Product Strategy Group Member - Shop Operation Section , Shop Operation Department , Area Business Supervisory Department

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Product Strategy Group Member - Shop Operation Section

Company: Rakuten

Location: Futakotamagawa Rise Office, Tokyo, Japan

Job Type: FULL_TIME

Category: Sales Operations / GTM Strategy

Date Posted: 2026-06-15

Experience Level: Entry to Mid-Level (2-5 years implied)

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Drive strategic sales initiatives and product planning for Rakuten Mobile's retail shop operations, focusing on devices and accessories.

• Optimize inventory management and product allocation through rigorous data aggregation and analysis to ensure stock availability and meet sales targets.

• Act as a key liaison between internal sales/marketing teams, external manufacturers (iPhone, Android), and retail staff to ensure seamless product lifecycle management.

• Contribute to business growth by identifying and implementing improvements in shop operations and customer engagement strategies.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role, while titled "Product Strategy Group Member," has strong ties to Sales Operations and Go-To-Market (GTM) strategy within the retail and telecommunications sectors. The emphasis on sales strategies, inventory optimization, and cross-functional coordination with manufacturers positions it firmly within the operations domain, requiring analytical rigor and strategic planning for driving retail performance. The implied experience level suggests a role that offers significant learning and growth opportunities for individuals looking to build a career in GTM operations.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Develop and execute data-driven sales strategies for mobile devices and accessories within Rakuten Mobile's physical retail locations.

• Monitor and analyze store stock levels, aggregate inventory data, and implement product allocation strategies to optimize stock turnover and minimize stockouts.

• Prepare reports, facilitate meetings, and maintain clear communication channels with external manufacturers (e.g., iPhone, Android) and internal departments (sales, marketing, logistics) to ensure alignment and smooth operations.

• Aggregate, analyze, and interpret sales and inventory data to identify trends, pinpoint issues, and inform strategic decision-making for product assortment and sales promotions.

• Collaborate with senior team members on OJT (On-the-Job Training) to gradually build expertise in product lifecycle management, from initial planning to point-of-sale execution.

• Contribute to the continuous improvement of shop operations by identifying inefficiencies and proposing actionable solutions based on performance metrics.

📝 Enhancement Note: The core responsibilities highlight a blend of strategic planning and tactical execution typical of a Sales Operations or GTM role. The emphasis on "optimizing product allocation by monitoring store stock status and aggregating/analyzing inventory data" directly points to inventory management and supply chain coordination, which are critical operational functions. The need to "prepare for meetings, sharing information, and facilitating smooth coordination with manufacturers and related internal departments" underscores the importance of strong stakeholder management and communication skills, vital for operations roles.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• While no specific degree is mandated, a Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Marketing, Operations Management, or a related field is often preferred for roles involving strategic planning and data analysis. Experience:

• 2-5 years of experience in roles involving proactive task management, data analysis, and cross-functional communication.

• Demonstrated experience in driving business improvements, identifying issues, and creating data-backed reports (e.g., in PowerPoint).

• Practical experience in data aggregation and analysis using Microsoft Excel, including proficiency with functions and pivot tables to identify trends and issues. Required Skills:

• Data Analysis & Reporting: Proficient in aggregating and analyzing data using Microsoft Excel; ability to identify trends and issues using functions and pivot tables. Experience creating business improvement reports in PowerPoint.

• Task Management & Proactivity: Proven ability to manage tasks proactively, from organizing requests and gathering information to material creation and reporting.

• Communication & Collaboration: Experience communicating with related departments and team members, facilitating smooth coordination.

• Problem-Solving & Business Improvement: Demonstrated ability to identify issues and drive business improvements based on data and metrics.

• Learning Agility: A positive attitude and willingness to learn new skills and tackle tasks in unfamiliar areas.

Preferred Skills:

• Strategic Thinking & Operations Improvement: Experience deriving actionable next steps from numerical analysis, taking ownership, and working creatively to improve operations.

• Industry Interest: Keen interest in smartphones, mobile technology, and market trends, with a desire to leverage this knowledge to create new customer value.

