Position: Sports Marketing Manager – Japan
About the Role
This global outdoor brand, originally founded by climbers in North Vancouver, has spent decades developing high-performance gear in close collaboration with athletes. Working with athletes remains central to the company’s identity, and this newly created Sports Marketing Manager role in Japan will play a key part in continuing that tradition.
The Sports Marketing Manager will be responsible for developing and managing athlete partnerships, community engagement strategies, and key opinion leader (KOL) initiatives. The goal is to build brand awareness, foster authentic connections, and strengthen guest engagement in the Japanese market.
Key Responsibilities
Athlete & Ambassador Management
Develop and execute a sports marketing strategy aligned with global direction and local business goals.
Manage and expand the athlete, influencer, and ambassador portfolio.
Oversee contracts and maintain strong relationships with athletes and community partners.
Identify new talent and opportunities to strengthen the portfolio.
Coordinate with the global Sports Marketing team to localize best practices.
Support visits and activities of global athletes in Japan.
Event & Campaign Execution
Plan and deliver events to maximize brand visibility and engagement.
Lead mid-term planning and execution of flagship events, such as the Academy event in Japan.
Manage agencies, contractors, and production partners to ensure high-quality delivery.
Collaboration & Key Relationships
Internal: Global Sports & Brand Marketing, Local Sales, Retail Marketing, Merchandising.
External: Agencies, production companies, and event partners.
Key Performance Indicators
Athlete and ambassador engagement
Event success and activation impact
Guest engagement metrics
Budget management and forecasting accuracy
Requirements
Bachelor’s degree in Marketing, Business, Design, or related field.
7+ years of experience in sports marketing with proven results.
Proficiency in both Japanese and English (spoken and written).
Preferred Qualifications
Strong passion for outdoor sports.
Excellent communication, presentation, and relationship management skills.
Experience working with athletes and ambassadors.
Ability to manage conflicts, adapt quickly, and maintain a positive, solutions-focused approach.
Strong organizational skills and reliability.