Global Supply Chain Analyst (18 month contract)

Job Description:

Here at Rakuten Kobo Inc., we offer a casual working start-up environment and a group of friendly and talented individuals. Our employees rank us highly in terms of commitment to work/life balance. We realize that for our people to be innovative, creative, and passionate, they need to feel valued and supported. We believe in rewarding all our employees with competitive salaries, performance-based annual bonuses, stock options, and training opportunities.

If you’re looking for a company that inspires passion, personal, and professional growth – join Kobo and help us make reading lives better.

The Role:
We’re seeking a highly analytical, detail-oriented Supply Chain Analyst to cover an 18-month maternity leave. This role is responsible for day-to-day supply chain operations and reverse logistics execution, including production scheduling support, PO and shipment management, RMA processing (Retailer and Customer Care replacement), and ongoing process documentation and improvement.
 

Reporting to the Senior Manager, Vendor Management Supply Chain, this role requires a strong team player with exceptional attention to detail, the ability to prioritize tasks effectively, and strong self-management skills. The ideal candidate will possess a strong understanding of procurement, logistics, and RMA functions. You’ll work closely with internal stakeholders and external manufacturing partners (mostly in China) to ensure fast turnaround, accurate transactions, and proactive issue resolution.

Job Responsibilities:

Core Responsibilities

• Process RMA requests from retailers and Customer Care teams, coordinating replacement orders, validating returns, and maintaining accurate records in the system
• Coordinate reverse logistics activities, including return flows, inventory disposition, and warehouse and vendor alignment on returned goods handling.
• Manage purchase orders end-to-end: creation, confirmations, changes, and issue resolution.
• Provide routine updates on production / STO status and manage production scheduling with weekly updates from factories.
• Verify factory shipments and process receiving in system, flag delays quickly, and coordinate with 3PL warehouses and/or warehouse vendor managers.
• Identify and investigate discrepancies, and reconcile inventory and billing during the month-end process.
• Coordinate billing verification and discrepancy resolution with Accounts Payable department.
• Support projects launch by processing internal orders accurately and on time; tracking sample units delivery; reporting on developments expenditures.
• Participate in weekly operational reviews; maintain and contribute to issue trackers, corrective actions, and follow-ups with vendors.
• Maintain and develop proficiency in core reports (e.g., lead time, OTD, device disposition/disposition trending, Operational Excellence KPIs).
• Respond promptly to retailer inquiries.
• Collaborate with the internal customer care team to resolve warranty claims and process returns.
• Perform other duties, including special projects, as assigned by the manager.

Additional Responsibilities

• Identify and communicate discrepancies in the shipping and return processes.
• Proactively identify and communicate potential stock or allocation issues.
• Identify areas for improvement and process optimization opportunities and collaborate with stakeholders to scope and implement solutions.
• Maintain and manage process documentation.
• Analyze procurement data to identify opportunities for cost reduction and service improvement.

Qualifications:

• 1–3 years of supply chain and/or procurement experience, preferably in tech or CPG sectors.
  • Experience supporting product launches (new SKU ramp, allocation, readiness tracking) is an asset.
• Post-secondary education in Business and/or Supply Chain Management.
• Previous experience with ERP systems is mandatory: hands-on experience executing system transactions (e.g., POs, shipments, RMAs, inventory movements) in an ERP environment.
  • Experience with SAP is an asset.
• Knowledge of Incoterms and international shipping regulations is an asset.
• Experience working with international vendors/ factories is an asset.
• Intermediate computer skills with strong working proficiency in:
  • Excel (filters, pivot tables, lookups, data cleansing)
  • Email and Word (clear professional communication and documentation)
• Excellent attention to detail and strong follow-up skills.
• Strong operational cadence: active participation in weekly reviews, issue tracking, and proactive escalation management.
• Highly organized, with a strong sense of ownership over responsibilities and the ability to work independently.
• High attention to detail and strong operational discipline (transaction accuracy, documentation rigor, follow-through).
• Demonstrated ability to process transactions quickly and accurately, with strong documentation practices.
• Ability to think strategically, prioritize effectively, and execute tactically.
• Thrives in a fast-paced environment with tight deadlines.
• Proficiency in Mandarin is an asset.

The Perks:

• Flexible hours and hybrid remote working environment
• Subsidized in-office lunches
• Lifestyle spending account
• 90 Day Work-From-Anywhere Program
• Free Kobo device + free weekly e-book or audiobook
• Weekly Kobo Spark sessions
• Dog friendly office 
   

About Rakuten Kobo Inc.

Owned by Tokyo-based Rakuten and headquartered in Toronto, Rakuten Kobo Inc. is one of the most advanced global ecommerce companies, with the world’s most innovative e-reading services offering more than 6 million eBooks and audiobooks to 30 million + customers in 190 countries. Kobo delivers the best digital reading experience through creative innovation, award-winning e-readers, and top-ranking mobile apps. Kobo is a part of the Rakuten group of companies.

Rakuten Kobo Inc. is an equal opportunity employer. Accessibility accommodations for candidates with disabilities participating in the selection process are available on request. Any information received related to accommodation needs of applicants will be addressed confidentially.

Rakuten Kobo would like to thank all applicants for their interest in this role however only qualified candidates will be shortlisted.

#RKIND

Five Principles for Success
Our worldwide practices describe specific behaviors that make Rakuten unique and united across the world. We expect Rakuten employees to model these 5 Shugi Principles of Success.

Always improve, Always Advance - Only be satisfied with complete success - Kaizen
Passionately Professional - Take an uncompromising approach to your work and be determined to be the best
Hypothesize - Practice - Validate – Shikumika - Use the Rakuten Cycle to succeed in unknown territory
Maximize Customer Satisfaction - The greatest satisfaction for our teams is seeing their customers smile
Speed!! Speed!! Speed!! - Always be conscious of time - take charge, set clear goals, and engage your team

Rakuten is an equal opportunity employer. Accessibility accommodations for candidates with disabilities participating in the selection process are available on request. Any information received related to accommodation needs of applicants will be addressed confidentially. 

Rakuten would like to thank all applicants for their interest in this role however only qualified candidates will be shortlisted.

Beware of fraudulent job offers claiming to be from Rakuten. Rakuten does not send unsolicited job offers or request money during the recruitment process. Learn more: https://rakutenemploymentalert.com/

At the time of posting, Rakuten expects the compensation for this role to be within the range shown below. Individual compensation may vary based on job-related factors, including the skills, qualifications, and experience of the successful candidate as well as business need and geographic location. The successful applicant for this role may be eligible for employee benefits as the company implements.