Project Manager (Rakuten Mobile business) - UX Strategy Section, Brand Marketing Strategy Department, Marketing Division

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Project Manager (Rakuten Mobile business) - UX Strategy Section, Brand Marketing Strategy Department, Marketing Division

Company: Rakuten

Location: Tokyo, Japan (Futakotamagawa Rise Office)

Job Type: Full time

Category: Marketing Operations / Project Management (UX Strategy Focus)

Date Posted: 2026-10-02

Experience Level: Mid-Level (2-5 years)

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Manage end-to-end user journey projects within the Rakuten Mobile business, focusing on UX strategy and execution.

• Drive UX development initiatives by gathering and organizing requirements from various stakeholders.

• Develop and deliver effective presentation materials to communicate project status, strategies, and outcomes.

• Collaborate closely with a diverse, international team of UX specialists to enhance the overall user experience of Rakuten Mobile services.

• Contribute to the strategic expansion of Rakuten Group's membership value and ecosystem by strengthening Rakuten Mobile's role as a platform.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role sits within the Marketing Division's Brand Marketing Strategy Department, specifically in the UX Strategy Section for Rakuten Mobile. While the title is Project Manager, the core focus is on UX strategy and project management within a marketing and product development context, requiring a blend of strategic thinking, project execution, and cross-functional collaboration. The "operations" aspect lies in managing the processes and workflows that lead to improved user experiences and product development for a major business unit.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Lead and execute end-to-end user journey projects for Rakuten Mobile, from initial concept to final implementation.

• Act as a Project Management Office (PMO) for UX development initiatives, ensuring project timelines, budgets, and deliverables are met.

• Elicit, analyze, and document user experience requirements from various internal and external requestors, translating business needs into actionable development tasks.

• Develop compelling and effective presentation decks for executive leadership, project teams, and stakeholders, clearly articulating project progress, challenges, and strategic recommendations.

• Facilitate communication and collaboration among diverse teams, including UX designers, engineers, product managers, and marketing specialists, to ensure alignment and successful project outcomes.

• Conduct research and stay abreast of current UX trends, best practices, and emerging technologies to inform project strategies and recommendations.

• Manage relationships with multiple stakeholders across different departments and potentially external partners, navigating complex organizational structures and ensuring buy-in.

• Contribute to the continuous improvement of UX design and software development processes within the team and for Rakuten Mobile.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities emphasize a blend of traditional project management (PMO, requirement gathering, deck creation) with a strong UX focus. The role requires managing "uncertain situations" and "many stakeholders," suggesting a need for strong adaptability, negotiation, and strategic communication skills beyond standard project coordination.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• While no specific degree is listed, a Bachelor's degree in a relevant field such as Marketing, Business Administration, Human-Computer Interaction, Computer Science, or a related discipline is typically expected for Project Manager roles in this domain. Experience:

• Minimum of 3 years of experience in Project Management Office (PMO) or direct project management roles.

• Proven experience managing projects within software development lifecycles and understanding of UX design processes. Required Skills:

• Project Management: Demonstrated ability to plan, execute, and close projects, including scope management, risk assessment, and resource allocation.

• PMO Experience: Experience in establishing and maintaining project management standards, processes, and documentation.

• UX Design Process Knowledge: Understanding of user-centered design principles, user research methodologies, wireframing, prototyping, and usability testing.

• Software Development Process Knowledge: Familiarity with agile, waterfall, or hybrid development methodologies and their implications for UX integration.

• Communication Skills: Exceptional verbal and written communication abilities, with a proven track record of conveying complex information clearly and persuasively to diverse audiences.

• Logical Thinking & Problem-Solving: Strong analytical skills to identify issues, dissect complex problems, and develop effective, data-driven solutions.

• Stakeholder Management: Ability to effectively engage, influence, and manage expectations of multiple stakeholders with varying interests and priorities.

• Proficient Japanese Language Capability: Essential for daily operations, team collaboration, and stakeholder communication within the Japanese business context.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience working in consulting firms, bringing a structured approach to problem-solving and strategic recommendations.

