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

📍 Job Overview

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

Company: Rakuten

Location: Tokyo, Japan

Job Type: Full time

Category: UX/Product Design & Marketing Operations

Date Posted: 2026-10-02

Experience Level: 5-10 years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Drive product growth and enhance user experience for Rakuten Mobile services through strategic UX initiatives.

• Leverage extensive data assets and user insights to define and execute a comprehensive UX strategy across web, app, and in-store touchpoints.

• Collaborate closely with cross-functional teams, including data analytics, engineering, and business stakeholders, to translate insights into actionable product improvements.

• Lead the end-to-end UX design process, from research and IA to wireframing, prototyping, and UI direction, ensuring alignment with business objectives and market trends.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role sits within the Marketing Division, specifically focusing on the highest-priority Rakuten Mobile business. The emphasis is on using UX as a strategic lever for business growth and customer base expansion, rather than purely aesthetic design. The "operations" aspect comes from managing processes, data, and cross-functional collaboration to achieve measurable business outcomes.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Define, develop, and drive the UX strategy and roadmap for all Rakuten Mobile services, encompassing web, mobile applications, and in-store customer experiences.

• Conduct in-depth user research utilizing both quantitative data analysis (leveraging Rakuten Group's vast data assets) and qualitative methods (user interviews) to extract actionable insights and identify user pain points.

• Translate user insights and business requirements into clear UX improvement proposals, defining detailed requirements for product enhancements and new features.

• Collaborate with the data analytics team to perform comprehensive analyses, establish Key Performance Indicators (KPIs), track progress, measure the impact of UX changes, and iterate for continuous improvement.

• Perform competitive analysis, monitor industry trends in telecommunications and mobile services, and research emerging technologies to identify opportunities for service enhancement and innovation.

• Organize UI requirements, design information architecture, create wireframes, and develop interactive prototypes for websites and applications.

• Provide clear direction and collaborate effectively with the UI design team to ensure high-quality visual execution aligned with UX strategy.

• Lead cross-functional project teams, facilitating issue resolution, clarification, and consensus-building to ensure successful project delivery from a UX perspective.

• Work closely with development teams and business stakeholders to manage product improvement projects, advocating for user-centric design principles throughout the product lifecycle.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a strong blend of strategic thinking, analytical rigor, and hands-on design execution. The role requires the candidate to act as a bridge between data, user needs, and business goals, managing the entire UX lifecycle within a high-priority business unit.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: While not explicitly stated, a Bachelor's or Master's degree in Human-Computer Interaction (HCI), Design, Psychology, Computer Science, or a related field is typically expected for this level of experience.

Experience: Minimum of 5 years of hands-on experience in UX design, product design, or a closely related field, with a demonstrated ability to lead UX strategy and drive product growth.

Required Skills:

• 5+ years of hands-on experience in UX design or product design.

• Proven experience in user research, including the extraction of insights from both quantitative and qualitative data.

• Practical experience in information architecture design, wireframing, and prototyping for digital products (web and app).

• Demonstrated experience participating in product development processes, collaborating effectively with engineering and business teams.

• Strong experience with data-driven decision making, including KPI management, progress tracking, and impact measurement.

• Business-level Japanese communication skills (written and verbal). Preferred Skills:

• Experience in UX/product design specifically within the telecommunications industry or mobile services sector.

• Experience collaborating with data analytics teams, including familiarity with tools like SQL and BI platforms.

• Experience directing external vendors, agencies, or design partners.

• Proven project management experience, particularly in leading cross-functional teams.

• Business-level English communication skills (written and verbal), with a TOEIC score of 600 or equivalent.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Mandatory Qualifications" are critical and should be thoroughly addressed by candidates. The "Desired Qualifications" offer a significant advantage, especially experience within the mobile or telecom sector and data analytics tool proficiency, which aligns with the role's data-driven nature.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Demonstrate a clear process for translating user needs and business objectives into strategic UX roadmaps and actionable design solutions.

• Showcase case studies with measurable outcomes, highlighting how UX improvements directly contributed to product growth, increased user engagement, or reduced friction points.

• Include examples of information architecture, wireframes, and interactive prototypes, detailing the rationale behind design decisions.

• Present evidence of data analysis and insight extraction, explaining how data informed UX strategy and design iterations. Process Documentation:

• Illustrate experience in defining and documenting UX strategy, including roadmap development and prioritization frameworks.

• Provide examples of user research methodologies employed, detailing how insights were gathered, analyzed, and synthesized.