• Cross-Functional Coordination: Experience in preparing for and facilitating meetings with external partners (manufacturers) and internal stakeholders.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Mandatory Qualifications" are framed in terms of demonstrated experience rather than specific educational degrees, which is common for roles where practical application of skills is paramount. The emphasis on Excel and PowerPoint skills, coupled with data analysis and business improvement experience, aligns perfectly with the analytical and reporting demands of Sales Operations and GTM roles. The "Desired Qualifications" further refine the ideal candidate profile by seeking those with a proactive, ownership-driven mindset and a genuine interest in the product domain, which are key indicators of potential for strategic impact.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Data Analysis Case Studies: Examples of how you have aggregated, analyzed, and interpreted data (e.g., sales, inventory, customer behavior) using tools like Excel to identify key trends, issues, or opportunities.

• Business Improvement Projects: Demonstrations of projects where you identified a business problem, proposed a solution based on data, and contributed to its implementation and measured its impact. This could involve process optimization, sales strategy adjustments, or inventory management improvements.

• Reporting & Presentation Materials: Samples of reports or presentations (e.g., in PowerPoint) that effectively communicate data insights, findings, and recommendations to stakeholders.

• Cross-Functional Project Examples: Evidence of successful collaboration with different teams or external partners to achieve a common goal, highlighting your communication and coordination skills.

Process Documentation:

• Showcase examples of how you have documented processes, workflows, or analyses related to sales strategy, inventory management, or reporting. This demonstrates an understanding of standard operating procedures and the ability to create clear, repeatable steps.

• Highlight any instances where you have contributed to the refinement or optimization of existing processes to improve efficiency or effectiveness.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a role focused on product strategy within shop operations, a portfolio should demonstrate the ability to connect data analysis to actionable business outcomes. Candidates should showcase their proficiency in using tools like Excel for data manipulation and analysis, and PowerPoint for clear communication of findings. Evidence of projects that led to tangible improvements in sales, inventory, or operational efficiency would be highly valued. The ability to articulate the "process" behind their analytical work and strategic recommendations is crucial.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• Given the location (Tokyo, Japan), the role's implied experience level (2-5 years), and the industry (telecommunications/retail), a competitive salary range for this position is estimated to be between ¥5,000,000 to ¥8,000,000 JPY annually. This range is based on industry benchmarks for similar roles in Japan, considering factors such as data analysis, sales strategy, and cross-functional coordination responsibilities. Benefits:

• Comprehensive Health Insurance: Coverage for medical, dental, and vision.

• Retirement Savings Plan: Contributions to a pension or retirement savings scheme (e.g., Employees' Pension Insurance, Welfare Pension Fund).

• Paid Time Off: Generous annual leave, sick leave, and national holidays.

• Employee Discounts: Potential discounts on Rakuten services, mobile plans, and devices.

• Commuting Allowance: Support for transportation costs to the office.

• Professional Development: Opportunities for training, workshops, and OJT to enhance skills in operations, strategy, and analytics.

• Potential for Business Trips: Opportunities for domestic and international travel, as indicated in the job posting.

Working Hours:

• Standard full-time working hours, typically around 40 hours per week, with potential for overtime depending on business needs. The role is based on-site at the Futako Tamagawa Rise Office.

📝 Enhancement Note: Salary information was not provided in the raw job description. The estimated range is based on research for similar roles in Tokyo, Japan, considering the specific responsibilities related to product strategy, sales operations, and inventory management within a large tech/telecom company like Rakuten. Benefits are standard for full-time positions in Japan and are tailored to reflect common offerings.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Telecommunications, E-commerce, Technology Services

Company Size: Large Enterprise (Rakuten Group is a global company with tens of thousands of employees; the specific department is smaller).

Founded: Rakuten was founded in 1997, bringing a strong history of innovation and e-commerce leadership. Rakuten Mobile is a significant arm of this diversified group.

Team Structure:

• The Product Strategy Group is a small, close-knit team of 5 members, including the manager, within the Shop Operations Section.

• This structure fosters a warm, transparent atmosphere with open communication and easy consultation among team members.

