Distribution Planner
Chanel · Tokyo
I. BUSINESS CONTEXT:
The beauty industry is undergoing rapid and continuous transformation, further accelerated by unexpected events such as COVID-19. As market dynamics and consumer behaviors evolve, greater agility and new approaches are required to address emerging business challenges. Chanel’s distribution strategy must also evolve to redefine the role and value of each distribution channel while delivering new customer value in a comprehensive manner.
Key priorities include accelerating digitalization across both online and offline channels, creating a seamless brand experience, and strengthening competitiveness. At the same time, the retail landscape is becoming increasingly complex due to the closure of regional department stores, changes in traffic patterns in urban areas, and shifts in consumer lifestyles and purchasing journeys. These structural changes in the market, trade areas, and business models require new and adaptive distribution capabilities.
II. EXISTING AND FUTURE STAKES:
The Distribution Planner is expected to play a critical role in:
- Delivering a seamless Chanel brand experience across all distribution channels and customer touchpoints while optimizing sales performance and product sell-through.
- Managing inventory across increasingly complex online and offline distribution networks.
- Supporting planning activities, projects, and initiatives related to system and platform development.
III. RESPONSIBILITIES AND ACCOUNTABILITIES:
The key responsibilities of the Distribution Planner include:
- Manage and monitor product inventory across channels and POS
- Support product supply planning by channel and POS
- Plan and manage the distribution of promotional materials by channel and POS
- Manage sales data and provide analytical reporting
- Operate and maintain automated allocation and replenishment systems.
- Support enhancement initiatives and continuous improvement of automated allocation and replenishment systems.
The Key Stakeholders:
- Retail Team
- Product Marketing Team
- Demand Planning Team
- Client Engagement & Digital Marketing Team
- IT Team
- FBP Logistics Team
Expected Behaviors and Mindset:
- Retail-oriented mindset
- Strong cross-functional collaboration skills
- Analytical thinking and numerical aptitude
- Professional and positive attitude
- Agility and strong coordination skills
Required Experience/Skills:
- Bachelor’s degree.
- Experience in beauty, fashion, or FMCG industries.
- Experience in multi-channel (online/offline) distribution and inventory management.
- Omnichannel project experience is a plus.
- Experience in retail operations and wholesale-based sales is a plus.
- Long-term perspective with a strong desire for continuous learning and self-development.
- Strong communication and stakeholder management skills.
- Solid understanding of retail and distribution business.
- Intermediate to advanced Excel skills; experience with Power Pivot and SQL is an advantage.
- Ability to create presentations using PowerPoint.
- Strong logical thinking, analytical capability, and numerical proficiency.
- High level of curiosity and adaptability to innovation and change.
- Native-level Japanese required; English reading and writing skills are a plus.