• Showcase workflow design for user journeys and interaction patterns, demonstrating an understanding of user flow optimization.

• Detail experience in setting UX-related KPIs, tracking performance metrics, and reporting on the impact of design initiatives.

📝 Enhancement Note: For this role, a portfolio is crucial. It should not just showcase visual design but also the strategic thinking, research methodology, and data-driven approach behind the designs. Candidates should be prepared to discuss their process for defining UX strategy and measuring its impact on business objectives.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Given the experience level (5-10 years), location (Tokyo, Japan), and the nature of the role within a major tech company like Rakuten, the estimated annual salary range for a UX Designer with this profile in Tokyo would typically fall between JPY 7,000,000 to JPY 12,000,000. This range is an estimate based on industry benchmarks for experienced UX professionals in major Japanese metropolitan areas and the specific responsibilities outlined.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive health insurance and social security benefits.

• Paid time off (annual leave, sick leave, public holidays).

• Transportation allowance or support for commuting.

• Employee discounts on Rakuten services and products.

• Opportunities for professional development, training, and attending industry conferences.

• Potential for performance-based bonuses.

• Retirement savings plans (e.g., pension schemes).

Working Hours: The standard working hours are typically 40 hours per week, Monday to Friday, with flexibility often offered depending on team needs and project deadlines. Specific arrangements may vary, but a standard 9-to-5 structure with potential for overtime during peak periods is common.

📝 Enhancement Note: Salary estimations for Japan are based on general market data for experienced professionals in Tokyo across the tech and marketing sectors. Actual compensation will depend on Rakuten's internal compensation structure, the candidate's specific experience, and negotiation. Benefits are standard for large Japanese corporations.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Technology, Telecommunications, E-commerce, and Digital Services. Rakuten operates a diverse ecosystem, with Rakuten Mobile being a key player in the highly competitive Japanese telecommunications market.

Company Size: Rakuten Group is a large, global corporation with tens of thousands of employees worldwide. This specific division likely comprises several hundred to a few thousand individuals, with the immediate team being smaller and specialized.

Founded: Rakuten was founded in 1997, growing from an e-commerce platform to a conglomerate with interests in finance, mobile communications, and more. This history suggests a culture of innovation, adaptation, and continuous expansion.

Team Structure:

• The UX Strategy Section is part of the Brand Marketing Strategy Department within the Marketing Division. This indicates a strong focus on how UX contributes to brand perception and marketing objectives.

• The team likely consists of UX strategists, researchers, designers, and potentially data analysts, working collaboratively to define and implement UX improvements.

• Reporting lines would typically go up through a manager within the Brand Marketing Strategy Department to higher levels of marketing and executive leadership, with close collaboration across product development, engineering, and other business units. Methodology:

• Data-driven decision-making is a core principle, leveraging Rakuten's extensive member data for insights and performance measurement.

• Agile or hybrid methodologies are likely employed for product development, requiring close collaboration and iterative design processes.

• A strong emphasis on continuous improvement and innovation to stay competitive in the fast-paced mobile market.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: Rakuten's culture is known for its "R-value" principles (e.g., "Always Aim Higher," "Be a Professional," "Deliver Customer Value"). Understanding these values will be key for cultural fit. The Marketing Division's focus means UX is viewed through a lens of customer acquisition, retention, and brand loyalty.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned as a mid-to-senior level UX Designer with a strong strategic component. It requires not just design execution but also the ability to define strategy, manage projects, and influence product direction. It's a key individual contributor role with potential for leadership.

Reporting Structure: The UX Designer will report to a manager or lead within the UX Strategy Section of the Brand Marketing Strategy Department. They will collaborate closely with product managers, engineering leads, data scientists, and other marketing professionals.

Operations Impact: The UX Designer's work will directly impact Rakuten Mobile's business success by enhancing customer experience, driving user acquisition and retention, improving conversion rates, and strengthening brand loyalty. The role is critical in ensuring Rakuten Mobile's services are user-friendly, competitive, and contribute to the overall ecosystem's growth.

Growth Opportunities:

• Specialization: Deepen expertise in mobile UX, telecommunications services, or advanced user research methodologies.

• Leadership: Progress to a Senior UX Designer, Lead UX Designer, or UX Manager role, overseeing teams and strategic initiatives.

• Cross-functional Mobility: Opportunities to move into Product Management, Marketing Strategy, or other related roles within the Rakuten ecosystem.

