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Job seekers: Explore opportunities and grow your career with us. In Japan, digitalization and efficiency are reshaping the supply chain sector. Companies are prioritizing digital transformation (DX) and IT-driven process improvements, driving demand for professionals such as Indirect Procurement Managers and Demand/Supply Planners. Candidates who combine technology skills with strategic thinking, business acumen, and stakeholder management are especially sought. Global firms are also recruiting talent to drive logistics reforms beyond operations into strategic planning. Industries like pharmaceuticals, semiconductors, and critical materials are accelerating procurement diversification, creating demand for professionals who can build partnerships across Asia and globally. However, the candidate pool remains limited, particularly for those with global experience and advanced English proficiency. While overall supply chain salaries have remained flat, a notable trend is the rise of “player-manager” roles, experienced individual contributors with broad responsibility but no direct reports. Companies increasingly hire them under a manager title, especially when they act as the sole supply chain representative reporting into APAC, driving modest salary growth despite limited structural changes. Professionals prefer hybrid work, typically onsite three to four days a week, and are motivated by career growth opportunities with regional or global exposure, prompting employers to adapt to remain competitive. Hiring managers: Get customised salary data and insights from a Robert Half talent solutions professional.

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Starting salaries can vary greatly depending on a professional’s skills and experience, company size and demand for the role. Our salaries do not include bonuses, benefits or perks.
Supply Chain
Position title 25th percentile 50th percentile 75th percentile Buyer 4000000 5500000 7000000 Senior Buyer 6000000 7000000 8000000 Direct Procurement Associate 6000000 8000000 10000000 Direct Procurement Manager 8000000 10000000 14000000 Direct Procurement Director 12000000 15000000 20000000 Indirect Procurement Associate 5000000 7000000 9000000 Indirect Procurement Manager 8000000 10000000 14000000 Indirect Procurement Director 12000000 14000000 16000000 Health, Safety and Environmental Manager 8000000 10000000 14000000 Import Associate 4000000 5500000 7000000 Export Associate 4000000 5500000 7000000 Order Management Associate 4000000 5500000 7000000 Customer Service Associate 4000000 5500000 7000000 Order Management Manager 7000000 9000000 12000000 Customer Service Manager 7000000 9000000 12000000 Logistics Planner 5000000 7000000 9000000 Logistics Manager 8000000 10000000 13000000 Logistics Director 10000000 13000000 16000000 Production Planner 5000000 7000000 9000000 Production Planning Manager 7000000 10000000 12000000 Demand Planner 7000000 8000000 9500000 Supply Planner 7000000 8000000 9500000 Supply Chain Manager 10000000 12000000 16000000 Supply Chain Director 12000000 18000000 24000000 Supply Chain Consultant 8000000 12000000 15000000 Transportation and Distribution Manager 6000000 9000000 12000000 Warehouse Staff 4000000 5500000 7000000 Warehouse Manager 7000000 8500000 11000000 Factory Manager 10000000 16000000 22000000 Operational Excellence Manager 10000000 12000000 15000000 Quality Control and Assurance Associate 6000000 8000000 9500000 Quality Control and Assurance Manager 10000000 12000000 14000000 SQM Manager 6000000 6500000 7500000 Packaging Development Manager 6000000 7000000 8000000 Field Service Engineer (Chemical & Industrial) 5000000 6500000 8000000 Process Engineer (Chemical & Industrial) 6000000 8000000 10000000 R&D Engineer (Chemical & Industrial) 5000000 7000000 9000000 Sales Director (Chemical & Industrial) 6000000 8000000 10000000 Quality Assurance Manager (Chemical & Industrial) 5000000 6000000 8500000 Regulatory Affairs Specialist (Chemical & Industrial) 5000000 6000000 8000000 Regulatory Affairs Manager (Chemical & Industrial) 6000000 7500000 9000000 Production Manager (Chemical & Industrial) 6500000 7500000 9000000 Sales Manager (Chemical & Industrial) 6000000 70000000 8500000 Safety & Environmental Officer (Chemical & Industrial) 5500000 7000000 8500000 Technical Service Engineer (Chemical & Industrial) 6000000 8000000 10000000 Application Development Engineer (Chemical & Industrial) 5000000 7500000 9500000 Product Development Manager (Chemical & Industrial) 5000000 7000000 9500000 Chemical Analyst (Chemical & Industrial) 5000000 6500000 8000000 Quality Control Manager (Chemical & Industrial) 5000000 6000000 8500000 Business Development Manager (Chemical & Industrial) 7000000 8000000 10000000 Technical Sales Representative (Chemical & Industrial) 5500000 6500000 8000000 Patent Specialist (Chemical & Industrial) 5000000 6000000 7000000 IP Specialist (Chemical & Industrial) 5000000 6500000 12000000
25th percentile
The candidate is new to the role or has limited experience and is building necessary skills.
50th percentile
The candidate has moderate experience in the role, meets most requirements or has equivalent transferable skills, and may also have relevant certifications.
75th percentile
The candidate has extensive experience and advanced skills for the role, and may also have specialized certifications.

