Logistics Manager, Japan - Fanatics Collectibles at Fanatics

Minato, , Japan -

Full Time

Start Date

Immediate

Expiry Date

31 May, 26

Salary

0.0

Posted On

02 Mar, 26

Experience

5 year(s) or above

Remote Job

Yes

Telecommute

Yes

Sponsor Visa

Skills

Logistics Execution, Customs Clearance, Freight Forwarding, Warehouse Setup, Inventory Control, Reverse Logistics, SOP Development, KPI Improvement, Vendor Management, Supply Chain Integration, HS Classification, Contract Negotiation, Risk Management, B2B/B2C Coordination, Japanese Language, English Language

Industry

Manufacturing

Description

Topps KK / Fanatics Collectibles is seeking a hands-on Logistics Manager to be the first logistics hire in Japan, responsible for building and personally operating the end-to-end logistics function from day one. This is a highly execution-focused individual contributor role, ideal for someone who thrives in ambiguity, rolls up their sleeves, and can independently stand up logistics operations in a new market. Based in Tokyo, this role will work closely with the APAC Regional Director (China-based) and integrate Japan operations into the global supply chain. This is a full time role, in the designated office 5 days per week. Key Responsibilities End-to-End Japan Logistics Execution (Hands-On) * Independently design, set up, and execute all logistics flows for Japan, including inbound imports, domestic distribution, and returns. * Personally manage customs clearance activities, including HS classification support, documentation review, duty/tax handling, and direct communication with Japanese customs and brokers. * Source, negotiate, contract, and day-to-day manage freight forwarders, customs brokers, warehouses, and last-mile carriers. * Stand up warehousing solutions (bonded and non-bonded), including hands-on setup of SOPs, inbound/outbound processes, inventory controls, and reporting. * Act as the single point of accountability for all logistics issues in Japan, resolving shipment delays, customs holds, inventory discrepancies, and carrier performance issues directly. Daily Operations & Global Coordination * Personally coordinate shipments with global factories, suppliers, and distribution centers, ensuring accurate bookings, documentation, and delivery timelines. * Execute and track inventory movements, stock accuracy, and availability across B2B, B2C, and eCommerce channels. * Manage returns and reverse logistics workflows, including inspections, rework, and disposition. * Maintain hands-on oversight of freight costs, invoices, accruals, and variance analysis. Market Build-Out & Continuous Improvement * Build logistics processes, templates, and SOPs from scratch, scaling them as volume grows. * Translate Japan demand plans into practical shipment schedules, space planning, and logistics execution plans. * Track and improve KPIs across cost, service level, lead time, and inventory accuracy through direct action, not delegation. * Identify risks early and implement pragmatic, cost-effective solutions suitable for an early-stage market. Cross-Functional & Regional Collaboration * Work directly with the APAC Regional Director (China) on Japan market readiness, launches, and ongoing execution. * Partner hands-on with global supply chain, operations, finance, tax, legal, and eCommerce teams to ensure Japan operations are compliant and executable. * Support localization of systems, reporting, and workflows required to operate Japan independently while remaining aligned globally. Required Skills & Experience * 5+ years of hands-on logistics and supply chain experience in Japan, ideally as an individual contributor or early-stage market builder. * Deep, practical knowledge of Japan import/export regulations, customs clearance, and domestic logistics operations. * Proven experience personally executing logistics operations, not just managing vendors or teams. * Experience setting up logistics in a new market, start-up, or greenfield environment strongly preferred. * Bachelor’s degree in Logistics, Supply Chain, International Trade, or related discipline. * Strong working knowledge of 3PL systems, freight processes, and Excel-based tracking/reporting. * Comfortable operating independently with minimal structure or support. * Highly organized, detail-oriented, and resilient under pressure. * Fluent or business-level Japanese and English a must. The above list of job duties is not exclusive or exhaustive and the post holder will be required to undertake such tasks as may reasonably be expected within the scope and grading of the post. Subject to applicable laws, Fanatics Collectibles may choose to run a background check. Ensure your Fanatics job offer is legitimate and don’t fall victim to fraud. Fanatics never seeks payment from job applicants. Feel free to ask your recruiter for a phone call or other type of communication for interview, and ensure your communication is coming from a Fanatics email address (including @collectfanatics.com). For added security, where possible, apply through our company website at www.fanaticsinc.com/careers. Fanatics Collectibles is a new model and vision for the hobby, fundamentally changing the experience for current and future collectors, leagues, and players across many U.S. and international professional and college sports. The organization has long-term, exclusive rights to design, manufacture and distribute trading cards for several sports and entertainment properties, including MLB, MLBPA, the Premier League, MLS, UFC, Formula 1 as well as Disney, Marvel, Pixar, and Star Wars, among others. In January 2022, Fanatics Collectibles announced the acquisition of Topps, establishing the preeminent licensed trading card brand as the cornerstone of Fanatics’ trading cards and collectibles business, and jumpstarted its MLB and MLBPA rights to design, manufacture and distribute trading cards

Responsibilities

This role involves independently designing, setting up, and executing all end-to-end logistics flows in Japan, including imports, domestic distribution, and returns, while personally managing customs clearance activities.