Job Description Summary:
The Director, Location Development (Japan Vending) leads the transformation of Japan’s vending machine placement strategy by modernizing the targeting model through big data and redesigning the Salesforce workflow for placement operations. This role will ensure the Vending team shifts from fragmented, manual processes to a fully data-driven, high-precision, and streamlined development engine that maximizes placement productivity and NSR growth in the Japan market.
Key Responsibilities
1. Transform Vending Location Targeting Using Big Data
Lead the transition from traditional location selection to a big-data-driven targeting model using machine learning, consumer mobility data, micro-market segmentation, and trade-area analytics.
Build and deploy a predictive scoring model to identify high-value vending locations (e.g., transportation hubs, commercial clusters, workplace corridors).
Develop dashboards that allow frontline teams to prioritize placement opportunities and optimize route profitability.
Partner with Strategy, RGM, and external data vendors to ensure modeling accuracy and business impact.
2. Redesign Salesforce for Vending Placement Activities
Overhaul the current Salesforce setup to support end-to-end vending placement, evolving from the existing situation where ~20% of the team’s time is spent on system-related tasks to a fully dedicated (100%) digital workflow.
Automate approval flows, standardize data entry, and streamline pipeline visibility from lead generation → evaluation → contract → activation.
Build real-time reporting tools for placement productivity, win/loss analysis, and sales forecasts.
Align system redesign with Japan market operations while leveraging global best practices.
3. Lead Japan Vending Location Development Strategy
Set annual operating plans for vending placements, relocations, and route optimization.
Establish regional and customer-segment-based priorities to maximize NSR and machine productivity.
Define and track KPIs such as placement success rate, ROI, route efficiency, and post-installation performance.
Ensure targeting strategy supports both existing route optimization and white-space expansion.
4. Stakeholder Collaboration & Vendor Management
Work closely with Route Operations, RGM, Finance, Legal, and Franchise/partner teams to deliver seamless placement execution.
Manage external GIS partners, data analytics providers, and field research agencies.
Present strategic recommendations and insights to Japan Vending leadership and OU stakeholders.
Qualifications
8–12+ years of experience in location strategy, vending/route business, commercial development, GIS/analytics, or field sales optimization.
Strong capabilities in big data analytics, predictive modeling, GIS tools, and BI platforms.
Experience leading Salesforce or workflow-automation transformations is highly preferred.
Deep understanding of Japan’s vending market, real estate characteristics, and mobility dynamics.
Strong communication and stakeholder-influencing skills.
Business-level English preferred; Japanese required.
Skills:
Brand Management, Category Management, Communication, Competitor Analysis, Digital Marketing, Finance Strategy, Financial Forecasting, Integrated Marketing, Key Performance Indicators (KPI), Leadership, Marketing Campaigns, Marketing Strategies, Media Planning, Microsoft Office, People Management, Price Management, Product Roadmapping, Promotional Strategies, Sales Analysis, Search Engine Marketing (SEM), Search Engine Optimization (SEO), Teamwork, User Experience AnalysisLocation(s):
JapanCity/Cities:
TokyoTravel Required:
00% - 25%Relocation Provided:
NoJob Posting End Date:
March 27, 2026Shift:
Our Purpose and Growth Culture:
We are taking deliberate action to nurture an inclusive culture that is grounded in our company purpose, to refresh the world and make a difference. We act with a growth mindset, take an expansive approach to what’s possible and believe in continuous learning to improve our business and ourselves. We focus on four key behaviors – curious, empowered, inclusive and agile – and value how we work as much as what we achieve. We believe that our culture is one of the reasons our company continues to thrive after 130+ years. Visit Our Purpose and Vision to learn more about these behaviors and how you can bring them to life in your next role at Coca-Cola.
Top Skills
What We Do
The Coca-Cola Company (NYSE: KO) is a total beverage company, offering over 500 brands in more than 200 countries and territories.
In addition to the company’s Coca-Cola brands, our portfolio includes some of the world’s most valuable beverage brands, such as AdeS soy-based beverages, Ayataka green tea, Dasani waters, Del Valle juices and nectars, Fanta, Georgia coffee, Gold Peak teas and coffees, Honest Tea, innocent smoothies and juices, Minute Maid juices, Powerade sports drinks, Simply juices, smartwater, Sprite, vitaminwater and ZICO coconut water.
