Overview:
You will be the supply planner in the operations team, reporting to the operations manager.
This is currently a junior role, but expect it to evolve as the underlying business grows. Further training will be provided as complexity evolves.
The Supply Planning Associate will support the overall supply chain operations, focusing on matcha and ingredient sourcing, supplier management, and logistics coordination with the Japan supply chain team. The successful candidate will analyze available data from various online e-commerce platforms, inventory reports and work with the demand planning and production teams to ensure that supply remains smooth and cost-efficient.
Key Responsibilities:
1. Supply Planning:
- Sourcing and Procurement:
Assist and work with the Japan supply chain team, ensuring adherence to quality standards and cost-effective purchasing.
Collaborate with the Japan-based counterpart to align matcha procurement processes, ensuring consistent supply and operational alignment.
- Other Ingredient Sourcing and Procurement:
Support the procurement of new matcha blends for use in B2B sales
Develop strategies with the team for cost-efficient sourcing, ensuring the timely and effective supply of all ingredients, working closely with the Japanese supply chain team to ensure smooth operations
Work with production team to ensure that matcha accessories from China are produced and shipped out on time
- Freight Management (Air/Sea for Japan):
Coordinate with logistics partners for the effective management of air and sea freight shipments, ensuring that delivery schedules are met.
Track and optimize transportation costs to enhance efficiency in the supply chain, ensuring smooth transitions from supplier to production facilities.
Anticipating factors that might influence supply, such as seasonal slowdowns or upcoming promotions
Managing the storage of inventory and materials in Japan
Maintaining enough inventory to meet demands without overstocking
Collaborating with operations, production and other supply chain department team members
Monitor supplier performance, assist in negotiations with Japan team, and ensure timely deliveries to meet production needs.
Create and maintain a catalog of suppliers along with the products we procure from each supplier respectively
2. Supplier and Logistics Coordination:
- Liaison with Japan Counterpart:
Regularly communicate and collaborate with the supply chain counterpart in Japan to ensure coordination on matcha sourcing, supplier management, and logistics.
Facilitate information flow between teams, ensuring that all supply chain operations align with the production and business goals.
Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Business, Operations, or a related field.
- 1-2 years of experience in supply chain, procurement, or logistics operations is preferred.
- Bonus: Able to read, write and communicate in Japanese
- Strong communication and collaboration skills to work effectively with local and international teams.
- Proficiency in supply chain management software and tools.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with attention to detail.
Key Competencies:
- Supply and Procurement Planning
- Supplier Relationship Management
- Freight and Logistics Coordination
- Communication and Collaboration Skills
- Analytical and Problem-Solving Skills
About our company:
- We are an Ecommerce DTC company with 90% USA sales.
- We are stable, profitable and have been doubling our revenue each year for the past 3 years.
- We have a sizeable marketing budget to deploy for 2024/2025.
- We are bootstrapped and founder-operated.
- The average age in our team is 30 years old.
- We practice “flexi-place” arrangements and our office is located less than 10 mins walking distance from Upper Thomson MRT station.
