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 (Futakotamagawa Rise Office)

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: User Experience (UX) / Product Design / Marketing Operations

Date Posted: 2026-06-24

Experience Level: 5-10 Years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead the definition and execution of UX strategy across Rakuten Mobile's extensive service ecosystem, impacting over 100 million Rakuten members.

• Drive product growth by leveraging Rakuten's vast data assets for quantitative analysis and conducting qualitative user research to uncover actionable insights.

• Translate user needs and business objectives into tangible UX improvement proposals and detailed requirements for web, app, and in-store experiences.

• Champion data-driven decision-making by setting KPIs, monitoring progress, measuring impact, and proposing continuous iterations for optimization.

• Collaborate extensively with cross-functional teams, including engineering, data analytics, and business stakeholders, to ensure successful product development and enhancement from a UX perspective.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role sits within Rakuten's highest-priority business, Rakuten Mobile, emphasizing a direct impact on service growth and customer experience. The integration of UX strategy with brand marketing and data analytics within the Marketing Division suggests a GTM-aligned operations function focused on customer acquisition, retention, and lifetime value.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

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

• Conduct in-depth user research, employing both quantitative analysis of large-scale user data and qualitative methods such as user interviews and usability testing, to identify user needs, pain points, and behavioral patterns.

• Develop actionable UX improvement proposals, translate insights into detailed functional requirements, and collaborate with product and engineering teams on their implementation.

• Establish key performance indicators (KPIs) for UX initiatives, track progress against these metrics, measure the post-launch impact of UX changes, and recommend continuous improvement cycles.

• Perform competitive analysis, monitor emerging market trends within the telecommunications and mobile service sectors, and research technological advancements to identify opportunities for service enhancement.

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

• Provide clear direction and collaborate effectively with the UI design team to ensure a cohesive and high-quality user interface.

• Lead and facilitate cross-functional collaboration, proactively clarify issues, and build consensus among diverse stakeholders to ensure the successful and timely delivery of UX-driven projects.

• Act as a key liaison between UX/Product Design, development teams, and business stakeholders, driving product improvement initiatives with a strong user-centric focus.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of strategic UX planning, hands-on design execution, rigorous data analysis, and project leadership. This indicates a need for a candidate who can operate at both a strategic and tactical level, bridging the gap between user needs, business goals, and technical implementation within a fast-paced GTM environment.

🎓 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 roles of this nature, providing a strong theoretical foundation for user-centered design principles.

Experience: 5+ years of hands-on experience in UX design, product design, or a closely related field, with a proven track record of driving product improvements and business growth.

Required Skills:

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

• Proven experience in user research, utilizing both quantitative data analysis (e.g., analytics, A/B testing) and qualitative methods (e.g., interviews, surveys, usability testing) to extract actionable insights.

• Practical experience in defining information architecture, creating detailed wireframes, and developing interactive prototypes for digital products.

• Demonstrated experience participating in agile product development processes, working collaboratively with engineering, product management, and business stakeholders.

• Strong experience with data-driven decision-making, including KPI management, performance tracking, and impact measurement of product changes.

• Business-level Japanese communication skills, essential for effective collaboration within the domestic market and with internal teams.

• English proficiency equivalent to a TOEIC score of 600, demonstrating the ability to engage with global resources and potentially international stakeholders. Preferred Skills:

• Specific experience in UX/product design within the telecommunications industry or for mobile-first services.

• Experience collaborating closely with data analytics teams, with familiarity in using SQL for data extraction or proficiency with BI tools (e.g., Tableau, Power BI) for in-depth analysis.

• Experience in directing external vendors, design agencies, or development partners to achieve desired UX outcomes.

• Proven project management experience, particularly in leading cross-functional teams to achieve common goals.

• Business-level English communication skills, facilitating broader collaboration and access to international best practices.

📝 Enhancement Note: The mandatory requirement for business-level Japanese and a minimum English proficiency (TOEIC 600) underscores the role's focus on the Japanese market while acknowledging the global nature of Rakuten. The emphasis on data-driven decision-making and quantitative analysis, alongside traditional UX skills, points towards a "Growth UX" or "Product Operations" leaning within the UX discipline.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A comprehensive portfolio showcasing end-to-end UX design projects, demonstrating your ability to translate complex problems into elegant and effective user-centered solutions.

