The Business Specialist is responsible for a range of activities aimed at optimising the company’s financial and operational performance. This includes the preparation and control of budgets, sales forecasting, project management, and business intelligence implementation to enhance business management.
The role requires active involvement in the development and execution of sales and marketing strategies, and the coordination of these functions within the company and head office in Japan.
This role is vital in maintaining a cohesive strategy between the company’s sales efforts and its overarching goals. The Business Finance Specialist acts as a bridge between various departments and head office, ensuring that all parties are aligned with the company’s objectives and have the information needed to make informed decisions.
Key Responsibilities of the Business Specialist:
1. Lead the creation of numerous reports, including sales results/estimates, channel inventory, and monthly executive summaries.
2. Collaborate in the budget creation process by collecting necessary data from internal systems and departments.
3. Monitor project business, manage special pricing, and fulfil technical requirements, ensuring constant communication with related departments and HQ.
4. Facilitate communication with HQ and other overseas sales companies for improved information sharing.
5. Support the sales department in forecasting and purchasing planning and communicate with HQ regarding product shipment schedules and availability.
6. Ensure accuracy and timely delivery of data analysis and reports to local sales teams and head office.
7. Provide strategic recommendations to enhance revenue targets and sales performance.
8. Support purchasing data analysis and maintain an inventory in alignment with company revenue targets.
9. Operate as a key stakeholder liaising with senior local and assignee managers, the marketing team, sales teams, and HR.
10. Regularly prepare necessary reports to support business operations and strategic decision-making.
11. Manage high-pressure demands from both EMEA and HQ, while accounting for cultural differences.
12. Efficiently obtain information from sales teams and deliver comprehensive reports within required timeframes.
Skills and Qualifications of the Business Specialist
13. Fluent in Japanese (native level or similar) and business-level English (TOEIC score +).
14. Strong English and Japanese report writing skills.
15. Able to effectively communicate with diverse stakeholders throughout the company.
16. Excellent accounting skills, including the ability to read and analyse financial statements such as P&L, identify progress and change-points.
17. Advanced data analysis and reporting skills, with proficiency in Microsoft Excel, pivot tables, and PowerPoint for creating summary reports.
18. Strategic thinker with a logical and objective approach to company performance and the ability to identify root causes based on complex data.
19. Confident presentation skills and experienced in using BI tools.
20. Ability to establish oneself as a key information resource for strategic decisions, with long-term opportunities to influence company performance at a strategic level.
What’s on offer for the Business Specialist?
21. Salary c. £, + up to bonus
22. Pension, life insurance, healthcare, training support, monthly budget for lunch, days holiday, parking
23. Hybrid 3 days office, 2 days working from home