• Reporting lines are likely direct to the group manager, with opportunities for close collaboration with senior staff. Methodology:

• Data-Driven Decision Making: Emphasis on using data aggregation and analysis (Excel, Pivot Tables) to inform sales strategies and inventory decisions.

• Collaborative Planning: Close coordination with internal sales and marketing teams, as well as external manufacturers, to manage product lifecycles.

• Continuous Improvement: A culture that encourages identifying issues and proactively seeking solutions to enhance shop operations and customer engagement.

• OJT and Mentorship: Structured on-the-job training is provided by experienced senior staff, supporting new team members in developing expertise.

Company Website: https://global.rakuten.com/corp/

📝 Enhancement Note: The provided description emphasizes a supportive, small-team environment within a larger, innovative corporation. The "warm, transparent atmosphere" and the mention of "senior staff will provide careful support" are key indicators of the team's internal culture. The emphasis on collaboration with external manufacturers and internal departments highlights a cross-functional operational approach.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level:

• This role is positioned as an entry to mid-level position (implied 2-5 years experience). It's an excellent opportunity for individuals looking to gain foundational experience in product strategy, sales operations, and retail management within the dynamic telecommunications sector. The role offers a pathway to understanding the end-to-end product journey in a retail environment. Reporting Structure:

• The Product Strategy Group Member will report directly to the Product Strategy Group Manager. Collaboration will be frequent with other team members and cross-functional teams within Rakuten Mobile, as well as external partners like device manufacturers. Operations Impact:

• This role directly impacts revenue by influencing sales strategies, product availability, and customer engagement at the front lines of Rakuten Mobile's retail operations. Effective inventory management and sales promotion planning are critical for driving device sales and customer acquisition, which in turn support the broader Rakuten Group's ecosystem strategy. Growth Opportunities:

• Specialization in Product Strategy & Operations: Deepen expertise in retail sales strategy, inventory planning, and product lifecycle management within the mobile device market.

• Cross-Functional Exposure: Gain valuable experience working with sales, marketing, product development, and external manufacturing partners, building a strong network.

• Data Analysis & Business Intelligence: Enhance skills in data analysis, reporting, and deriving actionable insights using tools like Excel and potentially more advanced BI platforms.

• Career Progression: Potential to advance into senior product strategy roles, sales operations management, category management, or GTM leadership positions within Rakuten Mobile or the wider Rakuten Group.

• Learning & Development: Access to OJT, mentorship from experienced professionals, and potential for training in new technologies and market trends.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role offers a structured path for growth, particularly for those interested in the intersection of retail, technology, and operations. The small team size and direct mentorship suggest a high-impact learning environment where individual contributions are visible and can lead to expanded responsibilities and career advancement within Rakuten's diverse business units.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Corporate Office Environment

Office Location(s): Futako Tamagawa Rise Office, Tokyo, Japan. This is a modern office building, likely offering a professional and collaborative workspace.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Atmosphere: The small team size (5 members) promotes a close-knit, supportive, and transparent work environment where open communication and mutual assistance are encouraged.

• Resource Availability: Access to necessary tools and technology for data analysis (Excel, PowerPoint) and communication (internal systems, email).

• Team Interaction: Frequent interaction with senior team members for OJT and guidance, as well as collaboration with cross-functional teams and external partners.

Work Schedule:

• The role operates on a standard full-time schedule (approximately 40 hours per week) within the Futako Tamagawa Rise Office. While the core hours are fixed, the nature of retail operations and product launches may occasionally require flexibility or overtime, alongside potential for business trips.

📝 Enhancement Note: The description of the office environment highlights a balance between the structured setting of a corporate office and the intimate, supportive dynamics of a small team. This suggests a workplace culture that values both professional output and interpersonal relationships, which is beneficial for operational roles requiring collaboration.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Review of application, resume, and any submitted portfolio materials to assess qualifications and alignment with the role's requirements.

• First Interview (OJT/Manager Level): Likely to focus on experience with data analysis (Excel), reporting (PowerPoint), task management, and general problem-solving approaches. Behavioral questions will assess attitude towards learning and collaboration.

