Lead Business Planner, Strategic Partner, 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 sits within Nike Japan’s Demand Supply Management (DSM) team and reports to the Nike Japan Nike Marketplace (NMP) Planning Director. You’ll collaborate with the Marketplace Unit and cross-functional teams including Assortment Planning, Merchandising, Finance, Inventory Operations, and Business Units. You’ll also partner with Asia Pacific Latin America (APLA) teams to support forecast reviews, process optimization, and system enhancements.

WHO WE ARE LOOKING FOR

We’re seeking a strategic planner with strong analytical skills and deep retail financial expertise. You excel in fast-paced, collaborative environments and use data to influence decisions and align stakeholders. Your insights will shape business strategy and drive inventory productivity across Nike Japan.

• 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

WHAT YOU’LL WORK ON

You’ll lead seasonal financial planning for Strategic Partner, using consumer insights and market trends to shape demand and inventory strategies. Your work will align cross-functional teams and drive revenue, margin, and inventory efficiency.

• 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)

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.