Distribution Operations Account Manager

Job Description

Position Title:

Distribution Operations Account Manager, Japan

About Axis Communications:

Looking for a new start? Think bigger. Think Axis! We believe in building long-term relationships and we will support you to flourish in your role in a truly global company.

Position Summary:

This position serves as a critical bridge between Axis and our distributors, optimizing inventory management and logistical/operational processes to drive sustainable sales growth.

Due to our continued growth and success in the Japan market, we have a newly created position open for a Distribution Operations Account Manager. In this role, you will be responsible for managing distribution operations relations and developing effective inventory strategies to support APAC’s aggressive growth targets within the distribution channel.

You will manage and develop processes that align with our APAC Supply Chain Model and growth strategy. This position requires close, cross-functional collaboration with Supply and Demand Planning, Fulfillment Operations, Distribution Account Managers, Partner Marketing, and the Axis Sales teams.

• Location: Tokyo, Japan (Hybrid working available)
• Travel Requirements: Occasional domestic travel, with some international travel to our APAC regional headquarters in Singapore and global HQ in Sweden. Occasionally, participation in collaboration calls with global teams will be required.

Reporting Line:

• Direct Report to: Distribution Sales Manager, Japan
• Dotted Line to: Sales Operations Manager, APAC

Key Responsibilities:

• Relationship Management:
  • Establish and maintain strong, collaborative relationships within our established distributor network, including Operations Teams, key field sales Axis advocates, and management teams.
• Inventory Control & Forecasting:
  • Monitor and maintain accurate inventory levels by conducting regular distributor meetings, reconciling discrepancies, and implementing effective inventory control measures.
  • Collaborate with distributor procurement and sales teams on forecasting to minimize stockouts and prevent overstocking.
  • Provide strategic planning for new product rollovers and transitions to mitigate the risk of discontinued product stock.
• Stock & Channel Efficiency:
  • Manage stock rotations to maximize stocking efficiencies with distributors and apply best practices in compliance with Axis ways of working.
  • Work closely with the Axis distribution team to maintain a holistic view and ensure effective channel inventory levels across the Japan region.
• Analysis & Reporting:
  • Analyze performance metrics, such as inventory turnover, and provide run-rate forecasts.
  • Generate and maintain distribution sales dashboards, consolidated stock reports, and uPOS (micro-POS) discrepancy updates.
  • Utilize systematic reporting tools and reports to analytically manage daily responsibilities.
• Process Improvement & Alignment:
  • Drive healthier strategic alignment and increased transparency to strengthen supply chain and operations management with distribution partners.
  • Lead strategic operational initiatives with distribution partners in partnership with the Distribution Account Management team.
  • Collaborate with SCM, Supply, and Demand Planning to establish/maintain processes for strategic product forecasting.
  • Act as an ambassador for digital transformation (DX) initiatives with our distribution partners.

Qualifications & Experience:

• Language Skills:
  • Japanese: Native level or JLPT N1 certification required (Essential for local partner communication).
  • English: TOEIC L&R score of 730 or above is strongly preferred (Required for regular communication with regional and global teams).
• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Business, Commerce, Operations, Supply Chain, or a related field.
• Experience:
  • Minimum of 5 years of professional working experience in a relevant field.
  • Prior experience in sales operations, sales enablement, SCM, or procurement within a distribution-centric business model is highly preferred.
  • Professional experience within the Technology/Hardware or High-Tech manufacturing industries is a strong advantage.
  • Experience partnering with businesses on an international level with strong cultural awareness.

Important Skills & Abilities:

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to develop strong internal and external relationships.
• Ability to navigate complex operational issues and find win-win solutions.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and PowerPoint; familiarity with Salesforce and BI tools (such as QlikSense or Tableau) is highly preferred.
• Strong organizational and multi-tasking skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities effectively (both verbal and written).
• Competency in delivering effective presentations to stakeholders at all levels, including Axis corporate management.
• High levels of self-initiative, self-motivation, and a customer-oriented mindset.
• A driven team player who acts as an ambassador of our Core Values.

What We Offer (Benefits & Culture):

Career Development & Growth Opportunities

As a newly established and pivotal role in Japan, this position offers a wealth of career development opportunities within Axis Communications:

• Broad Business Exposure: Gain deep, end-to-end insights into both the commercial (Sales/Marketing) and operational (SCM/Logistics) sides of a global tech leader.
• Global & Regional Collaboration: Work closely with the APAC regional team in Singapore and global HQ in Sweden, enhancing your international business acumen and global communication skills.
• Strategic Leadership: Shape and define operational processes for the Japan market from the ground up, providing a strong platform to showcase your leadership and initiative.

General Benefits & Work Environment

• Work-Life Balance: We believe in working efficiently and effectively, keeping overtime to a minimum so our employees can enjoy a healthy work-life balance.
• Hybrid Working: Enjoy flexibility with our hybrid model, allowing 3 days in the office and 2 days working from home (WFH).
• Comprehensive Support: Access to mental health support and our Employee Assistance Program (EAP) benefits.
• Global Market Leader: Work for a fast-growing international company and market leader in network video, operating independently with the strong financial backing of the Canon Group.
• Great Place to Work: Axis is proud to be a "Great Place to Work" certified company, fostering an inclusive, warm, and collaborative culture.

Learn More About Axis:

Watch our corporate video to see our technology and culture in action: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FnQasRVqI34

Type of Employment

Posting End Date

Certain roles at Axis require background checks, which means applicable verifications will be done in these recruitments. Notice will be provided before we take any action.

About Axis Communications

We enable a smarter, safer world by creating innovative solutions for improving security and business performance. As a network technology company and industry leader, we offer solutions in video surveillance, access control, intercom, and audio systems, enhanced by intelligent analytics applications.

With around 6000 committed employees in over 50 countries, we collaborate with partners worldwide. Together, we thrive in our friendly, open, and collaborative culture and inspire each other to think beyond the expected. United by our commitment to inclusion, diversity, and sustainability, we consistently seek to develop our skills and way of working.

Let´s create a smarter, safer world

For more information about Axis, please visit our website www.axis.com.

Listen to Get To Know Axis – Podcast