What are the responsibilities and job description for the North America Logistics Planning (NALP) Manager position at DENSO?
This role, within North American Logistics Planning, leads daily logistics planning operations and Kaizen initiatives across the North American network. The position is responsible for establishing and executing a simple, standardized, and cost-effective logistics planning model, while ensuring operational stability for plants and customers.
The role focuses on network standardization, cost reduction, technology execution, and continuous improvement, balancing short-term operational needs with long-term logistics strategy and transformation.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead daily logistics planning operations, including exception management, escalations, and execution support
- Drive Kaizen and continuous-improvement projects to reduce complexity and improve logistics performance
- Establish and deploy standard logistics planning processes, routes, and governance
- Execute logistics planning strategy through network design, routing standardization, and system utilization
- Lead planning-related technology initiatives, including effective use and enhancement of TMS capabilities
- Translate recurring operational issues into standard, permanent solutions
- Monitor logistics performance, identify gaps, and drive corrective actions
- Partner with Operations, IT, Procurement, and plant leadership to align planning strategy and execution
- Lead and develop a team balancing daily operations and Kaizen activities
Key Targets & Outcomes
- Stable daily logistics planning performance with reduced escalations
- Reduced network complexity (routes, carriers, non-standard processes)
- Increased utilization of standardized routes and planning models
- Measurable logistics cost reduction through planning and network simplification
- Successful execution of Kaizen and logistics technology initiatives
- Improved planning capability and scalability across North America
Qualifications & Experience
- Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Engineering, Logistics, or related field
- 8 years of experience in logistics, transportation, or supply-chain planning
- 3 years of experience in leadership or project leadership roles
- Experience in logistics planning, network optimization, or transportation management systems
- Proven ability to deliver cost reduction through standardization and process improvement
Desired Qualifications
- Manufacturing or automotive logistics experience
- Lean, Kaizen, or continuous-improvement background
- Experience leading logistics technology or TMS enhancement initiatives
- Strong capability in balancing operational execution with strategic improvement work
- Experience working in complex, multi-site North American operations
Travel Requirement
Less than 10% travel, based on project and implementation nee