• Second Interview (Senior Management/Department Head): May involve more strategic discussions, case study presentations, or scenario-based questions to evaluate problem-solving skills, strategic thinking, and understanding of the retail/telecom market. This stage will likely delve deeper into potential portfolio examples.

• Final Interview: Potentially with higher-level management to assess cultural fit, long-term potential, and alignment with Rakuten's overall vision.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Quantify Achievements: For each project or responsibility, use numbers and data to demonstrate impact (e.g., "Increased sales by X%", "Reduced inventory holding costs by Y%", "Improved data accuracy by Z%").

• Showcase Analytical Process: Clearly outline your methodology for data analysis, from data collection and cleaning to interpretation and recommendation. Use visuals (charts, graphs) where appropriate.

• Highlight Problem-Solving: Present case studies that clearly articulate a problem, your analytical approach to understanding it, the solution you proposed or implemented, and the resulting outcome.

• Demonstrate Collaboration: Include examples of projects where you successfully coordinated with multiple stakeholders, highlighting your communication and negotiation skills.

• Tailor to the Role: Emphasize projects related to sales strategy, inventory management, retail operations, or product analysis to directly align with the job description.

Challenge Preparation:

• Data Interpretation Exercise: Be prepared to analyze a dataset (e.g., sales figures, inventory levels) and draw conclusions or make recommendations within a limited timeframe.

• Case Study: You might be asked to propose a sales strategy for a new device, an inventory optimization plan for a specific product, or a solution to a common shop operation issue.

• Behavioral Questions: Prepare examples using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to demonstrate your experience in areas like problem-solving, collaboration, handling challenges, and learning.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process is likely structured to assess both technical aptitude (data analysis, reporting) and soft skills (communication, proactivity, learning agility). A strong portfolio that clearly demonstrates these capabilities, particularly through quantifiable results and clear process documentation, will be critical for success.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Microsoft Excel: Essential for data aggregation, analysis, creating pivot tables, and using various functions. Advanced proficiency is required.

• Microsoft PowerPoint: Necessary for creating business improvement reports, presenting data insights, and communicating strategies to stakeholders.

• Internal Rakuten Systems: Likely proprietary tools for inventory management, sales tracking, and communication within the Rakuten ecosystem.

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not explicitly stated, familiarity with Business Intelligence (BI) tools (e.g., Tableau, Power BI) could be beneficial for more advanced data visualization and reporting, though Excel is the primary stated tool.

• Data aggregation platforms or databases may be used internally. CRM & Automation:

• A Customer Relationship Management (CRM) system is likely in use, though specific tools are not mentioned. Experience with CRM platforms for sales tracking and customer data management is a plus.

• Basic automation within Excel (e.g., macros) might be utilized for repetitive tasks.

📝 Enhancement Note: The explicit mention of Microsoft Excel and PowerPoint indicates the core technical requirements. Candidates should be prepared to demonstrate advanced proficiency in these tools, particularly in data manipulation, analysis, and presentation. Any experience with broader BI or CRM systems will enhance a candidate's profile.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Customer Focus: A strong emphasis on understanding customer needs and enhancing their experience through effective shop operations and product offerings ("front line of customer engagement").

• Data-Driven Approach: Decisions are informed by data analysis, driving efficiency and effectiveness in sales strategies and inventory management.

• Collaboration & Transparency: Open communication and mutual support within the small team, and proactive coordination with internal and external partners.

• Proactivity & Initiative: Encouragement to take ownership of tasks, identify improvements, and drive business growth with new ideas.

• Continuous Learning: A commitment to developing new skills and tackling challenges, even in unfamiliar areas, to foster personal and team growth.

Collaboration Style:

• Team-Oriented: The small team size facilitates close collaboration, regular consultation, and a shared sense of responsibility.

• Cross-Functional Integration: Requires effective communication and coordination with diverse internal departments (sales, marketing) and external entities (manufacturers).

• Mentorship-Based Support: Senior team members actively support and guide junior members, fostering a learning-centric collaborative environment.

