Sales Planning Manager, Japan

Kō wai mātou? Who are we?

Zespri is more than simply the world's single-largest marketer of kiwifruit. We like to think of ourselves as fruit on a mission and as rebels with a cause: to help people, communities and the environment around the world thrive through the goodness of kiwifruit. We are proudly the world's largest marketer of kiwifruit, selling kiwifruit in more than 50 countries. We work with around 2,800 New Zealand and 1,500 international growers and post-harvest companies to source the best-quality Zespri Kiwifruit which we supply through our distribution partners to wholesale and retail customers. We are one of New Zealand's best-known international brands, dedicated to creating sustainable long-term value for growers.

He aha te mahi? What's the role?

The Sales Planning Manager will work closely with the Sales Head, National Sales Manager, and Trade Marketing Manager to optimize OGR by executing clear, agreed-upon sales strategies that drive sustainable growth in Japan. This role will lead the development of a 5-year sales plan, tailored by product varieties, based on macroeconomic trends, consumer behavior, and channel strategies. Additionally, the manager will oversee the creation of short-term fruit allocation and customer funding plans to maximize OGR, while leading distributor programs to enhance the capabilities of key distributors.

Key Responsibilities

1. Lead and Develop the 5-Year Sales Plan

• Understand the RtM strategy, fruits market, distributors, retailers, and shoppers.
• Collaborate with the National Sales Manager, Trade Marketing Manager, and Finance Business Partner to lead the creation of pricing strategy and customer fund plan.
• Lead the creation of the short-term fruit allocation plan in coordination with the National Sales Manager, Trade Marketing Manager, and IBP team.
   

2. Contribute to Optimizing Zespri Sales Capability Globally as a Member of SLT

• Implement the sales methodologies developed by GSE, optimizing them for Zespri Japan, and communicate these to the Japan sales team.
• Share Japan's success stories with SLT members.
• Lead the communication of Japan's latest progress on sales priorities to SLT.
   

3. Contribute to Optimizing Seasonal Fruit Allocations and Customer Funds

• Optimize customer funds to align with changing seasonal business conditions.
• Work closely with the National Sales Manager and sales team to ensure effective seasonal delivery and customer fund planning.
   

4. Contribute to Improving Sales and Distributors’ JBP and In-Store Execution Capability

• Support the execution of the Perfect Distributor Program with sales agents and share partners to fully leverage and enhance their in-store execution capabilities.

Ko wai koe? Who are you?

We are looking for a strong team player with a strong background in Sales or Trade Marketing, who demonstrates a proven ability to think both strategically and analytically. The ideal candidate will possess:

• A Bachelor's Degree in related fields.
• A minimum of 3 years of sales experience in a B2C global company, preferably within the FMCG sector.
• At least 3 years of experience leading in-store marketing activities, with strong expertise in internal process management.
• Proven ability in sales data analysis, demonstrating strong analytical skills, is essential.
• Experience in quantitative market research is preferred (at least participation in relevant projects is required).
• Strong background in collaborating with key retailers and distributors to implement Joint Business Plans.
• Proven experience in cross-functional teamwork (including Marketing, Market Development, Supply Chain, and Finance).
• Familiarity with the S&OP process is a must.
• Ability to work effectively with global and regional teams.
• Proficiency in Excel, Word, and PowerPoint.
• Fluency in Japanese & Business level of English (both written and speaking)

He aha e tika ai a Zespri? Why Zespri?

Our people are what makes our culture so irresistible and uniquely Zespri. We are a passionate and mighty team of 850+ employees in 23 different locations globally. Working at Zespri is an opportunity to join a fast-paced, culture-driven environment unlike any other. We want people who share our values of making it happen, creating real connections, and leaving a legacy. Join us in shaping our future and be part of a truly unique organisation.

• Competitive overall remuneration package, including a Short-Term Incentive scheme opportunity
• FlexWELL flexible work ethos; WFH & the office.
• Additional paid annual leave day per year (Zespri Day).
• Additional paid volunteer day to volunteer within your community (Volunteer Time).
• Global Life and Permanent Disability Insurance.
• Group Medical Insurance benefits.

Tono mai inaianei! Apply Now! Applications close 17 March 2025
 

At Zespri, we understand the importance of diverse perspectives and experiences, and a fair hiring process is the first step to getting there. We want to attract a diverse range of people and encourage everyone from all backgrounds and walks of life to apply. Please let us know if you need any assistance or reasonable adjustments to take part in the recruitment and selection process by reaching out to our Talent Acquisition team via email at careers@zespri.com.