• Case studies that clearly articulate the problem statement, your role, the design process undertaken, key decisions made, and the quantifiable business impact or user improvements achieved.

• Examples of information architecture, wireframes, and interactive prototypes that illustrate your design thinking and technical proficiency.

• Documentation of user research methodologies employed, including insights derived and how they informed design decisions.

• Evidence of collaboration with engineering and business teams, and how you managed stakeholder feedback and consensus-building. Process Documentation:

• Showcase your approach to defining and documenting UX strategies and roadmaps, highlighting how they align with broader business objectives.

• Provide examples of how you have managed KPIs, measured the impact of UX initiatives, and iterated on designs based on performance data.

• Illustrate your process for collaborating with data analytics teams, including how you extract and interpret data to inform design.

• Demonstrate your project management style for UX initiatives, including cross-functional team coordination and issue resolution strategies.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a role focused on strategy and growth, the portfolio should emphasize strategic thinking, data integration, and measurable outcomes. Candidates should be prepared to discuss not just the "what" but the "why" and "how" behind their design decisions, with a clear focus on driving business results for Rakuten Mobile.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: For a UX Designer with 5-10 years of experience in Tokyo, Japan, the estimated annual salary range is ¥7,000,000 - ¥12,000,000 (approximately $45,000 - $78,000 USD, subject to exchange rate fluctuations). This range is based on industry benchmarks for experienced UX professionals in major Japanese metropolitan areas, considering the company's size and the strategic importance of the Rakuten Mobile business. The exact figure will depend on the candidate's specific experience, skills, and negotiation.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive health insurance and social security benefits provided by Rakuten.

• Paid time off (PTO), including annual paid holidays and special leave.

• Employee discounts on Rakuten Group services and products.

• Commuting allowance or transportation support.

• Opportunities for professional development, including training programs and conference attendance.

• Potential for performance-based bonuses or incentives.

• Access to Rakuten's extensive internal network and resources.

Working Hours: The standard working hours are approximately 40 hours per week, typically from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM Japan Standard Time (JST), with a one-hour break. Flexibility may be provided based on team needs and project demands, but the role is primarily on-site.

📝 Enhancement Note: Salary estimates are based on research from various Japanese job boards and industry salary surveys for UX Designers in Tokyo, factoring in the specified experience level and the tech/telecom industry. Benefits are typical for large Japanese corporations like Rakuten.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Telecommunications, E-commerce, Digital Services, FinTech. Rakuten Group operates a diversified ecosystem of services, with Rakuten Mobile being its flagship telecommunications venture. The company emphasizes innovation, customer-centricity, and a data-driven approach.

Company Size: Rakuten Group is a large, publicly traded multinational conglomerate with tens of thousands of employees globally. This specific role is within the Marketing Division, focusing on Rakuten Mobile, which itself is a significant and rapidly growing business unit.

Founded: Rakuten was founded in 1997 by Hiroshi Mikitani. Its core mission has evolved from e-commerce to building a comprehensive internet services ecosystem. Rakuten Mobile, launched commercially in 2020, represents a strategic push into the mobile network operator space, aiming to leverage Rakuten's existing member base and technology.

Team Structure:

• The UX Strategy Section is part of the Brand Marketing Strategy Department within the Marketing Division. This suggests a team focused on the strategic application of UX principles to enhance brand perception, customer acquisition, and engagement for Rakuten Mobile.

• The team likely comprises UX strategists, UX researchers, product designers, and potentially data analysts, working closely with brand managers, marketing specialists, and product managers.

• Reporting lines are expected to lead up through a Head of UX Strategy or Marketing Director within the Brand Marketing Strategy Department. Methodology:

• Data Analysis & Insights: Heavy reliance on Rakuten's vast user data to understand behavior, identify trends, and derive insights for strategic decision-making and product improvements.

• User-Centric Design: A commitment to understanding and addressing user needs through research, prototyping, and iterative design processes.