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Top priorities and in-demand skills in supply chain

Only 15% of companies in Japan have adopted AI, while leading firms report 37% usage compared with a 6% global average for non-leaders.* As supply chains rapidly evolve, businesses are prioritizing digital maturity, sustainability, and stronger operational efficiency. This shift is driving demand for talent with strong planning, PMO, and process-improvement capabilities. Digital transformation and cybersecurity Supply chain resilience and diversification Sustainability and ESG integration Energy transition and critical materials (chemical industry focus) Supply chain planning Proven track record of improvement in operational processes PMO experience Track record of cost reduction

Hiring challenges and retention strategies for supply chain

63% of companies in the transportation & warehousing sector are experiencing a shortage of full-time employees.* To address this situation, companies are focusing on talent development and long-term business growth, providing employees with the opportunities they value, such as career advancement through transfers and training, as well as exposure to HQ and APAC teams. Intense competition for top talent Difficulty finding candidates with the right combination of specialized skill sets Prolonged hiring processes Competition with consulting firms Career growth opportunities such as internal mobility and trainings Exposure to HQ or APAC teams Opportunities for assignments or relocation to HQ or APAC locations Focus on people and future business growth
Companies are rapidly diversifying suppliers and shortening chains, which demands talent with stakeholder management, PMO experience, and cost-reduction track records. Bilingual professionals who can bridge APAC coordination and on-the-ground execution are in highest demand as firms rewire sourcing and resilience strategies.  of manufacturing companies developed new suppliers in the past five years.** of manufacturing companies developed new suppliers in the past five years.**

of manufacturers selected procurement diversification as a top near-term priority.*** of manufacturers selected procurement diversification as a top near-term priority.***

In-demand roles, certifications and top industries hiring 

Japan’s supply chain sector is evolving rapidly in 2026 as companies modernize operations and regional networks. While salaries remain steady, demand is strong for leaders skilled in efficiency, cost control, and stakeholder management.  Key permanent roles in supply chain driving Japan’s hiring market:   Indirect Procurement Manager  Demand / Supply Planner Supply Chain Manager Logistics Manager  Key contract roles in supply chain driving Japan’s hiring market:   Indirect Procurement Manager Supply Chain Manager Supply Chain Consultant
Professional certifications have become key differentiators for advancement. Employers increasingly seek candidates with globally recognized credentials such as PMP, Six Sigma, APICS, and MBA qualifications to lead process optimization and regional operations.  These certifications signal both technical mastery and strategic leadership, skills vital for managing complex, data-driven supply chains.  Top certifications for supply chain professionals in Japan: MBA  Project Management Professional (PMP)  APICS  Six Sigma (black belt and above)
Japan’s supply chain transformation is being driven by industries at the core of the nation’s economic competitiveness.  These sectors are accelerating investment in automation, advanced analytics, and sustainable operations to enhance end-to-end efficiency, strengthen resilience against global disruptions, and align with evolving ESG expectations. Industries driving Japan’s supply chain hiring in 2026:   Consumer goods  Pharmaceuticals  Chemical  Electronics, semiconductor  Automotive, machinery

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Career and hiring insights in supply chain

Why mid-career hiring is challenging in Japan and how to overcome it Hiring mid-career professionals helps secure experienced talent fast, but Japan’s competitive market demands new strategies. Learn key challenges and practical hiring solutions.
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Retention strategy in Japan: Why it matters and how to strengthen it Struggling with employee turnover in Japan? Discover why having a strong retention strategy is essential and explore actionable ways to keep your top talent engaged and loyal.
What is a Factory Manager? Job description, salary, and career path explained Learn about the responsibilities, salary, and career path of a factory manager in the manufacturing industry, with insights into leadership and employee management.
How to negotiate salary in Japan Learn how to confidently negotiate your salary with practical tips, timing advice, and example phrases to secure the pay you deserve in your next role or current job in Japan.
The salary benchmarks listed in Robert Half's Salary Guide are the result of a rigorous, multistep process to ensure our projections accurately reflect the marketplace. They are based on actual compensation for professionals Robert Half has matched with employers across in Japan.   The salaries listed in the salary tables represent starting compensation only, meaning pay for someone new to a company in the position listed. Company size, industry and the availability of remote work options can influence salaries. Our salaries do not include bonuses, benefits or perks. We report salaries in percentiles and ranges, recognizing that professionals join companies at varied experience levels.  Non-salary data referenced in this Salary Guide is based on third-party research and all external data sources are explicitly cited throughout. Sources: *Teikoku Databank (2025). Trends in labor shortages among companies (July 2025). **Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO). (2024). Survey on business conditions of Japanese companies operating overseas (Asia and Oceania) ***Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO). (2024). Survey on Business Conditions of Japanese-Affiliated Companies in Europe.
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