• Proven experience managing projects within large-scale, complex organizational environments, demonstrating adaptability and resilience.

• English proficiency for business conversations, with a TOEIC score of 800 or above, to facilitate international team collaboration and understanding of global UX trends.

📝 Enhancement Note: The mandatory requirement for proficient Japanese language capability is critical and suggests the primary day-to-day interactions will be in Japanese. The preferred English proficiency is a strong asset, particularly given the mention of an international team of UX specialists.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Project Management Case Studies: Demonstrations of successful project completion, highlighting the project lifecycle from initiation to closure. Focus on scope, timeline, budget adherence, and delivered outcomes.

• UX Improvement Initiatives: Examples of projects where UX research or design interventions led to measurable improvements in user satisfaction, engagement, conversion rates, or task completion.

• Requirement Gathering & Documentation Samples: Portfolios should include examples of how requirements were captured, analyzed, and documented, illustrating the ability to translate stakeholder needs into technical specifications or user stories.

• Presentation Deck Examples: Showcase effective deck creation skills, presenting complex project information, strategic proposals, or UX insights in a clear, concise, and visually appealing manner.

Process Documentation:

• Workflow Design & Optimization: Evidence of ability to map existing processes, identify bottlenecks, and design optimized workflows for UX development and project execution.

• Methodology Application: Demonstrate understanding and application of project management (e.g., Agile, Waterfall) and UX design methodologies (e.g., Design Thinking, User-Centered Design) in project execution.

• Cross-Functional Collaboration Frameworks: Examples of how processes were established to ensure seamless collaboration between UX teams, development teams, marketing, and other business units.

📝 Enhancement Note: While not explicitly stated as a portfolio requirement, given the role's emphasis on project management, UX strategy, and stakeholder management, candidates are strongly advised to prepare case studies that highlight their ability to manage complex projects, drive UX improvements, and present strategic recommendations effectively. This is crucial for demonstrating practical application of skills in a corporate environment like Rakuten.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• Based on the mid-level experience (2-5 years), location in Tokyo, Japan, and the nature of the role within a large corporation like Rakuten, a competitive annual salary range for a Project Manager with UX strategy responsibilities is estimated between ¥7,000,000 and ¥10,000,000 JPY. This estimate considers typical compensation for similar roles in the Tokyo tech and marketing sectors and accounts for the required bilingual proficiency. Benefits:

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

• Retirement Savings Plan: Contributions to a pension or retirement fund.

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

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

• Employee Discounts: Access to Rakuten's extensive ecosystem of services.

• Professional Development: Opportunities for training, workshops, and potentially support for certifications or further education related to UX, project management, or marketing.

• Work-Life Balance Initiatives: Programs and policies aimed at supporting employee well-being.

Working Hours:

• Standard full-time hours are typically 40 hours per week, with specific daily schedules to be confirmed. Rakuten generally offers a flexible working environment, but this specific role is designated as on-site, requiring regular attendance at the Futakotamagawa Rise Office.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary estimate is based on industry benchmarks for Project Managers in Tokyo with 2-5 years of experience and bilingual capabilities. Actual compensation will be determined by Rakuten based on the candidate's specific qualifications, experience, and internal salary bands. Benefits are standard for large Japanese corporations and are tailored to support employee well-being and professional growth.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Technology, E-commerce, Telecommunications, Financial Services, Media, and more. Rakuten Group operates a vast and diversified ecosystem of online services.

Company Size: Rakuten is a large multinational corporation, employing tens of thousands of people globally. This scale offers opportunities for significant impact and exposure to complex business challenges.

Founded: Rakuten was founded in 1997, establishing a long history of innovation and growth within the internet and technology sectors.

Team Structure:

• The UX Strategy Section is part of the Brand Marketing Strategy Department within the Marketing Division.

• This section is described as a "UX specialized team" managing comprehensive UX for Rakuten Mobile, indicating a focused group of experts.