• Cross-Functional Collaboration: A strong emphasis on working across departments (Marketing, Product, Engineering, Data Analytics) to ensure cohesive strategy execution and product development.

• Agile Development: Likely adoption of agile methodologies for product development, allowing for iterative improvements and rapid response to market changes.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: Rakuten's "e-commerce to mobile" strategy implies a significant operational focus on customer lifecycle management, leveraging data from its diverse services to enhance customer experience and drive adoption of its mobile offering. The UX role is critical in bridging these services and ensuring a seamless, engaging experience for users.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role represents a mid-to-senior level position within UX design, specifically focused on strategy and product growth. It moves beyond pure execution to encompass strategic planning, data-driven insights, and cross-functional leadership. In an operations context, this is akin to a Product Operations Specialist or a Senior UX Strategist with direct business impact responsibilities.

Reporting Structure: The UX Designer will report to a manager within the UX Strategy Section of the Brand Marketing Strategy Department. They will likely work closely with product managers, marketing leads, data analysts, and engineering teams, requiring strong collaboration skills across various functional areas.

Operations Impact: The role has a direct impact on Rakuten Mobile's business success by driving user acquisition, retention, and customer lifetime value through optimized user experiences. By translating user insights and data into actionable strategies, the UX Designer contributes significantly to revenue growth, market share expansion, and overall customer satisfaction within Rakuten's highest-priority business.

Growth Opportunities:

• Specialization: Deepen expertise in mobile UX strategy, telecommunications user behavior, or data-driven UX optimization within a large, complex ecosystem.

• Leadership: Progress into a Lead UX Designer, UX Manager, or Head of UX Strategy role, managing a team and setting the strategic direction for UX across Rakuten Mobile.

• Cross-Functional Mobility: Transition into Product Management, Product Marketing, or broader GTM strategy roles within Rakuten Group, leveraging a strong understanding of user needs and business operations.

• Skill Development: Gain advanced experience in leveraging big data for UX, strategic planning, and managing complex, multi-faceted projects within a global technology leader.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role offers a clear path for growth by embedding UX strategy directly into core business and marketing functions. The opportunity to influence Rakuten's highest-priority business provides a strong platform for career advancement and significant operational impact.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: This is an on-site role located in the Rakuten offices in Futakotamagawa, Tokyo. Rakuten offices are known for being modern, collaborative, and equipped with amenities to support employee well-being and productivity.

Office Location(s): Futakotamagawa Rise Office, Tokyo, Japan. This area is a well-developed commercial hub in Tokyo, offering good access to public transportation, dining, and retail facilities, making it a convenient location for employees.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: Expect an open and collaborative workspace designed to foster teamwork, knowledge sharing, and innovation among diverse teams.

• Tools & Technology: Access to industry-standard UX design software, prototyping tools, data analytics platforms, and internal Rakuten systems.

• Team Interaction: Frequent opportunities for face-to-face interaction with colleagues from UX, marketing, product, and engineering teams, facilitating efficient communication and problem-solving.

• Supportive Infrastructure: Modern office facilities, including meeting rooms, breakout areas, and potentially employee support services.

Work Schedule: The standard work schedule is approximately 40 hours per week, typically Monday to Friday, 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM JST. While the role is on-site, Rakuten often promotes a results-oriented work environment, which may allow for some flexibility depending on team and project needs, but primary expectation is physical presence.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site requirement in a major Tokyo office hub suggests a dynamic, collaborative environment where direct interaction is valued for driving strategy and execution within Rakuten's fast-paced operations.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: HR or Recruiter screens applications and resumes based on mandatory qualifications and experience.

• Hiring Manager Interview: Discussion focused on your UX philosophy, experience, and how your skills align with the role's strategic objectives and Rakuten Mobile's business goals.

• Portfolio Review & Design Challenge: Presentation of your portfolio, highlighting key case studies that demonstrate your strategic thinking, data-driven approach, and process. You may be asked to complete a design exercise or case study related to Rakuten Mobile's services.

• Cross-Functional Team Interview: Interaction with potential team members and stakeholders from marketing, product, or engineering to assess collaboration, communication style, and cultural fit.

