Supply Chain Analyst - Automotive Shizuoka

A leading automotive component manufacturer is seeking a Supply Chain Analyst to support production planning, inventory management, and supply chain operations at its Kakegawa Plant in Shizuoka, Japan.

In this role, you will analyze manufacturing data, monitor inventory levels, and support efficient production planning to ensure reliable customer deliveries. Using Excel, SAP, and Integrated Business Planning (IBP) systems, you will track operational KPIs, identify potential supply chain issues, and provide data-driven insights to improve manufacturing efficiency.

You will work within a small team responsible for domestic product planning and procurement, collaborating closely with manufacturing departments, suppliers, and overseas operations.

This is an opportunity to develop your career in Supply Chain Management (SCM), Production Planning, Inventory Control, and Automotive Manufacturing within an international manufacturing environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Analyze production planning, manufacturing, and inventory data to support operational decision-making.
• Collect, consolidate, and analyze supply chain data using Microsoft Excel, SAP, and IBP.
• Monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) related to production schedules, inventory levels, and customer deliveries.
• Identify potential issues affecting manufacturing capacity, inventory efficiency, and supply chain performance.
• Collaborate with production and manufacturing departments to align production plans with customer delivery requirements.
• Support inventory control and procurement planning for domestically manufactured automotive components.
• Coordinate with internal stakeholders and suppliers to ensure timely material availability and production readiness.
• Prepare data analyses and operational reports to support production planning decisions.
• Communicate proactively with relevant departments to resolve production planning and supply chain challenges.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives across production planning, inventory management, and supply chain operations.

Required Skills and Qualifications

Experience:

• 3+ years of professional experience, preferably in manufacturing, supply chain, logistics, production operations, or a related field.
• Bachelor's degree or higher.
• Intermediate proficiency in Microsoft Excel, including functions such as VLOOKUP and SUMIF.
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Word and PowerPoint.
• Strong numerical analysis skills and the ability to interpret manufacturing and operational data.
• Ability to support production planning and inventory management through data analysis.
• Valid driver's license.

Soft Skills:

• Strong analytical thinking and problem-solving abilities.
• Proactive communication skills for coordinating with manufacturing departments, internal teams, and external suppliers.
• Strong collaboration and negotiation skills to align different stakeholder requirements.
• Persistence and resilience when balancing customer delivery expectations with production constraints.
• Ability to identify operational issues and recommend practical improvements.
• Energetic, self-motivated approach with a strong sense of initiative.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.

Language Requirements:

• Japanese: Fluent
• English: Fluent

Preferred Skills & Qualifications

• Previous experience in production planning, manufacturing planning, or inventory analysis.
• Practical experience using SAP or Integrated Business Planning (IBP) systems.
• Proficiency in Excel VBA for data processing and reporting automation.
• Experience in the automotive industry or automotive electronic component manufacturing.
• Familiarity with procurement planning, inventory control, or supply chain KPI management.
• Experience coordinating with overseas factories, suppliers, or international supply chain teams.

About the Company

An established automotive component manufacturer with a production facility in Kakegawa, Shizuoka Prefecture.

The company's supply chain organization manages production planning, procurement, and inventory operations to support the reliable supply of automotive components to customers.

Working closely with domestic manufacturing departments and overseas operations, the organization focuses on efficient production scheduling, inventory optimization, and strong coordination across its manufacturing and supply chain network.

Why You'll Love Working Here

• Build practical expertise in Supply Chain Management, Production Planning, Inventory Analysis, and Automotive Manufacturing.
• Receive SAP and IBP training, even if you have not previously used these systems.
• Gain international exposure through collaboration with overseas factories and management teams.
• Work in a focused team with opportunities to contribute directly to manufacturing and supply chain performance.
• Enjoy flexible working hours, with core time from 11:30 AM to 1:30 PM.
• Benefit from 129-131 annual holidays, including weekends, national holidays, and seasonal breaks.
• Access remote work and work-from-home arrangements, subject to operational requirements.
• Enjoy minimal overtime and a work environment that supports work-life balance.
• Receive retirement allowances, employee savings benefits, meal allowances, and transportation support.
• Access an on-site employee cafeteria.
• Benefit from maternity leave, childcare leave, family care leave, sick leave, and additional personal leave programs.

Don't Miss Out - Apply Now!