Overview
A globally recognized outdoor footwear brand is seeking a Marketplace Specialist to drive EC marketplace performance and business growth across Japan. This role focuses primarily on Amazon Vendor operations while supporting broader marketplace management, sales optimization, and digital merchandising initiatives within the outdoor and lifestyle industry.
Position Summary
The Marketplace Specialist will manage marketplace operations, sales planning, inventory coordination, and digital merchandising activities across key EC platforms including Amazon, Rakuten, Rakuten Fashion, and ZOZO. Reporting to the Marketplace Section Manager, this role collaborates closely with internal departments and external marketplace partners to maximize sales, profitability, and brand visibility.
Main Responsibilities
Manage marketplace sales budgets, inventory levels, delivery coordination, and product registration information
Prepare weekly and monthly sales reports including sell-in, sell-through, and customer data analysis
Conduct competitor analysis and market research to identify operational improvement opportunities
Propose and implement operational improvements across marketplaces based on performance data
Finalize purchasing quantities during seasonal exhibitions and develop post-buying sales plans
Handle inquiries and issue resolution with marketplace business partners
Register and maintain product information, images, and listings across EC platforms
Optimize product pages and category pages through SEO initiatives and content improvements
Plan and execute promotional campaigns including sales events, featured topics, and advertising initiatives
Prepare presentation materials and reports for weekly and monthly business review meetings
Improve customer experience through site optimization and product image management
Direct and optimize Amazon AMS advertising strategies to maximize sales performance
Coordinate internally with logistics, inventory, and cross-functional teams to support smooth marketplace operations
Qualifications
Experience operating EC marketplaces such as Amazon, Rakuten, Rakuten Fashion, or ZOZO, or managing direct-to-consumer EC sites within the footwear, sports, outdoor, or fashion industry
Approximately 3+ years of relevant EC marketplace experience preferred
Intermediate Microsoft Excel skills including XLOOKUP, VLOOKUP, SUMIF functions, and Pivot Tables
Intermediate Microsoft PowerPoint skills with the ability to create clear presentation materials
Strong communication and relationship-building skills with internal and external stakeholders
Strong attention to detail and data accuracy
Ability to proactively identify and solve operational challenges
Interest in outdoor activities, sustainability, and environmental initiatives
Preferred Skills & Experience
Buying or future-order planning experience within retail or manufacturing
Experience in branding or brand-driven business operations
Project management experience
Experience managing advertisements on EC marketplaces
Experience supporting marketplace store launches and setup
Sales or retail sales experience
Basic Photoshop or image editing skills for resizing and logo placement
Experience conducting product photography for EC platforms
Experience using SAP inventory management systems
Ability to conduct meetings and email communication in English with overseas stakeholders
Experience using Amazon Vendor Central
Experience operating Amazon AMS advertising campaigns
Employment Type
Full-time / Permanent Employee
Location
Japan
Salary
JPY 4,000,000 – 6,000,000 annually
Working Hours
Standard working hours: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Flexible working hours system available
Core hours: 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM
8 working hours per day
Holidays & Leave
121 annual holidays
Two-day weekend system (Saturday, Sunday, and national holidays)
Paid leave granted after 6 months of employment
Summer leave
Year-end and New Year holidays
Bereavement leave
Maternity and childcare leave
Nursing care leave
Benefits
Employee discount program
Office cafeteria with drinks and snacks
Employee networking events
Annual health checkups
Influenza vaccination support
Long-service awards
Defined contribution pension plan
Online learning courses
Insurance
Employment insurance
Workers’ compensation insurance
Health insurance
Employee pension insurance
Work Environment
Flexible working environment within a fast-paced outdoor and lifestyle industry
Opportunity to collaborate cross-functionally across sales, logistics, marketing, and EC operations
Strong focus on sustainability, outdoor culture, and community engagement
Exposure to global business operations and international stakeholder communication