• Final Interview: Typically with a senior leader to discuss overall fit, career aspirations, and final confirmation.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Strategic Focus: Emphasize case studies that showcase your ability to define UX strategy, leverage data for insights, and drive measurable business outcomes (e.g., conversion rates, user engagement, retention).

• Process Clarity: Clearly articulate your design process, explaining the rationale behind your decisions, the research methods used, and how you iterated based on feedback and data.

• Rakuten Mobile Relevance: Tailor your presentation to highlight experiences relevant to mobile services, telecommunications, or large-scale digital ecosystems. Demonstrate an understanding of Rakuten's business model and user base.

• Quantifiable Results: For each project, present concrete metrics and KPIs that demonstrate the impact of your UX work on business objectives.

• Collaboration: Showcase instances where you successfully collaborated with cross-functional teams and managed stakeholder expectations.

Challenge Preparation:

• Understand Rakuten Mobile: Research Rakuten Mobile's current services, target audience, competitors, and recent marketing campaigns. Identify potential UX challenges and opportunities.

• Data-Driven Scenarios: Be prepared to discuss how you would approach a UX problem using quantitative data and user research, and how you would measure success.

• Strategic Thinking: Practice articulating a UX strategy for a new feature or service improvement, considering business goals, user needs, and technical constraints.

• Communication: Hone your ability to clearly and concisely present complex ideas, design rationale, and data insights to both technical and non-technical audiences.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on data, strategy, and cross-functional collaboration suggests that the interview process will be rigorous, assessing not only design skills but also strategic thinking and business acumen. A strong portfolio demonstrating measurable impact is crucial.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• UX Design & Prototyping: Figma, Sketch, Adobe XD, InVision, Axure RP. Proficiency in at least one leading tool is expected for wireframing, prototyping, and UI design.

• User Research Platforms: Tools for conducting usability testing, surveys, and interviews (e.g., UserTesting.com, SurveyMonkey, Google Forms).

• Information Architecture: Tools for creating sitemaps and user flows (often integrated into design tools or dedicated software).

Analytics & Reporting:

• Web & App Analytics: Google Analytics, Adobe Analytics, or Rakuten's internal analytics platforms for tracking user behavior, conversions, and engagement.

• Business Intelligence (BI) Tools: Tableau, Power BI, Looker, or similar for data visualization, dashboard creation, and in-depth analysis.

• Data Analysis: Proficiency in Excel/Google Sheets is fundamental. Familiarity with SQL for data extraction and analysis is highly desirable.

CRM & Automation:

• While not directly a CRM role, understanding how UX impacts CRM adoption and customer journeys is beneficial. Experience with Salesforce, HubSpot, or similar platforms from a user perspective can be advantageous.

• Collaboration & Project Management: Jira, Confluence, Asana, Trello for managing tasks, tracking progress, and documenting project details.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role requires a strong command of core UX design tools, coupled with significant experience in data analytics and reporting, particularly within a large-scale digital environment. Familiarity with SQL and BI tools is a strong plus, indicating a need for data-literacy beyond basic analytics.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Customer Centricity: A deep commitment to understanding and serving the needs of Rakuten Mobile users, ensuring that every design decision prioritizes the customer experience.

• Data-Driven Decision Making: Utilizing quantitative and qualitative data as the foundation for strategic planning, design choices, and performance measurement.

• Innovation & Agility: Embracing new ideas, technologies, and methodologies to continuously improve services and respond quickly to market changes and user feedback.

• Collaboration & Transparency: Fostering an environment of open communication, teamwork, and shared responsibility across departments to achieve common goals.

• Excellence & Impact: Striving for high-quality outcomes that deliver tangible business results and contribute significantly to the success of Rakuten Mobile.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: Actively engaging with marketing, product management, engineering, and data analytics teams to ensure a unified approach to product development and GTM strategies.

• Constructive Feedback: A culture that encourages open and honest feedback exchange, where ideas are debated constructively to arrive at the best solutions.

• Knowledge Sharing: Promoting the sharing of best practices, research findings, and design expertise across teams and the wider organization.

• Agile Iteration: A willingness to iterate quickly on designs and strategies based on user feedback, data insights, and evolving business requirements.

