The Demand Planning function is responsible for ensuring optimal product availability while maintaining healthy inventory levels for a single premium beauty brand across multiple distribution channels in Japan market, including department stores, e-commerce, directly operated stores, and travel retail.

Operating within a well-established S&OP framework, the role requires close collaboration with cross-functional teams and alignment with global stakeholders to deliver a consensus-driven demand plan.


The business is characterized by:
・A single-brand portfolio with high SKU complexity across multiple categories, shades, and frequent new product launches
・A multi-channel distribution model with distinct demand patterns, customer behaviors, and service level expectations
・Strong demand volatility driven by market trend, campaigns, seasonality, and channel-specific events
・A global supply network with long lead times and limited short-term flexibility

Key performance indicators IKPI) for this role include forecast accuracy, forecast bias, inventory coverage, and air freight usage.

In this context, “Demand Planner” is expected to understand market trends, take responsibility for improving forecast quality , negotiate with global stakeholders to support the Japan business, and actively contribute to the S&OP cycle.

The role also contributes to continuous improvement in planning performance and supports better decision-making through data analysis and the provision of actionable insights.


II. EXISTING AND FUTURE STAKES
The Demand Planning function is expected to play an increasingly strategic role in supporting business growth and operational excellence.

Key transformation areas include:

・Enhancing forecast accuracy and reducing bias through improved use of data, analytics, and demand sensing

・Actively support the enhancement of the S&OP process by providing data analysis and insights to enable faster and more agile decision-making across functions

・Support better understanding of demand signals across channels through data analysis and visualization, contributing to improved demand visibility

・Optimizing inventory management to balance service levels and working capital more effectively.

・Reducing reliance on air freight by improving planning discipline and anticipation of risks


III. RESPONSIBILITIES AND ACCOUNTABILITIES
“Demand Planner” is responsible for the followings:

 Demand Forecasting & Analysis

Develop and maintain accurate demand forecasts at SKU and channel level by leveraging market trends, historical data, statistical models, and business insights. Continuously monitor forecast performance (accuracy and bias) and identify drivers of variances.

S&OP Process Support
Support the monthly S&OP cycle by providing data analysis and preparing relevant materials to ensure alignment of demand assumptions across Sales, Marketing, and Finance. Prepare and analyze demand reviews materials by consolidating key insights, risks, and opportunities, and support decision-making.

Cross-functional Collaboration
Partner closely with Sales and Marketing teams to integrate commercial plans, product launches, and promotional activities into the demand plan. Align with global supply chain team to ensure feasibility and optimize service levels and inventory.

Inventory & Service Level Management
Balance product availability and inventory coverage targets, minimizing both stock-outs and excess inventory. Proactively identify supply risks and propose mitigation actions.

Performance management
Continuous Improvement. Tack and report key KPIs including forecast accuracy, inventory coverage and air freight usage. Drive initiatives to improve forecast quality, reduce volatility, and enhance planning processes.

Stakeholder Communication
Effectively communicate, report, and negotiate with local and global stakeholders, providing transparency on demand outlook and key assumptions. Act as a trusted business partner within the organization.