• Skill Development: Continuous learning through internal training, external workshops, conferences, and hands-on project experience in cutting-edge technologies.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers a clear path for growth within a major tech conglomerate. The emphasis on strategy and business impact means successful candidates can demonstrate significant career advancement potential, moving towards leadership or strategic product roles.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is based in the Futakotamagawa Rise Office in Tokyo, indicating a modern, professional office environment designed for collaboration and productivity. Rakuten offices are often equipped with amenities to support employee well-being and work-life balance.

Office Location(s): Futakotamagawa Rise Office, Tokyo, Japan. This location is a well-known business hub, accessible via public transportation.

Workspace Context:

• The workspace will likely be open-plan or include collaborative zones to facilitate interaction with designers, product managers, and marketing teams.

• Access to industry-standard design and analytics tools will be provided.

• Opportunities for regular team meetings, brainstorming sessions, and cross-functional project discussions will be integral to the daily workflow.

Work Schedule: Standard business hours (typically 9 AM - 6 PM or similar) are expected, with flexibility potentially available. The emphasis on project delivery may require occasional adjustments to work hours, especially leading up to major releases or during critical campaign periods.

📝 Enhancement Note: As an on-site role in Tokyo, candidates should be prepared for a structured office environment. The collaborative nature of the role implies a dynamic workspace where teamwork and communication are paramount.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: HR or recruiter call to assess basic qualifications, experience, and cultural fit.

• Hiring Manager Interview: Discussion with the hiring manager focusing on UX strategy, project experience, and alignment with team goals.

• Portfolio Review & Practical Exercise: Presentation of the candidate's portfolio, showcasing key projects, design process, and impact. This may be followed by a design challenge or case study to assess problem-solving skills and strategic thinking.

• Team/Cross-functional Interviews: Meetings with potential team members and stakeholders (e.g., Product Managers, Engineers, other Designers) to evaluate collaboration skills and technical depth.

• Final Interview: Potentially with senior leadership to discuss overall fit and strategic vision.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 3-4 projects that best demonstrate your ability to define UX strategy, conduct user research, drive product growth, and measure impact. Prioritize projects relevant to mobile services or complex ecosystems.

• Showcase Process: For each project, clearly articulate the problem, your role, the research methods used, your design process (IA, wireframes, prototypes), key decisions, challenges overcome, and the measurable outcomes.

• Quantify Impact: Highlight how your UX contributions led to specific business results (e.g., increased conversion rates, improved user satisfaction scores, reduced churn). Use data and metrics wherever possible.

• Demonstrate Collaboration: Explain how you worked with engineers, product managers, and other stakeholders.

• Tailor to Rakuten Mobile: If possible, include a brief case study or concept that addresses a potential UX challenge or opportunity within Rakuten Mobile's services.

Challenge Preparation:

• Be ready to discuss your approach to defining UX strategy for a complex product or service.

• Prepare to analyze a given problem, identify user needs, and propose UX solutions with supporting rationale.

• Practice articulating your design decisions and their connection to business objectives, using data and user insights as evidence.

• Be prepared to discuss your experience with various UX research methodologies and data analysis techniques.

📝 Enhancement Note: The portfolio review is a critical gate. Candidates must be able to articulate their strategic thinking, research process, and the business impact of their designs, rather than just showing visually appealing mockups. The emphasis on "product growth" means demonstrating ROI is key.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Wireframing & Prototyping: Figma, Sketch, Adobe XD, Axure RP, Balsamiq. Proficiency in at least one industry-standard tool is essential.

• User Research Platforms: Tools for surveys (e.g., SurveyMonkey, Typeform), usability testing (e.g., UserTesting.com, Lookback), and interview management.

• Collaboration & Project Management: Jira, Confluence, Asana, Trello, Slack, Microsoft Teams.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Web/App Analytics: Google Analytics, Adobe Analytics, Mixpanel, Amplitude.

• BI Tools: Tableau, Power BI, Looker (formerly Google Data Studio). Familiarity with data visualization and dashboard creation.

• Data Analysis: SQL for data querying is a highly desired skill, enabling deeper self-service analysis.

CRM & Automation: While not the primary focus, understanding how UX impacts CRM (e.g., Salesforce) and marketing automation platforms (e.g., Marketo, HubSpot) can be beneficial for context.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency with design and prototyping tools is a given. However, strong analytical skills and familiarity with data analysis tools (including SQL and BI platforms) are increasingly important for UX strategists, especially in a data-rich environment like Rakuten.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Customer-Centricity: A deep focus on understanding and serving the needs of Rakuten Mobile's over 100 million members.

• Data-Driven Innovation: Utilizing data to inform decisions, measure impact, and drive continuous improvement in UX and service offerings.