📝 Enhancement Note: The team culture appears to value a blend of analytical rigor, proactive problem-solving, and strong interpersonal skills. The emphasis on supporting new members and fostering transparency suggests an environment conducive to professional development and effective teamwork within operations.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Dynamic Market: The mobile device and telecommunications market is fast-paced, requiring continuous adaptation to new product launches, technological advancements, and evolving consumer preferences.

• Data Complexity: Managing and analyzing large volumes of sales and inventory data from multiple sources can be complex and requires meticulous attention to detail.

• Stakeholder Alignment: Balancing the needs and expectations of internal departments and external manufacturers while optimizing shop operations can be challenging.

• Translating Data to Strategy: Effectively converting raw data insights into actionable sales strategies and operational improvements requires strong analytical and strategic thinking skills.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Industry Expertise: Develop deep knowledge of the mobile device market, including product lifecycles, manufacturer relationships, and retail sales dynamics.

• Operational Skill Enhancement: Gain hands-on experience in inventory management, sales forecasting, promotional planning, and data analysis within a large corporate setting.

• Cross-Functional Acumen: Build strong skills in stakeholder management, negotiation, and cross-functional project execution.

• Career Advancement: Potential to move into more senior product strategy, sales operations management, category management, or even broader GTM strategy roles within Rakuten.

• Exposure to Rakuten Ecosystem: Opportunity to understand and potentially contribute to the wider Rakuten Group's diverse business ventures.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges presented are typical for roles at the intersection of product, sales, and operations in a fast-moving industry. The growth opportunities are significant, offering a well-rounded development path for aspiring operations professionals.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "How would you approach developing a sales strategy for a new smartphone model launch in our retail stores?" (Focus on data analysis, target audience, promotional ideas, and inventory considerations.)

• "Describe a time you used data analysis (e.g., in Excel) to identify a business problem and propose a solution. What was the outcome?" (Prepare a STAR method answer showcasing your analytical process and impact.)

• "How would you ensure effective communication and coordination between our sales team and an iPhone manufacturer regarding inventory levels and upcoming promotions?" (Highlight your understanding of stakeholder management and process coordination.) Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about Rakuten Mobile and this specific role within the Product Strategy Group?" (Research Rakuten's mission, values, and recent developments in mobile.)

• "How do you approach learning new skills or tackling tasks in areas where you have no prior experience?" (Emphasize your proactivity, learning agility, and positive attitude.)

• "Describe your experience working in a collaborative team environment. How do you contribute to team success?" (Refer to the team's small size and supportive culture.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure: Organize your portfolio by key skills or project types (e.g., Data Analysis, Business Improvement, Collaboration).

• Narrative: For each example, tell a clear story: the challenge, your role and methodology, the actions taken, and the quantifiable results.

• Data Visualization: Use charts, graphs, and tables effectively to illustrate your analysis and findings. Ensure they are easy to understand.

• Tool Proficiency: Be ready to briefly explain how you used specific tools like Excel (functions, pivot tables) or PowerPoint to achieve your results.

• Relevance: Prioritize examples that directly relate to sales operations, inventory management, retail strategy, and data-driven decision-making.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating not just technical skills but also a proactive, analytical, and collaborative mindset. Candidates should be ready to articulate their thought processes and showcase tangible results from their past experiences, particularly those involving data analysis and business improvement.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on Rakuten's careers portal.

• Portfolio Customization: Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight specific experiences in data analysis (Excel, pivot tables), sales strategy, inventory management, and cross-functional coordination. Prepare 2-3 key projects for your portfolio that best demonstrate these skills.

• Resume Optimization: Ensure your resume uses keywords from the job description such as "sales strategy," "inventory optimization," "data analysis," "Excel," "PowerPoint," and "stakeholder coordination." Quantify achievements wherever possible.

• Interview Practice: Rehearse answers to common interview questions, particularly those related to data analysis, problem-solving, and behavioral scenarios. Practice presenting your portfolio case studies concisely and effectively.

• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with Rakuten's business model, its position in the telecommunications market, and its corporate values. Understand how Rakuten Mobile fits into the broader group strategy.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.

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