📝 Enhancement Note: Rakuten's culture likely emphasizes a blend of entrepreneurial spirit within a large corporate structure, driving innovation while maintaining operational discipline and a strong focus on measurable results.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Scale and Complexity: Navigating the vast ecosystem of Rakuten services and the sheer volume of user data to identify impactful UX opportunities.

• Balancing Stakeholder Needs: Effectively managing the diverse priorities and expectations of various departments (marketing, product, engineering, business) to achieve consensus on UX strategies.

• Rapid Market Evolution: Keeping pace with the dynamic telecommunications and mobile service industry, and the fast-changing landscape of user expectations and technological advancements.

• Data Integration: Effectively integrating and interpreting data from disparate Rakuten services to gain a holistic understanding of user journeys and identify synergistic opportunities.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Data Analytics for UX: Opportunities to deepen skills in leveraging big data, predictive analytics, and advanced statistical methods to inform UX strategy.

• Strategic Leadership: Development in setting long-term UX vision, roadmap planning, and influencing executive-level decision-making within a major business unit.

• Industry Expertise: Gaining deep insights into the telecommunications and mobile service industry, understanding its unique user behaviors and market dynamics.

• Cross-Disciplinary Learning: Exposure to various aspects of marketing, product development, and business operations within a leading technology conglomerate.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges presented are typical for senior roles in large, innovative tech companies. Rakuten's commitment to growth and its position in the market provide ample opportunities for professional development and significant career advancement.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you developed a UX strategy for a complex digital product or service. What was your process, what data did you use, and what was the outcome?" (Focus on strategic planning, data utilization, and measurable impact).

• "How would you approach a UX problem for Rakuten Mobile, such as low conversion rates in a specific user journey? Walk us through your research and proposed solutions." (Prepare a hypothetical case study using data-driven and user-centric methodologies).

• "How do you balance the needs of different stakeholders (e.g., marketing, engineering, business) when defining UX requirements and priorities?" (Highlight your collaboration and negotiation skills). Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about Rakuten Mobile and its mission to become 'life infrastructure'?" (Research Rakuten's vision and articulate your alignment).

• "How do you see UX contributing to brand marketing strategy and overall business growth at Rakuten?" (Connect UX principles to business objectives and marketing goals).

• "Describe your experience working in a fast-paced, data-rich environment. How do you ensure your UX work remains user-focused amidst large datasets?" (Demonstrate adaptability and a balanced approach). Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Storytelling: Frame your case studies as compelling narratives, clearly outlining the problem, your approach, key decisions, and the resulting impact.

• Data Visualization: Use charts and graphs effectively to present user research findings, KPI performance, and the ROI of your UX initiatives.

• Interactive Walkthrough: Be prepared to walk through wireframes and prototypes, explaining your design choices and user flows in detail.

• Conciseness: Respect the time allocated for your presentation. Focus on your most impactful projects and be ready to dive deeper into specific areas if asked.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interviews will likely assess strategic thinking, data fluency, collaborative capabilities, and a deep understanding of how UX drives business outcomes. Be prepared to discuss your process and impact with concrete examples.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

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

• Customize Your Resume: Tailor your resume to highlight your 5+ years of UX/product design experience, specifically mentioning user research, data analysis, wireframing, prototyping, and cross-functional collaboration. Incorporate keywords from the job description such as "UX Strategy," "Product Growth," "KPI Management," and "Data-driven Decision Making."

• Curate Your Portfolio: Select 2-3 of your most relevant and impactful UX projects. Ensure each case study clearly demonstrates your strategic thinking, research methodologies, design process, and quantifiable business results. Prioritize projects that align with mobile services or large-scale digital ecosystems.

• Prepare Your Presentation: Practice presenting your portfolio case studies, focusing on clear storytelling, data visualization, and articulating the business impact. Be ready to discuss your process and decision-making rationale.

• Research Rakuten Mobile: Thoroughly research Rakuten Mobile's services, target market, competitive landscape, and recent initiatives. Understand their vision of "life infrastructure" and how UX contributes to this goal. Prepare thoughtful questions about the team, strategy, and challenges.

⚠️ 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.