About Nike

Nike is the world's leading sports brand, empowering athletes and innovators to push boundaries and achieve greatness. With a presence in over 190 countries, Nike Japan plays a pivotal role in driving growth across the Asia-Pacific region. Our Tokyo headquarters is at the heart of our operations, blending cutting-edge innovation with deep market insights to deliver iconic products in footwear, apparel, and equipment. As a leader in the sporting goods industry, Nike fosters a culture of bold leadership, strategic thinking, and relentless pursuit of excellence.

Role Overview

The Lead, Assortment Planning Sporting Goods, Japan position is a strategic leadership role within Nike Japan's Planning team. Reporting to the Director of Sales Planning, you will spearhead pre-season depth planning, in-season management, and post-season analysis for the Sporting Goods business. Based in Tokyo, this role demands a deep understanding of consumer behavior, marketplace dynamics, and retail trends to craft assortment plans that maximize revenue, margins, and inventory efficiency. Collaborate with Marketplace Units, Supply Chain, Merchandising, and Sales teams to drive fact-based decisions and optimize end-to-end processes. Embrace Nike's leadership principles: lead with courage, value differences, think strategically, and cultivate innovation.

Key Responsibilities

In this high-impact role, you will lead seasonal alignment and influence cross-functional partners to deliver exceptional results.

• Lead development of detailed seasonal assortment plans at the style-color level for footwear, apparel, and equipment, focusing on key franchises to drive revenue and margin growth while optimizing inventory turns.
• Conduct in-depth analysis of actual sales results to inform future financial planning, identifying trends, risks, and opportunities.
• Partner closely with Account Executives to negotiate and secure adoption of recommended assortment plans, ensuring timely and accurate order entry with retail partners.
• Deliver weekly sales performance communications, highlighting key trends and proposing data-driven actionable strategies.
• Create and manage monthly Stock & Sales Plans for priority franchises, providing forward-looking inventory outlooks to guide buying and allocation decisions.
• Oversee product lifecycle activities, including end-date extensions, return applications, and stock transfers to minimize excess inventory and support liquidation strategies.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

Work seamlessly with Operations for delivery confirmations, Inventory Operations for excess/short assessments, Nike Value Stores for liquidation, and Territory Merchandising & Sales for depth planning initiation. Your ability to influence and align diverse stakeholders will be key to Nike Japan's success.

Qualifications & Requirements

Nike seeks proven leaders with retail expertise and a passion for sports. Minimum requirements include:

• 6+ years of experience in Buying, Planning, Allocation, Vendor Sales for multi-store retailers, or Assortment Planning in apparel/footwear wholesale.
• Bachelor’s degree in business, supply chain, or related field.
• Expertise in retail math, including gross margin profitability planning, demand forecasting, and inventory optimization.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office, particularly Excel (advanced formulas, pivot tables, data modeling).
• Strong bilingual communication skills in Japanese and English, both oral and written, to influence stakeholders effectively.
• Demonstrated ability to analyze customers, competitors, and retail trends; knowledge of sports apparel and footwear markets highly preferred.

Ideal candidates exhibit leadership in change management, strategic thinking, and innovation, acting as objective partners for marketplace growth.

Benefits & Perks

Joining Nike means more than a job—it's a career-defining opportunity with world-class rewards:

• Competitive base salary estimated at ¥90M-¥130M annually, plus performance bonuses and incentives.
• Comprehensive health insurance, wellness programs, and family support benefits tailored for Japan.
• Generous employee discounts on Nike products, keeping you at the forefront of sportswear innovation.
• Paid time off, flexible working arrangements, and parental leave policies.
• Access to state-of-the-art fitness facilities and athlete-inspired campus environments in Tokyo.

Career Growth

At Nike, your potential is limitless. This Lead role is a launchpad for senior planning and marketplace leadership positions across Asia-Pacific. Benefit from Nike's renowned leadership development programs, mentorship from global executives, and opportunities to rotate across functions like Supply Chain, Merchandising, and Digital. With a focus on internal mobility, high performers advance rapidly—many current directors started in planning roles like this.

Why Join Us

Be part of Nike Japan's growth story in one of the world's most dynamic sporting goods markets. Influence decisions that shape assortments for millions of athletes, from casual runners to elite competitors. Work in a collaborative, innovative culture that values diverse perspectives and bold ideas. Tokyo's vibrant energy, combined with Nike's global resources, offers unparalleled professional fulfillment. If you thrive on data-driven strategy, retail excellence, and leadership impact, this is your chance to Just Do It at Nike.

Role FAQs

What is the work environment like?

A fast-paced, hybrid model in Tokyo with collaborative teams focused on innovation and results.

Is relocation support provided?

Nike offers competitive relocation packages for qualified international candidates.

What are the next career steps?

Progress to Senior Planner, Director of Planning, or Marketplace leadership roles.

Does this role involve travel?

Occasional domestic travel to partner stores and regional meetings.

How does Nike support work-life balance?

Flexible hours, wellness initiatives, and generous PTO promote sustainability.