Head of Operative Services and Supply Chain Japan & Korea

BIRKENSTOCK is a global brand which embraces all consumers regardless of geography, gender, age and income. The company is deeply footed on a family tradition of shoemaking that can be traced back to 1774. With around 7100 employees worldwide, BIRKENSTOCK is the largest employer in the German footwear industry. To ensure our quality standards, we produce over 95% of our products in Germany and source more than 90% of our materials and components from Europe. The BIRKENSTOCK Group is headquartered in Linz am Rhein and maintains several locations in Germany, as well as sales offices in Europe, North America, the Middle East and Asia.

YOUR SHOES TO FILL:

- Own the strategic and operational leadership of Operational Services and Supply Chain functions across Japan and Korea, aligning execution with global and local business objectives.
- Ensure smooth end-to-end operations, timely product delivery, and effective resolution of supply chain disruptions and operational challenges.
- Lead demand planning across Retail, Wholesale, and E-commerce channels to ensure accurate forecasting and product availability.
- Oversee purchasing, contract management, order planning, and inventory allocation through SAP and related systems.
- Partner with global supply chain teams to monitor production status, mitigate supply risks, and manage product flow from global distribution centers into Japan and Korea.
- Direct inventory management and stock optimization strategies to maximize product availability while minimizing risk and excess inventory.
- Manage order-to-delivery processes across all sales channels, including wholesale fulfillment, invoicing, customer master data management, e-commerce operations, pricing controls, and returns management.
- Ensure seamless integration and performance of SAP and logistics systems while driving resolution of critical operational issues with internal and external stakeholders.
- Manage logistics budgets, vendor payments, and financial controls to achieve cost-effective operations.
- Ensure full compliance with local regulations, customs requirements, and company policies across Japan and Korea.
- Lead continuous improvement initiatives across logistics, inventory management, transportation, fulfillment, and operational processes.
- Define, monitor, and report on KPIs to drive operational performance and support business decision-making.
- Collaborate closely with regional leadership, Sales, Finance, Marketing, Merchandising, E-commerce, Global Operations, 3PL providers, and customs brokers to support business growth and customer satisfaction.
- Build and develop high-performing teams while fostering a culture of accountability, collaboration, and operational excellence.

YOUR WALK OF LIFE:

- Bachelor's Degree in Business, Supply Chain, Logistics, or related field
- Master's Degree preferred10+ years of Supply Chain, Logistics, or Operations Management experience
- Proven experience leading teams and end-to-end supply chain functions
- Experience in Apparel, Footwear, Retail, or Consumer Goods industries preferred
- Business Fluent Japanese and English is a must. Korean and/or German is a plus
- Supply Chain & Operations Leadership:  Extensive experience managing end-to-end supply chain operations, including demand planning and forecasting, inventory management and stock optimization, logistics and distribution, import and export operations, wholesale fulfillment, order management, e-commerce operations support, and transportation and warehouse management. Proven ability to drive operational excellence, enhance service levels, improve efficiency, and implement continuous improvement initiatives across complex supply chain networks
- Strategic & Commercial Skills:  Strong expertise in strategic planning and execution, business process optimization, and supply risk management, with a proven ability to align supply chain operations with business objectives. Experienced in KPI development, performance management, budget oversight, and cost control to drive operational efficiency and profitability. Combines strong commercial acumen with data-driven decision-making to support business growth, improve performance, and deliver sustainable operational results.
- Leadership & Stakeholder Management: Proven leader with experience in building, developing, and motivating high-performing teams while fostering a collaborative and results-driven culture. Strong track record of cross-functional collaboration and stakeholder management, with the ability to influence and align internal and external partners across all levels of the organization. Skilled in leading change initiatives, managing vendor and 3PL relationships, and operating effectively within complex global matrix organizations. Recognized for a customer-centric mindset, strong communication skills, and the ability to drive alignment, engagement, and business success across diverse stakeholder groups.
- Systems & Technology: Strong expertise in SAP MM and SD modules, ERP system management and optimization, and SAP integrations across logistics and supply chain functions. Experienced in leveraging advanced Microsoft Excel, Power BI, BW, and other business intelligence tools to drive reporting, analytics, and data-based decision-making. Proven ability to lead systems enhancement, digital transformation, and process automation initiatives that improve operational efficiency, system performance, visibility, and business outcomes.

WE OFFER:

BIRKENSTOCK offers you all the advantages of a successful, fast growing, global company: dynamic work environment, considerable design freedom, authentic and open corporate culture and excellent development opportunities. Sounds exciting? It is. Our Talent Acquisition team is looking forward to receiving your online application!
Please send in your application in English.