Sales Planning Manager - Japanese/English Bilingual

About the role

Daikin Comfort Technologies Manufacturing, L.P., is seeking a professional individual for our Sales Planning organization at our Daikin Texas Technology Park location in Waller, Texas. Benefits are effective on day one for all full-time direct hires. Training programs are available to help guide team members and develop new skills. Growth Opportunities - there is immense opportunities to grow your career. You will be part of a Global Company - our family brands are backed by Daikin Industries, Ltd.—an organization that brings opportunity to over 60,000 employees worldwide.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development of sophisticated sales forecasting models by analyzing historical trends, economic conditions, and market dynamics across regions and channels.
• Design and optimize inventory planning strategies to ensure product availability while minimizing excess inventory costs.
• Drive strategic sales planning efforts by identifying opportunities for revenue growth, process improvements, and operational efficiencies.
• Develop and track key performance indicators (KPIs) to enhance business understanding and drive data-backed decision-making.
• Partner with executive leadership and cross-functional teams to present insights and influence long-term sales and inventory planning strategies.
• Provide advanced data analysis, including regression modeling, probability assessments, and predictive analytics, to support business initiatives.
• Oversee the phase-in and phase-out process for new product introductions, ensuring smooth transitions and minimal disruptions.
• Implement automation and process improvements in data collection, reporting, and analytics to enhance efficiency.
• Act as a subject matter expert in sales planning methodologies, mentoring junior analysts and supporting team development.
• Evaluate external market conditions and competitor trends to inform sales strategies and identify new business opportunities.
• Lead the preparation of comprehensive sales and margin reports for senior management, ensuring data accuracy and actionable insights.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives in sales planning tools, methodologies, and business processes.
• Support executive leadership in annual sales planning and budgeting processes, contributing strategic recommendations based on data insights.
• Perform additional projects/duties to support ongoing business needs.

Requirements

• Strong proficiency in Excel (advanced functions, macros, and automation), SQL, and business intelligence tools (Power BI, Tableau, or equivalent).
• Deep knowledge of data management, relational databases, and statistical analysis tools (R, Python, or equivalent a plus).
• Demonstrated ability to interpret complex data sets and translate insights into actionable business strategies.
• Proven track record of collaborating with cross-functional teams and influencing decision-making at senior levels.
• Exceptional problem-solving and critical-thinking skills, with strong attention to detail.
• Ability to manage multiple projects, prioritize tasks, and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Excellent written, verbal, and presentation skills, with the ability to communicate insights to executive leadership.
• Strong business acumen with an understanding of finance, cost accounting, and market dynamics.

Qualifications

8+ years of experience in quantitative business analysis, sales forecasting, production planning, or financial planning & analysis. Bachelor’s Degree in Business Analytics, Finance, Statistics, Supply Chain, or a related field preferred. APICS certification (CPIM, CSCP) or CPA preferred. Experience implementing automation in sales planning and data reporting processes. Background in working with ERP systems (SAP, Oracle) and CRM platforms.

Benefits

Benefits are effective on day one for all full-time direct hires. Training programs are available to help guide team members and develop new skills. Growth Opportunities - there is immense opportunities to grow your career. You will be part of a Global Company - our family brands are backed by Daikin Industries, Ltd.—an organization that brings opportunity to over 60,000 employees worldwide.