• The team is composed of UX Specialists from various countries and backgrounds, fostering a multicultural and diverse working environment.

• Collaboration is key, with UX specialists working closely as one team to manage online and offline touchpoints. Methodology:

• Data-Driven UX: The team likely employs data analysis to understand user behavior and inform UX decisions.

• User-Centered Design: A strong emphasis on understanding and catering to user needs and journeys.

• Agile Project Management: Given the mention of "software development process" and the dynamic nature of mobile business, Agile or hybrid methodologies are probable.

• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Processes are designed to integrate UX strategy with broader marketing, product, and development efforts.

Company Website: https://corp.rakuten.co.jp/english/

📝 Enhancement Note: Rakuten's culture is known for its focus on innovation, global perspective, and a strong emphasis on customer satisfaction. The Marketing Division, and specifically the UX Strategy Section, aims to leverage these principles to enhance the user experience of Rakuten Mobile, a critical component of the group's ecosystem. The presence of an international team suggests an open and collaborative environment where diverse perspectives are valued.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned at a mid-level, suitable for professionals with 2-5 years of dedicated project management or PMO experience, particularly those with a strong understanding of UX and software development lifecycles. It offers a pathway to manage more complex, strategic projects.

Reporting Structure: The Project Manager will report within the UX Strategy Section of the Brand Marketing Strategy Department, Marketing Division. They will likely work closely with the section manager and collaborate with various project stakeholders across Rakuten Mobile and potentially other Rakuten Group services.

Operations Impact: The Project Manager will have a direct impact on the success of Rakuten Mobile by improving its user experience, which is fundamental to customer acquisition, retention, and overall ecosystem engagement. Effective project management and UX strategy contribute to increased customer satisfaction, brand loyalty, and ultimately, revenue growth for the mobile business.

Growth Opportunities:

• Project Leadership: Progress to managing larger, more strategic UX initiatives or multiple concurrent projects within Rakuten Mobile.

• Specialization: Deepen expertise in UX strategy, mobile product development, or specific areas of marketing technology and operations.

• Cross-Departmental Mobility: Potential to move into roles within broader product management, marketing strategy, or operations management across the Rakuten Group.

• Leadership Development: Opportunities to mentor junior team members and contribute to the strategic direction of the UX Strategy Section.

• Global Exposure: Further leverage bilingual skills in an international corporate environment, potentially contributing to global product initiatives.

📝 Enhancement Note: Rakuten, as a large conglomerate, typically offers robust career development paths. This role provides a solid foundation in managing critical UX projects for a core business unit, offering significant opportunities for skill enhancement and career advancement within the company's diverse operations.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is based at the Futakotamagawa Rise Office, which is a modern, professional corporate office environment.

Office Location(s): Futakotamagawa Rise Office, Tokyo, Japan. This is a well-established business hub, likely offering good accessibility via public transportation.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Setting: The UX Strategy Section team works closely together, suggesting an open-plan or collaborative workspace designed to foster interaction and knowledge sharing.

• Tools & Technology: Access to standard office equipment, high-speed internet, and potentially specialized UX/design software and project management tools.

• Team Interaction: Frequent interaction with UX specialists, project stakeholders, and potentially other departments within the Marketing Division. The environment is described as international, indicating a multicultural team dynamic.

Work Schedule:

• Full-time, on-site work at the Futakotamagawa Rise Office. While Rakuten may offer flexible working arrangements, this specific role appears to require consistent physical presence. Standard working hours are approximately 40 hours per week.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site requirement in Tokyo, combined with a multicultural team, suggests a dynamic and engaging work environment. Candidates should be comfortable working in a physical office setting and interacting with colleagues from diverse backgrounds.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Review of resume and application materials to assess minimum qualifications, project management experience, and language proficiency.

• Hiring Manager Interview: Discussion focused on project management experience, understanding of UX/software development processes, and motivation for the role. May include behavioral questions.

