Lead, Assortment Planning ABC Mart, Japan

WHO YOU’LL WORK WITH

This role will be part of the Nike Japan Demand Supply Management (DSM) team, reporting to the Nike Japan Nike Marketplace (NMP) Planning Director and working closely with the Marketplace Unit.

Within DSM, this position will receive seasonal guidance from the ABC Mart Merchandising Financial Planner before the season and will hand off responsibilities to the Marketplace Supply Chain (MSC) just before the season begins. This role will also collaborate closely with Operations to confirm deliveries, Inventory Operations to assess excess or short inventory positions, and the Nike Value Stores (NVS) marketplace planning team for liquidation. The Territory Merchandising team and Sales will be vital partners in initiating depth planning for the season.

WHO WE ARE LOOKING FOR

We seek a candidate who will lead pre-season depth planning along with in-season and post-season activities related to the ABC Mart business. The ideal person should demonstrate strong leadership skills that support the growth of Nike Japan. This role will serve as an objective partner to the Marketplace Unit (MPU) teams, driving clear, thoughtful, and fact-based business decisions. You will need to understand product offerings, the marketplace, insights, and marketing strategies to inform demand and inventory forecasts. Collaboration with key cross-functional stakeholders on pre-season and in-season risks and opportunities will be essential. We are looking for an individual who cultivates an end-to-end process improvement mindset to optimize ways of working. Nike is committed to creating a rewarding experience for every consumer, and your contributions as part of the demand and supply management team will significantly impact our success. Key leadership competencies include embracing and leading change, acting with courage, valuing differences, thinking strategically, and cultivating innovation.

• 5+ years’ experience in Buying, Planning, Allocation and/or Vendor Sales for a multi-store retailer or Assortment Planning experience with other apparel/ footwear wholesale organization

• A Bachelor’s degree in business or related field.

• A 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 will influence and drive alignment on the seasonal assortment plan for ABC Mart, providing your expertise based on consumer behavior, trends, and marketing activities.

• Conduct detailed seasonal analyses based on actual sales results to inform future seasonal financial planning. 

• Develop a seasonal assortment plan at the style-color level (and for Key Franchises) for footwear, apparel, and equipment products to maximize revenue, enhance margins, and optimize inventory. (Season 4)  to maximize revenue, margin and optimize inventory. (Season 4)

• Collaborate with the Account Executive to negotiate with partners, adopting the suggested assortment plan and managing the partner’s seasonal order entry to ensure compliance with company deadlines and order integrity. 

• Create and communicate weekly sales results, detailing both positive and negative outcomes along with potential action plans. 

• Monthly, create and manage a Stock & Sales Plan for key franchises, providing inventory outlooks for future buying decisions. 

• Oversee Product Offer End Date extensions, manage returns, and coordinate stock transfers.