Position: IT Manager
Employment Type: Full-time
Level: Manager – Senior Manager
Department: IT
Reports to: CFO
Direct Reports: 6
Location: Tokyo Headquarters
Working Hours: 9:30 – 18:00 (1-hour break)
Company Overview
A global lifestyle and apparel company offering clothing, footwear, and accessories inspired by active sports such as surfing, snowboarding, and skateboarding. The company supports top athletes worldwide and provides customers with a casual, active lifestyle through its retail network.
Role Overview
In the short term, this role will serve as the operational lead for driving digital transformation (DX) without relying solely on a core system overhaul. In the medium to long term, the successful candidate will act as Project Manager for a new ERP implementation project.
Key Responsibilities
Digital Transformation (DX) Leadership
Develop and execute IT strategy.
Review existing IT systems and business workflows to identify issues and areas for improvement.
Plan and implement process automation using RPA and no-code tools.
Promote data integration and visualization across the organization.
Manage relationships and negotiations with external vendors.
Lead initiatives to improve digital literacy, including training materials and workshops.
Team & Department Management
Oversee budgeting and project management within the IT department.
Manage both the business systems and infrastructure teams (including helpdesk).
Plan, propose, and implement risk management, disaster recovery, and server security strategies.
Evaluate and improve IT security policies.
Supervise daily operations of core systems and BI/POS across ~70 retail stores.
Lead requirements definition, testing, and implementation for system updates and improvements.
Candidate Requirements
Must-Have
Experience as an in-house IT leader with system planning, implementation, and operations/maintenance.
Proven track record as Project Manager for IT initiatives.
Team management experience.
Business-level English reading/writing ability.
Preferred
Experience in the retail industry.
Knowledge of no-code, RPA, and cloud-based process improvements.
Background in IT system implementation and optimization in small to mid-sized companies.
Vendor management experience.
Windows Server administration.
System operations or development using SQL.
Ideal Profile
A hands-on manager who actively participates in daily operations as well as strategy.
Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with a collaborative mindset.
Ability to manage multiple tasks, set priorities, and perform under pressure.
Interest in the latest IT tools, including generative AI.
Compensation & Benefits
Salary determined based on experience and previous compensation (annual salary system with performance-based incentives).
Holidays: 2 days off per week (Sat/Sun), national holidays, paid leave, summer leave (3 days), year-end/New Year leave (5 days), and special leave (e.g., birthday, bereavement, long-service).
Benefits: Full social insurance coverage, retirement allowance system, employee discount, external welfare program.
Workstyle: Hybrid work model (2 days remote per week, subject to review), flexible working hours available.
Other: Company events related to active sports (e.g., beach or snow activities), regular sustainability and community initiatives.