• Collaboration & Teamwork: Working effectively across diverse teams (marketing, product, engineering) to achieve shared goals.

• Agility & Adaptability: Embracing change and iterating quickly in the dynamic telecommunications market.

• Ownership & Accountability: Taking responsibility for UX strategy and its contribution to business success.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: Expect close collaboration with product managers, engineers, data analysts, UI designers, and marketing specialists.

• Data-Informed Discussions: Debates and decisions will be grounded in user research findings and performance data.

• Iterative Design Process: Regular feedback loops and collaborative sessions to refine designs and strategies.

• Proactive Communication: Open and transparent communication is vital for managing complex projects and stakeholder expectations.

📝 Enhancement Note: Candidates should research Rakuten's core "R-values" and be prepared to discuss how their work ethic and approach align with them. The emphasis on data and cross-functional work suggests a culture that values evidence-based decision-making and strong interpersonal skills.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Scale and Complexity: Managing UX strategy across a diverse range of Rakuten Mobile services and integrating with the broader Rakuten ecosystem.

• Data Overload: Effectively synthesizing insights from vast amounts of data to identify actionable UX improvements without getting lost in the details.

• Stakeholder Alignment: Navigating priorities and gaining consensus among various business units and stakeholders with potentially competing interests.

• Rapid Market Evolution: Keeping pace with technological advancements and competitive pressures in the telecommunications industry.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced UX Research & Strategy: Opportunities to delve deeper into cutting-edge research methodologies and strategic planning frameworks.

• Data Analysis Skills: Training and practical experience with advanced analytics tools, SQL, and data interpretation.

• Industry Exposure: Gaining deep insights into the telecommunications and mobile service sectors.

• Leadership Development: Potential to mentor junior designers, lead project teams, and develop strategic leadership capabilities.

• Cross-Ecosystem Learning: Understanding how UX impacts other Rakuten services and vice-versa.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role presents significant challenges related to scale and complexity, offering substantial growth opportunities for ambitious UX professionals looking to make a strategic impact in a major technology company.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you developed a UX strategy for a complex product or service. What was your process, and what were the key outcomes?" (Focus on your strategic thinking, roadmap development, and impact measurement.)

• "How do you balance user needs, business objectives, and technical constraints when defining UX requirements?" (Prepare to discuss trade-offs and prioritization.)

• "Walk us through a project where you used quantitative and qualitative data to drive significant UX improvements. What insights did you uncover, and how did they translate into design changes?" (Emphasize your data analysis and insight extraction skills.) Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about Rakuten Mobile and its position in the market?" (Research Rakuten's mobile strategy, recent news, and competitive landscape.)

• "How do you see UX contributing to Rakuten's overall business goals and its 'life infrastructure' vision?" (Connect UX to broader company mission.)

• "Describe your experience working in a highly collaborative, cross-functional environment. How do you manage stakeholder relationships and build consensus?" (Highlight your teamwork and communication skills.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure for Impact: Begin with a concise overview of your role and the project's goals. Clearly articulate the problem statement and the user needs you addressed.

• Detail Your Process: Explain your research methodologies, how you synthesized findings, and how these insights informed your design decisions (IA, wireframes, prototypes). Use visuals effectively.

• Quantify Results: Dedicate a section to the measurable impact of your work. Use charts or graphs to present KPIs and ROI.

• Address Challenges: Be prepared to discuss any significant challenges you faced and how you overcame them.

• Engage Your Audience: Be enthusiastic, clear, and ready to answer detailed questions about your process and rationale.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating strategic thinking, data-driven decision-making, and the ability to translate complex user needs into tangible business outcomes. Your portfolio is your primary tool for showcasing this.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this UX Designer position:

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

• Curate Your Portfolio: Select and refine 3-4 key projects that best showcase your UX strategy development, user research capabilities, data-driven approach, and ability to drive product growth. Ensure each project clearly outlines the problem, your process, your role, and measurable outcomes.

• Optimize Your Resume: Tailor your resume to highlight experience in UX/product design, user research, data analysis, project management, and any relevant industry experience (telecom, mobile). Use keywords from the job description.

• Prepare Your Presentation: Rehearse your portfolio walkthrough, focusing on clear communication of your strategic thinking, process, and the business impact of your work. Be ready to discuss your approach to UX challenges in the mobile space.

• Research Rakuten Mobile: Understand their current services, market position, competitors, and overall business strategy. Familiarize yourself with Rakuten's corporate values (R-values) and how they might apply to a UX role.

⚠️ 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.