Bilingual Japanese/English Supply Chain Management & Logistics Solutions Manager

Overview

Every moment of every day, people all over the world turn to Panasonic to make their lives simpler, more enjoyable, more productive and more secure. Since our founding almost a century ago, we’ve been committed to improving peoples’ lives and making the world a better place–one customer, one business, one innovative leap at a time. Come join our journey!

Responsibilities

SCM & Logistics Solutions Manager

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Meet the Recruiter: Amber Smallwood

What You'll Get To Do

Panasonic Operational Excellence of North America (PEXNA) is seeking an experienced SCM & Logistics Solutions Manager based in The Colony, Texas to lead the development and implementation of strategic Supply Chain and Logistics solutions across PECSA and PEMX (Panasonic Energy Mexico S.A.de C.V.) operations. This role serves as a key business partner across multicultural teams, facilitating alignment and collaboration between Japanese expatriate employees and local North American team members while driving Supply Chain transformation, network optimization, digitalization, and continuous improvement initiatives that support the company's long-term business objectives.

The SCM & Logistics Solutions Manager is responsible for designing future-state Supply Chain and Logistics operating models, developing business cases, and leading cross-functional transformation initiatives that improve cost, service, inventory performance, operational efficiency, and organizational capability. Working closely with Supply Chain, Manufacturing, Procurement, Finance, IT, and executive leadership teams, this position provides strategic direction, PMO leadership, data-driven decision support, and implementation governance to ensure sustainable business results across North America and Mexico.

• Design and implement future-state Supply Chain and Logistics solutions aligned with PECSA and PEMX business objectives.
• Optimize network design, logistics cost, inventory, service levels, operational efficiency, and Process Control through effective Process Engineering practices.
• Drive digital transformation through SAP, WMS, TMS, Control Tower, AI, Supply Chain Visibility, Analytics, and process automation solutions.
• Lead multiple cross-functional initiatives while managing scope, resources, schedule, budget, quality, risk, and process standardization.
• Develop business cases and ROI analyses for strategic investments, new facilities, logistics infrastructure, and Lean Improvement initiatives.
• Serve as a trusted bridge between Japanese expatriate employees and local team members within PECSA and PEMX while promoting collaborative and solution-oriented execution.

Strategic SCM & Logistics Design:

• Lead the development of PECSA and PEMX future-state Supply Chain and Logistics strategies aligned with the company's 2030 Mid-Term Business Plan.
• Design future-state Supply Chain and Logistics operating models across the United States and Mexico, including logistics networks, cross-border operations, manufacturing sites, logistics hubs, warehouse strategy, organizational design, process architecture, governance models, and digital roadmaps.
• Evaluate transportation, warehousing, inventory management, manufacturing logistics, supply chain visibility, systems architecture, and emerging technology solutions.
• Develop business cases, financial models, ROI analyses, and executive proposals supporting strategic Supply Chain investments and transformation initiatives.
• Collaborate closely with PECSA and PEMX executive leadership teams to gain alignment and consensus regarding future-state Supply Chain strategies and priorities.
• Serve as a strategic advisor regarding logistics trends, AI opportunities, organizational design, digital transformation, and industry best practices.

SCM Transformation, PMO Leadership & Solution Deployment:

• Lead execution of approved Supply Chain and Logistics transformation initiatives.
• Serve as a PMO leader overseeing multiple concurrent strategic projects while ensuring alignment of project scope, priorities, resources, timelines, budgets, risks, and expected business outcomes.
• Coordinate cross-functional teams including Supply Chain, Logistics, Manufacturing, Procurement, Finance, IT, Human Resources, and external business partners.
• Lead or actively participate in the deployment of SAP, WMS, TMS, Control Tower, Supply Chain Visibility, AI-enabled solutions, and analytics capabilities.
• Drive organizational readiness, change management, process standardization, and operational adoption activities.
• Identify project risks, dependencies, bottlenecks, and escalation requirements to ensure successful implementation of approved initiatives.

Operational Excellence, Performance Management & Leadership Support:

• Support the Director of Logistics Planning & Solutions in addressing strategic Supply Chain and Logistics challenges across PECSA and PEMX operations.
• Monitor logistics and supply chain performance through KPI reviews, executive dashboards, financial analysis, and operational performance assessments.
• Lead PDCA-based continuous improvement activities to achieve annual cost reduction, service improvement, inventory optimization, productivity enhancement, and operational excellence objectives.
• Analyze logistics costs, transportation spending, warehouse performance, inventory trends, and operational risks while recommending corrective actions and improvement opportunities.
• Support executive reporting, leadership presentations, and business reviews related to Supply Chain transformation and operational performance.
• Act as a trusted business partner while fostering collaboration, accountability, and continuous improvement throughout the organization.

Scope:

• Leads Supply Chain and Logistics solution development and implementation across PECSA and PEMX.
• Manages multiple transformation, optimization, digitalization, and site-launch initiatives.
• Provides executive support through business case development, KPI analysis, and financial evaluation.
• Serves as a key liaison among manufacturing sites, logistics partners, cross-functional organizations, Japanese expatriate employees, and local business teams.
• Provides PMO leadership for U.S.- and Mexico-based initiatives involving Japanese and local stakeholders.
• Supports budgeting, capital investment analysis, and cost reduction initiatives.
• Leads cross-functional teams through influence rather than direct authority.