• Team/Stakeholder Interviews: Meetings with UX specialists and potential key stakeholders to assess communication skills, collaborative abilities, problem-solving approach, and cultural fit. May involve case studies or scenario-based questions related to UX project management.

• Final Interview: Potentially with senior management, focusing on strategic thinking, leadership potential, and overall alignment with Rakuten's vision.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Highlight Project Impact: For each project, clearly articulate the problem statement, your role, the solution implemented, and quantifiable results (e.g., improved conversion rates, user satisfaction scores, efficiency gains).

• Showcase Process: Detail your project management methodology and how you navigated challenges, managed stakeholders, and ensured successful delivery, especially in complex or uncertain situations.

• UX Focus: Emphasize projects where you directly influenced user experience, demonstrating your understanding of UX principles and how they translate into business value.

• Presentation Skills: Be prepared to walk through selected case studies or presentation decks, demonstrating your ability to communicate complex ideas clearly and concisely.

• Bilingual Examples: If possible, showcase work or communication examples that highlight your Japanese and English language capabilities.

Challenge Preparation:

• UX Scenario: Be prepared to discuss how you would approach a hypothetical UX project for a mobile application, including initial steps, stakeholder engagement, and risk mitigation.

• Stakeholder Management: Practice articulating how you would manage conflicting requirements or gain buy-in from difficult stakeholders.

• Process Improvement: Think about a time you improved a process related to project management or UX development and be ready to explain it using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result).

📝 Enhancement Note: Given the emphasis on communication, stakeholder management, and deck creation, candidates should proactively prepare examples that demonstrate these skills. A well-curated portfolio that showcases concrete achievements in project management and UX strategy will be a significant advantage.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Project Management Software: Proficiency in tools like Jira, Asana, Trello, or Microsoft Project for task tracking, workflow management, and team collaboration.

• PMO Tools: Experience with tools for reporting, risk management, and resource planning.

• Presentation Software: Advanced skills in Microsoft PowerPoint or Google Slides for creating impactful decks.

• Collaboration Platforms: Familiarity with tools like Slack, Microsoft Teams, or Google Workspace for day-to-day communication and team coordination.

Analytics & Reporting:

• UX Analytics Tools: Exposure to tools like Google Analytics, Adobe Analytics, Mixpanel, or Amplitude for tracking user behavior, engagement, and conversion metrics.

• Reporting Dashboards: Ability to create and interpret dashboards using tools like Tableau, Power BI, or Google Data Studio to visualize project progress and UX performance.

CRM & Automation:

• CRM Systems: Familiarity with CRM platforms (e.g., Salesforce) can be beneficial for understanding customer data and its impact on user journeys, though not explicitly required.

• UX/Design Tools: While not a designer role, understanding the workflow and capabilities of tools like Figma, Sketch, or Adobe XD can enhance collaboration with UX designers.

📝 Enhancement Note: While specific tools aren't listed, the role implies a need for strong project management and presentation software skills. Familiarity with UX analytics and collaboration platforms is also highly relevant for effective project execution and team communication.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Customer Centricity: A deep commitment to understanding and improving the user experience for Rakuten Mobile customers.

• Collaboration & Teamwork: Emphasis on working together across diverse backgrounds and functions to achieve common goals.

• Innovation & Growth: A drive to explore new UX trends, technologies, and strategies to foster continuous improvement and business expansion.

• Data-Driven Decision Making: Utilizing data and insights to inform project strategies, UX improvements, and performance measurement.

• Efficiency & Effectiveness: Striving for streamlined processes and impactful outcomes in project execution and UX development.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: The team actively collaborates with various departments (marketing, product, development) to ensure a cohesive user experience across all touchpoints.

• Open Communication: Encouraging open dialogue and feedback exchange among team members and stakeholders, essential for navigating complex projects.

• Global Mindset: Valuing diverse perspectives and fostering an inclusive environment where international team members can contribute effectively.

• Proactive Problem-Solving: A culture that encourages identifying potential issues early and working collaboratively to find solutions.

