Job Description:

Business Overview

Rakuten Group provides more than 70 services in a wide range of fields, including e-commerce, travel, digital content, and other Internet services in Japan and overseas, as well as financial services such as credit cards, banking, securities, electronic money, and smartphone app payments, mobile services such as mobile carrier services, and professional sports. By organically linking these services through a membership system centered on Rakuten members, Rakuten has created a unique “Rakuten ecosystem” that is unlike any other.

*Our Businesses Key Figures

https://global.rakuten.com/corp/careers/services/

Department Overview

In addition to strengthening e-book sales in collaboration with publishers, we can broadly expand our content offerings through unique initiatives and co-production of original works. We will enhance overseas distribution not only within Japan but primarily across Asia, North America, and Europe, leveraging the Rakuten ecosystem to create value achievable only through Rakuten Kobo.

In addition to operating e-books, you will be responsible for a wide range of tasks, from content production to RPA construction and overseas distribution. We are actively strengthening overseas expansion as a project promotion leader, not just operational work, so you can play an active role globally.

Position:

Why We Hire

To strengthen the team for further business expansion.

Position Details

Kobo Japan is seeking a strategic and dynamic Kobo Device Manager to lead the commercial success and go-to-market efforts for our eReading solutions within the consumer electronics industries, specifically across Kobo's own e-commerce stores (e.g., Rakuten Ichiba) and partner retail channels in Japan. This pivotal role will be responsible for the full commercial lifecycle of Kobo devices in Japan, driving sales, managing key retail partnerships, optimizing distribution, and ensuring exceptional customer satisfaction. The Device Manager will act as the primary interface between global Kobo product teams and the Japanese market, translating global strategies into local execution and advocating for Japanese consumer and retailer needs.

Key Responsibilities
Sales & Business Strategy Leadership:
- Develop and implement comprehensive sales strategies for Kobo devices across Kobo's direct e-commerce channels (e.g., Rakuten Ichiba) and partner offline (retailer) channels in Japan.
- Manage sales targets and P&L for Kobo devices, analyzing market trends, competitive landscape, and sales performance to drive revenue growth and profitability.
- Develop and communicate detailed business plans, forecasts, and strategic initiatives to senior leadership, including regular business reviews (weekly, monthly, annual planning).
- Monitor and inspect country-level device performance, undertaking deep dives to understand drivers and identify growth opportunities or areas for mitigation.

E-commerce & Retailer Channel Management:
- Directly manage and optimize Kobo's own online stores on platforms such as Rakuten Ichiba, including product listings, promotions, inventory management, and customer experience.
- Cultivate and manage strong relationships with key Japanese local retailer groups (both brick-and-mortar and online partners), distributors, and other strategic partners.
- Collaborate with partner retailers to optimize product positioning, merchandising, promotional activities, and inventory management within their stores and e-commerce platforms.
- Develop and execute joint marketing plans with partners, leveraging digital marketing strategies to drive awareness and sales.
- Negotiate favorable terms and conditions with partners to maximize Kobo's market presence and sales volume.

Product & Go-to-Market Execution:
- Lead the Japanese go-to-market strategy for all new Kobo device launches, ensuring successful market entry and sustained performance across all channels.
- Partner with global product teams, providing critical Japanese market insights and feedback on product features, specifications, and roadmaps to ensure devices meet local consumer needs.
- Oversee the localization of device software, user interfaces, packaging, and marketing materials for the Japanese market, ensuring cultural appropriateness and linguistic accuracy.
- Manage inventory levels and oversee product placement strategies to ensure efficient stock management and optimal availability across all channels.

Market Intelligence & Consumer Advocacy:
- Maintain an in-to-date understanding of the Japanese consumer electronics market, including eReading trends, competitive activity, and evolving consumer preferences.
- Act as the primary voice of the Japanese consumer and retailer within the global Kobo organization, advocating for local requirements and improvements.
- Gather and analyze customer feedback from various channels to inform product and business strategy.

Cross-Functional Collaboration:
- Collaborate closely with the Japan Marketing team on integrated campaigns and digital marketing efforts, specifically for both direct and partner channels.
- Work with global Engineering, Operations, and Customer Support teams to ensure product quality, timely delivery, and effective post-sales support for the Japanese market.
- Partner with the Japan Customer Support team to equip them with necessary product knowledge and escalation paths for device-related inquiries.

Work Environment

2 people: 1 Sales, 1 Operation

Mandatory Qualifications:

- Bachelor's degree in Business, Marketing or a related field.
- 8+ years of progressive experience in a business role, with a minimum of 5 years specifically in e-commerce, retail product management, or business strategy within the consumer electronics industry.
- Demonstrated hands-on experience managing and optimizing direct-to-consumer e-commerce stores on major platforms like Rakuten Ichiba and Amazon Japan.
- Proven experience in deep diving into customer problems and translating customer needs into actionable business and product requirements.
- Demonstrated experience partnering across a global organization and influencing multiple teams without direct authority.
- Experience in P&L management, with a track record of driving revenue growth and profitability.
- Fluency in Japanese (native or business-level proficiency, including reading and writing) and English (business-level proficiency, verbal and written) is essential.

Desired Qualifications:

- MBA or advanced studies from a reputable institution.
- High-level interpersonal skills; ability to work successfully with cross-functional teams and senior leadership across marketplaces.
- Adept communicator both verbally and in writing, capable of presenting complex information clearly and persuasively.
- Experience in membership-based business models.
- Experience in content and/or media companies.
- International work experience, particularly in a role bridging global and local market teams.
- A strong passion for reading, technology, and understanding consumer behavior in the digital content space.

Other Information:

Additional information on Location

Rakuten Crimson House
1-14-1 Tamagawa, Setagaya-ku, Tokyo

Related Pages
- Employee Benefits: https://global.rakuten.com/corp/careers/benefit/

- Employee Conditions: https://global.rakuten.com/corp/careers/information/
- Culture: https://global.rakuten.com/corp/careers/culture/
 

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