Corporate Planning Senior Associate

The Corporate Planning Division is dedicated to strengthening the company's business infrastructure and driving transformative initiatives to achieve organizational goals. The Corporate Planning Senior Associate manages these initiatives and strengthens the business infrastructure by leveraging data analytics for evidence-based decision-making. This senior-level role requires an individual who can maintain a broad strategic perspective while independently executing complex, data-driven projects. The Senior Associate will play a critical role in developing long-term strategy, leading major projects, and mentoring junior team members.

Essential Job Functions:

• Strategic Planning & Corporate Management
  • Establish and enhance corporate planning functions to develop long-term strategies aligned with the company's vision and mission, leveraging deep data-driven insights across all departments.
  • Develop and implement robust frameworks to execute corporate activities, including sophisticated KPI monitoring, cost reduction strategies, and effective risk management techniques, utilizing advanced analytical tools and dashboards.
  • Oversee and manage business operations for corporate projects and affiliated companies, utilizing data analytics to identify efficiencies and areas for strategic investment.
  • Collaborate closely with Global HQ in Japan to implement global business management practices and ensure consistent data reporting and analysis standards across the organization.
  • Lead and support initiatives aimed at improving, innovating, and transforming the organization, basing all recommendations on rigorous quantitative analysis.
• Project Management & Execution
  • Lead projects to modernize and optimize critical business operations across functions including, but not limited to, Supply Chain, Logistics, Sales, and Operations, by leveraging data analytics to identify opportunities and drive performance improvement.
  • Structure and manage all aspects of key programs and projects, including defining objectives, scope, plans/scorecards, cross-functional engagement, problem-solving, and documentation, while utilizing data-driven insights to inform decisions and measure impact.
  • Lead project workstreams and guide direct and indirect teams to deliver results using quantitative and qualitative business models.
  • Conduct complex analysis and manage applications for new capital investments (e.g., establishing new warehouses). Oversee potential M&A (Mergers and Acquisitions) opportunities and integration processes.
  • Drive fact-based decision-making across all projects by expertly gathering and synthesizing both quantitative and qualitative data from multiple different sources.
  • Take the lead in driving new, complex initiatives, particularly those that are unprecedented for the company. 
• Other Duties
  • Conduct rigorous, data-driven analysis leveraging advanced data analytics techniques to diagnose the current state of business performance and model future outcomes.
  • Analyze critical metrics using data analytics tools to provide actionable insights and advise business stakeholders on methods to improve and optimize services, programs, and overall business operations.
  • Lead or support end-to-end project management, including developing comprehensive project plans, cost estimates, scoping, requirements gathering, and overseeing implementation and deployment, while applying data analytics to guide prioritization and resource allocation.
  • Proactively monitor and mitigate risks, ensure the timely completion of project milestones, and report on progress to relevant stakeholders through data-backed performance dashboards and analytics.
  • Collaborate with cross-functional teams, division management, and branch management to identify stakeholders, track project performance, assess the impacts of changes, and address organizational readiness needs using data insights.
  • Serve as one of the division's most skilled employees, tasked with helping to train and mentor other Corporate Planning Associates and administrators in data-driven problem solving and analytical best practices.
  • Stay up-to-date with industry trends and best practices in data analytics, data management, and emerging technologies to enhance the company’s analytical capabilities.
  • Other duties as assigned.

Experience/ Training/ Education

• Bachelor Degree in Business Administration/Management, Economics, Finance or Accounting, Statistics or Business Analytics
• Master degree in a relevant quantitative field (e.g., Finance, Data Analytics, Strategic Management) is preferred
• 5 to 7 years of similar work experience; in business administration, business strategy, or related field.
• Substantial experience in strategic planning, management consulting, or a senior corporate staff role, demonstrating the ability to lead complex, large-scale projects.
• Experience leading complex improvement projects related to Supply Chain, Logistics, or Sales optimization.

Knowledge, Skills, and Ability

• Strategic Planning: Knowledge of how to translate organizational vision and mission into actionable strategies and tactical plans.
• Global Operations: Understanding of global business management practices and data standards, especially when collaborating with a Global Headquarters (HQ).
• Risk & Governance: Understanding of risk management techniques and governance best practices.
• Corporate Development: Knowledge of investment application processes and the M&A lifecycle (due diligence, valuation, and integration).
• Functional Operations: Familiarity with key business functions (e.g., Supply Chain, Logistics, Sales, Operations) and methodologies for their optimization (e.g., Lean Six Sigma).
• Analytical Tools: Knowledge of advanced data analytics and business intelligence tools (e.g., Tableau, Power BI, SQL).
• Industry Trends: Up-to-date knowledge of industry trends and new technologies relevant to business transformation.
• Advanced Modeling: Expert proficiency in developing quantitative and qualitative business models to diagnose performance and forecast outcomes.
• Data Analysis: Skill in conducting rigorous, fact-based analysis to support high-stakes investment and strategic decisions.
• Data Synthesis: Ability to gather, synthesize, and interpret complex data from disparate sources.
• Project Structuring: Skill in structuring and managing all phases of large-scale projects, including defining scope, objectives, project plans, and scorecards.
• Stakeholder Communication: Skill in translating complex analytical findings into clear, actionable recommendations for non-technical audiences.
• Interpersonal & Negotiation: Highly effective interpersonal and negotiation skills to collaborate with diverse stakeholders (project teams, division, and global management).
• Technical Proficiency: Advanced proficiency with Microsoft Excel (e.g., pivot tables, advanced formulas, financial modeling).
• Project Leadership: Ability to guide and lead project workstreams, including indirect and cross-functional teams.
• Risk Management: Ability to proactively manage risks and monitor project milestones for timely completion.
• Independent Drive: Proven ability to work independently, take the initiative, and drive projects forward from analysis through implementation.

Working Conditions

Works in offices close to those of top management. Generally, work forty hours per week; however, some work shifts or extended work hours during busy periods. Working under pressure is unavoidable when schedules change and problems arise, but deadlines and goals must still be met. Travel may be involved. For example, attendance at meetings sponsored by the parent company or sales meetings is mandatory, or visiting the branch office for analysis or training.