📝 Enhancement Note: Rakuten's corporate values often include innovation, excellence, and customer satisfaction. The UX Strategy Section likely embodies these values by focusing on delivering exceptional user experiences through collaborative and data-informed approaches.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Managing Stakeholder Expectations: Balancing the needs and priorities of numerous stakeholders in a large organization can be challenging.

• Navigating Uncertainty: The role requires managing projects in potentially ambiguous situations, demanding adaptability and resilience.

• Cross-Cultural Communication: Effectively communicating and collaborating with a diverse, international team requires sensitivity and clear communication strategies.

• Rapidly Evolving Mobile Landscape: Staying ahead of fast-paced changes in mobile technology and user behavior requires continuous learning and adaptation.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Project Management: Opportunities to gain experience with complex, large-scale projects and potentially pursue certifications like PMP.

• UX Strategy Expertise: Deepen understanding of user research, UX design principles, and their strategic application in product development.

• Bilingual Professional Growth: Enhance both Japanese and English business communication and collaboration skills within a global company.

• Industry Trends: Exposure to cutting-edge UX, marketing, and mobile technology trends within a leading tech company.

• Leadership Skills: Develop skills in team leadership, stakeholder influence, and strategic planning.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges presented offer significant opportunities for professional growth. Successfully navigating these complexities will equip the Project Manager with valuable skills and experience highly sought after in the operations and tech industries.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a complex project you managed where you had to balance the needs of multiple, potentially conflicting stakeholders. How did you align them and ensure project success?" (Focus on stakeholder management, negotiation, and communication.)

• "How would you approach gathering requirements for a new feature on the Rakuten Mobile app, given that requestors might have vague ideas?" (Focus on requirement elicitation, clarification, and documentation processes.)

• "Walk me through a presentation you delivered that successfully influenced a key decision. What was your strategy, and what were the outcomes?" (Focus on presentation skills, strategic communication, and impact.) Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about Rakuten Mobile and its UX strategy?" (Demonstrate research into the company, its services, and its approach to UX.)

• "How do you approach working with a diverse, international team? Provide an example." (Highlight your cross-cultural communication and collaboration skills.)

• "How do you ensure a data-driven approach in your project management and UX initiatives?" (Showcase your analytical skills and ability to leverage data for decision-making.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure Your Narrative: For each case study, clearly define the problem, your role, the actions you took, and the measurable results. Use the STAR method.

• Quantify Impact: Wherever possible, use data and metrics to demonstrate the success of your projects (e.g., percentage increase in user engagement, reduction in support tickets, improvement in task completion time).

• Highlight Process: Explain not just what you did, but how you did it. Detail your project management methodologies, UX processes, and stakeholder management techniques.

• Visual Aids: Be prepared to share relevant slides from your portfolio that illustrate your presentation skills and project outcomes.

• Contextualize: Explain how your past experiences are relevant to the specific challenges and goals of Rakuten Mobile and the UX Strategy Section.

📝 Enhancement Note: Preparation should focus on demonstrating not only technical project management and UX knowledge but also strong communication, strategic thinking, and adaptability, especially given the role's emphasis on managing uncertainty and diverse stakeholders within a global context.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

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

• Tailor Your Resume: Emphasize your project management, PMO, and UX-related experience. Quantify achievements and use keywords from the job description such as "project management," "PMO," "UX strategy," "stakeholder management," and "software development process." Highlight your Japanese language proficiency and any relevant English language skills.

• Prepare Your Portfolio: Curate 2-3 key projects that best showcase your ability to manage complex projects, influence UX strategy, and communicate effectively with stakeholders. Be ready to present these in detail, focusing on process, impact, and lessons learned.

• Research Rakuten Mobile: Understand its services, market position, and any recent news or initiatives related to its UX or marketing efforts. This will help you tailor your responses and demonstrate genuine interest.

• Practice Interview Questions: Rehearse answers to common project management and behavioral questions, paying particular attention to scenarios involving stakeholder management, problem-solving, and cross-cultural collaboration.

⚠️ 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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