BAT is evolving at pace into a global multi-category business. Our purpose is to create A Better Tomorrow™ by Building a Smokeless World.
To achieve our ambition, we are looking for colleagues who are ready to join us on this journey! Tomorrow can’t wait, let’s shape it together!

ROLE PROFILE

Job Title:            Planning Manager

Function:            Finance

Report to:           Senior Planning Manager

Work Location:   Tokyo, Japan

FUNCTION SUMMARY

The Finance department in BATJ exists to provide both strategic direction/ guidance to the management and the organization of BAT Japan Group (the “Group”) and operational finance services to the Group to support the achievement of its business plans. The department also monitors the Japan Group finances, overall financial performance and provides periodic updates to Japan Group management. Broadly, the Finance function consists of three groups: (i) Corporate Finance, (ii) Commercial Finance and (iii) Planning. This position resides within the Planning team.  The Planning team leads the Demand Planning function and drives the Integrated Business Planning Management (IBPM) process, enabling integration between cross-functional teams and facilitating key business decisions 

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Demand Planning & Forecasting Develop and maintain robust demand forecasts for product categories by utilizing statistical baseline analysis, cycle plans, and market trends Lead weekly drumbeat meetings with cross-functional teams (Category, Supply Chain, NPI, and Commercial) to address relevant changes, ensure agile forecasting, and support the implementation of cycle activity Support the development and evaluation of business cases by providing sound volume assumptions Collaborate with the Supply Chain team and Planning Hub to ensure optimal inventory levels and mitigate stockout risks 

Integrated Business Performance Management (IBPM) 

Drive the monthly market share and volume performance review for assigned product categories, presenting forecasting scenarios and recommendations during the Demand Review Meeting (DRM) 

Collaborate with cross-functional teams and other end markets (Korea, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Macau) to support line managers in preparing materials for Japan S&OP and Area S&OP meeting 

Prepare meeting minutes for DRM and S&OP meetings to ensure proper governance and documentation of business decisions  

Competition & Industry Analysis 

Monitor and analyse industry movements, cross-category switching, and macro trends to support the line manager in formulating industry forecasts 

Prepare market share and volume forecasts for key competitors to support competitor P&L projections 

Reporting

Ensure timely and accurate BATJ volume uploads to relevant systems to maintain supply connectivity and support financial projections 

Provide monthly reporting on market share, industry, and key competitors, in line with regional and global guidelines 

Team Leadership 

Coach and develop direct reports, assist in building a high-performing team, and support professional growth 

Play an active role in shaping BAT’s culture by demonstrating the right behaviours in line with BAT’s values 

Stakeholder Engagement: Represent the Planning team in alignment meetings to address variances and ensure consensus on volume forecasts 

Process Improvement: Identify opportunities to enhance demand planning processes and implement best practices 

POTENTIAL CAREER PATH

Senior Planning Manager / Senior Commercial Finance ManagerFinance Director in small-mid size market outside JapanHead of Planning / Corporate Finance Controller / Commercial Finance ControllerHead of Growth Management

LEADERSHIP & MANAGEMENT / BEHAVIOURAL COMPETENCIES

Strong communication, influencing, and presentation skills to effectively engage with team membersStrong analytical and problem-solving skills to address complex scenarios effectivelyResilient and agile, skilled at thriving in fast past environmentIntegrity and a disciplined approach to decision-making and execution

QUALIFICATIONS & REQUIREMENTS

5+ years Demand Planning / Supply Chain / Commercial Finance experience (FMCG industry experience an advantage) 

Strong commercial acumen with an understanding of supply chain processes, S&OP, and business planning 

Experience with planning and reporting systems such SAP BPC, SAP APO and Kinaxis 

Proficiency in Microsoft Office tools, including Excel & PowerPoint 

Fluency in both English and Japanese 

WE ARE BAT
BAT is committed to our Purpose of creating A Better Tomorrow. This is what drives our people and our passion for innovation. See what is possible for you at BAT.

Global Top Employer with 53,000 BAT people across more than 180 marketsNewly established Tech Hubs building world-class capabilities for innovation in 4 strategic locationsDiversity leader in the Financial Times and International Women’s Day Best Practice winner

BAT is an equal opportunity employer and follows all applicable equal employment opportunity legislation in each jurisdiction in which it operates.