Supply Chain Planning Specialist (Japanese Bilingual)

Location: San Jose, CA

Work Style: Hybrid (3 days in-office / 2 days remote)

Employment Type: Full-Time, Exempt

Salary Range: $96,700 – $110,800

Company Overview

A well-established Japanese-owned manufacturer in the advanced semiconductor and electronics industry is seeking a Japanese-English Bilingual Supply Chain Planning Specialist to join its Supply Chain team in San Jose, California.

This position plays a critical role in supporting global demand and supply planning while serving as a liaison between teams in the United States and Japan. The successful candidate will help facilitate communication across multiple functions, support strategic initiatives, improve operational efficiency, and ensure a stable supply chain in a fast-paced international manufacturing environment.

Position Summary

The Supply Chain Planning Specialist is responsible for supporting supply chain planning, supplier management, and cross-functional coordination to ensure uninterrupted material supply and efficient business operations.

This role requires close collaboration with suppliers, procurement, engineering, manufacturing, quality, operations, and planning teams in both the U.S. and Japan. The ideal candidate will possess strong analytical skills, excellent communication abilities, and experience managing supply chain activities within a global manufacturing environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Monitor supplier performance, including quality, delivery, capacity, lead times, and responsiveness.
• Manage supply chain issues by coordinating problem resolution and ensuring business priorities are communicated effectively across global teams.
• Analyze supply chain risks and develop mitigation, recovery, and contingency plans.
• Coordinate with suppliers, procurement, planning, and operations teams to maintain uninterrupted material availability.
• Support demand planning, supply planning, and inventory management activities to meet customer requirements and business objectives.
• Serve as a key liaison between U.S. and Japan teams, facilitating communication across technical, operational, and business functions.
• Collaborate with suppliers to improve manufacturing processes, product quality, production yields, and lead-time performance.
• Translate technical, engineering, manufacturing, and supply chain requirements into practical business solutions and recommendations.
• Work closely with engineering, quality assurance, operations, procurement, supplier management, and customer-facing teams to resolve issues and drive continuous improvement.
• Participate in supplier audits, business reviews, and supplier performance evaluations.
• Lead corrective actions and root cause investigations related to quality, delivery, and supply continuity.
• Support supplier qualification, sourcing initiatives, and supplier capacity expansion projects.
• Conduct supplier visits and maintain strong relationships with domestic and international suppliers.
• Communicate effectively with Japanese- and English-speaking customers, suppliers, and internal stakeholders regarding supply chain issues and recovery plans.
• Perform additional duties as assigned.

Travel for this position is expected to be limited.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, Engineering, or a related field.
• Minimum 3 years of experience in one or more of the following:
  • Supply Chain Planning
  • Demand Planning
  • Production Planning
  • Materials Management
  • Procurement
  • Supplier Management
• Business-level fluency in both English and Japanese (written and verbal).
• Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Experience using ERP and/or MRP systems.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel, Word, PowerPoint, and other Microsoft Office applications.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to collaborate across cultures and departments.
• Experience supporting semiconductor, electronics, advanced manufacturing, or precision manufacturing industries.
• Knowledge of inventory management, forecasting methodologies, Sales & Operations Planning (S&OP), and supply chain best practices.
• Experience working with suppliers and customers throughout Japan, North America, and Asia.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience supporting global supply chain operations.
• Experience with international supplier development programs.
• Familiarity with semiconductor manufacturing processes.
• Knowledge of supplier quality management systems.
• Experience presenting business updates to senior leadership.
• Experience managing executive-level communications.

Benefits

The company offers a competitive compensation package, including:

• Hybrid work schedule (3 days in-office / 2 days remote)
• Semiannual bonus
• Profit sharing program
• Commuter transportation benefits
• Comprehensive employee benefits
• Opportunity to work in a collaborative, global manufacturing environment