Additional Role Evolution Statement

The responsibilities and percentage allocations associated with this role are expected to evolve over time. During the initial transformation phase, greater emphasis will be placed on future-state strategy development, network design, organizational design, executive stakeholder alignment, and Supply Chain roadmap creation.

As future-state designs are approved and implementation progresses, responsibility will gradually shift toward transformation execution, PMO governance, operational deployment, KPI achievement, organizational adoption, and continuous improvement initiatives to ensure sustainable business results.

Qualifications

What You'll Bring:

Required Education & Experience: 

• Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain, Logistics, Engineering, Business, Analytics, or related field.
• 8+ years of Supply Chain, Logistics, Manufacturing, or Operations experience.
• Professional Japanese and business-level English communication skills.
• Experience in both Supply Chain planning and Logistics operations.
• Proven record leading cross-functional improvement projects.
• Experience with SAP, WMS, TMS, Control Tower, or related Supply Chain systems.
• Strong Data Analytics and KPI reporting capability.
• Experience managing multiple projects simultaneously.
• PMO, Program Management, or Project Management experience.
• Experience developing business cases, ROI analyses, and financial evaluations.

Preferred Education & Experience: 

• MBA or Master’s degree.
• Automotive, EV Battery, Electronics, or Manufacturing experience.
• Experience working in organizations comprising both Japanese expatriate employees and local North American teams.
• 3+ years living and/or working in Japan.
• TOEIC 900+ or equivalent English proficiency.
• Greenfield factory, warehouse startup, or network design experience.
• U.S.-Mexico cross-border Supply Chain experience.
• Experience with AI, Supply Chain Visibility, and Digital Supply Chain technologies.
• PMP, Lean, Six Sigma, APICS, or CSCP certifications.

Competencies:

• Strategic Thinking - Translates business objectives into practical Supply Chain solutions.
• Analytical Capability - Uses data, KPIs, and financial analysis to support decision-making.
• Digital Mindset - Understands modern Supply Chain technologies, analytics, and AI trends.
• Project Leadership - Effectively manages multiple projects, priorities, and stakeholders.
• Collaboration & Influence - Builds alignment and leads cross-functional teams without direct authority.
• Cross-Cultural Effectiveness - Effectively bridges communication, working styles, and decision-making processes between Japanese expatriate employees and local North American team members.
• Relationship Building - Develops trusted partnerships across functions and organizations.
• Positive Leadership Presence - Energetic, approachable, team-oriented, and solution-focused.

Communications: 

• Strong verbal, written, presentation, and facilitation skills in English and Japanese.
• Ability to communicate effectively with executives, manufacturing leadership, and business partners.
• Capable of presenting complex operational and financial topics to diverse audiences.
• Builds consensus and alignment across multicultural stakeholder groups.

Other Requirements:

• Position is based in The Colony, Texas with regular onsite presence required.
• Travel required approximately 25%–40%.
• Travel may include PECSA/PEMX Monterrey, PECNA De Soto, Laredo, San Diego, Newark, and other project locations.
• Willingness to support short-term onsite assignments and startup activities.
• Ability to support meetings across North America and Japan time zones.
• Comfortable working in a fast-paced and dynamic manufacturing environment.
• Strong commitment to continuous improvement and operational excellence.

Benefits & Perks - What's In It For You:

Panasonic prioritizes total well-being and offers comprehensive benefits options to support physical, emotional, financial, social, and environmental health:

• Health Benefits – Offering medical, dental, vision, prescription plans, plus Health Savings Account and Flexible Spending Account options.
• Voluntary Benefits – Life, accident, critical illness, disability, legal, identity theft, and pet insurance.
• Panasonic Retirement Savings & Investment Plan (PRSIP) – 401(k) plan with company matching contributions and immediate vesting.
• Paid Time-Off Benefits – Vacation, holidays, personal days, sick leave, volunteer, and parental & caregiver leave.
• Educational Assistance – Tuition reimbursement for job-related courses after six months of service.
• Health Management and Wellbeing Programs –Lifestyle Spending Account, EAP, virtual health management, chronic condition, neurodiversity, tobacco cessation, substance abuse support, and life stage and fertility resources. Available to eligible employees starting the first day of the month following your start date. Eligibility for each benefit may vary based on employment status, location, and length of service.
• Employee Recognition Program - High5 employee recognition and awards platform, quarterly and annual employee recognition
• Annual Bonus Program - Opportunity for an annual performance-based bonus.

We Take Opportunity Seriously:

At Panasonic, we are committed to a workplace that genuinely fosters inclusion and belonging. Fairness and Honesty have been part of our core values for more than 100 years and we are proud of our diverse culture as an equal opportunity employer. 

The wage range of $110,000 - $115,000 is just one component of Panasonic’s total package. Actual compensation varies depending on the individual’s knowledge, skills, experience, and location. This role may be eligible for discretionary bonuses and incentives.

​We understand that your career search may look different than others and embrace the professional, personal, educational, and volunteer opportunities through which people gain experience. If you are actively looking or starting to explore new opportunities, send us your application!​

Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or other characteristic protected by law. All qualified individuals are required to perform the essential functions of the job with or without reasonable accommodation.

Due to the high volume of responses, we will only be able to respond to candidates of interest. All candidates must have valid authorization to work in the U.S.

Thank you for your interest in Panasonic.

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