market preferred.

WHAT YOU’LL WORK ON

You are responsible for driving strategic retail and scenario planning across revenue, margin, and inventory. You will also develop marketplace capacity plans, lead cross-functional alignment and manage risk through proactive planning and insights.

Key daily responsibilities include:

• Develop marketplace capacity plans for future seasons without finalized supply or assortment data and inform cross-functional teams for future growth potentials.

• Guide assortment planners with pre-season targets and reconcile financial and bottom-up plans.

• Set and track KPIs such as inventory week on hand (WOH), returns, and cancellations and build a plan to achieve the aligned goal.

• Build monthly and seasonal plans, including net ship plans aligned with Finance and Inventory Operations.

• Own a rolling 4-season planning cycle and collaborate closely with Merchandise Financial Planner (MFP) overseeing Asia Pacific Latin America (APLA).

• Use planning tools and macro insights to anticipate trends and inform decisions.

• Lead alignment meetings, communicate updates, and drive cross-functional consensus through Enterprise Business Planning (EBP).

NIKE, Inc. is a growth company that looks for team members to grow with it. Nike offers a generous total rewards package, casual work environment, a diverse and inclusive culture, and an electric atmosphere for professional development. No matter the location, or the role, every Nike employee shares one galvanizing mission: To bring inspiration and innovation to every athlete* in the world.

NIKE, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer. Qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, veteran status, or disability.