📌 Core Information
🔹 Job Title: Channel Marketing IC4
🔹 Company: Microsoft
🔹 Location: Tokyo, Japan
🔹 Job Type: Full-Time, Hybrid (3 days in office)
🔹 Category: Marketing
🔹 Date Posted: July 14, 2025
🔹 Experience Level: 2-5 years
🔹 Remote Status: Hybrid (3 days in office)
🚀 Job Overview
Key aspects of this role include:
- Developing and executing partner marketing plans with Japan retail partners for Windows, M365, and Surface products
- Building full-funnel marketing plans, creative campaigns, and managing marketing investments
- Collaborating with channel sales teams to influence the design of unique Microsoft experiences with Japan partners
- Driving partner negotiations and maximizing impact across partner marketing vehicles, programs, and platforms
ASSUMPTION: This role requires strong negotiation and marketing skills, along with the ability to develop strategic long-term marketing plans. A deep understanding of partner dynamics and consumer behavior in retail is essential.
📋 Key Responsibilities
✅ Develop and execute partner marketing plans with Japan retail partners for Windows, M365, and Surface products
✅ Build full-funnel marketing plans, creative campaigns, and manage marketing investments to drive revenue and growth
✅ Collaborate with channel sales teams to influence the design of unique Microsoft experiences with Japan partners
✅ Drive partner negotiations and maximize impact across partner marketing vehicles, programs, and platforms
✅ Work closely with Partner Readiness & Influence Leads to drive conversion online and in-store through training, evangelism, and assisted sales motions
ASSUMPTION: This role requires a high level of collaboration, strategic thinking, and strong communication skills to work effectively with various stakeholders.
🎯 Required Qualifications
Education: Bachelor's degree in Marketing, Business, or a related field
Experience: 2-5 years of experience in partner marketing, channel marketing, or a related role
Required Skills:
- Proven experience in partner marketing or channel marketing
- Strong negotiation skills
- Excellent communication and presentation skills
- Ability to build and maintain strong relationships with partners
- Proven ability to develop and execute marketing plans
- Fluency in Japanese and English
Preferred Skills:
- Experience working with retail partners in Japan
- Knowledge of Microsoft products and services
- Experience with digital marketing and transformation
ASSUMPTION: While not explicitly stated, experience in the tech industry and familiarity with Microsoft's products and services would be beneficial for this role.
💰 Compensation & Benefits
Salary Range: Based on industry standards for a Marketing Manager role in Tokyo, the estimated salary range is ¥7,000,000 - ¥10,000,000 per year. This is an estimate and the actual salary may vary based on experience and qualifications.
Benefits:
- Health insurance
- Retirement savings plan
- Employee stock purchase plan
- Generous time off and leave policies
- Employee discounts on Microsoft products and services
Working Hours: Full-time, with flexible hours and the option to work from home up to 40% of the time
ASSUMPTION: The salary range provided is an estimate based on market research and may vary depending on the candidate's qualifications and experience.
📌 Applicant Insights
🔍 Company Context
Industry: Microsoft operates in the technology industry, with a focus on software development, manufacturing, and sales of computers and consumer electronics
Company Size: Microsoft is a large corporation with over 434,000 employees globally. This size offers opportunities for career growth and exposure to diverse projects
Founded: Microsoft was founded in 1975 by Bill Gates and Paul Allen
Company Description:
- Microsoft is a multinational technology company that develops, manufactures, licenses, supports, and sells computer software, consumer electronics, and personal computers and services
- The company's mission is to empower every person and every organization on the planet to achieve more
- Microsoft's values include respect, integrity, and accountability, fostering a culture of inclusion where everyone can thrive
Company Specialties:
- Operating systems (Windows)
- Productivity and business processes (Office, Dynamics 365)
- Intelligent cloud (Azure)
- Hardware (Surface, Xbox, HoloLens)
Company Website: https://www.microsoft.com
ASSUMPTION: Working at Microsoft offers opportunities to collaborate with talented professionals, work on high-impact projects, and contribute to the company's mission to empower people and organizations worldwide.
📊 Role Analysis
Career Level: This role is at the manager level, offering opportunities for career growth and leadership development
Reporting Structure: The role reports to the Consumer Channel & Partner Marketing team in Japan
Work Arrangement: The role is hybrid, with the option to work from home up to 40% of the time
Growth Opportunities:
- Potential to take on more responsibilities and advance within the marketing organization
- Opportunities to work on cross-functional projects and collaborate with teams across the globe
- Access to professional development and training programs
ASSUMPTION: This role offers a unique opportunity to gain experience in partner marketing, work with high-profile retail partners, and contribute to the growth of Microsoft's consumer channels in Japan.
🌍 Location & Work Environment
Office Type: Microsoft's Tokyo office is a modern, collaborative workspace designed to foster innovation and creativity
Office Location(s): Tokyo, Japan
Geographic Context:
- Tokyo is a bustling metropolis with a vibrant culture, rich history, and diverse cuisine
- The city offers numerous entertainment, dining, and shopping options, as well as easy access to nature and outdoor activities
- Tokyo is a global hub for technology and innovation, providing ample opportunities for professional growth and networking
Work Schedule: Full-time, with flexible hours and the option to work from home up to 40% of the time
ASSUMPTION: Working in Tokyo offers a unique blend of ancient traditions and modern technology, providing a rich cultural experience for those who enjoy exploring new places and trying new things.
💼 Interview & Application Insights
Typical Process:
- Online application submission
- Phone or video screen with a recruiter
- Behavioral and technical interviews with hiring managers and team members
- Final interview with the hiring manager
Key Assessment Areas:
- Problem-solving skills and strategic thinking
- Communication and presentation skills
- Partner negotiation skills
- Marketing planning and execution skills
- Cultural fit and alignment with Microsoft's values
Application Tips:
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience and skills for this role
- Prepare examples of your marketing plans, campaigns, and successes to discuss during the interview
- Research Microsoft's products, services, and competitors to demonstrate your knowledge of the industry
ATS Keywords: Partner Marketing, Channel Marketing, Campaign Planning, Negotiation, Business Acumen, Marketing Strategy, Digital Marketing, Sales, Consumer Engagement, Omnichannel Strategies, Relationship Building, Marketing Execution, Training, Evangelism, Market Analysis, ROI Measurement, Brand Management
ASSUMPTION: The application process for this role may take several weeks, depending on the volume of applicants and the hiring team's availability.
🛠️ Tools & Technologies
- Microsoft's internal tools and platforms for marketing planning, execution, and analysis
- Partner-specific tools and platforms for collaboration and communication
- Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
- Project management tools (e.g., Asana, Trello, Microsoft Project)
ASSUMPTION: Familiarity with Microsoft's products and services, as well as relevant marketing tools and platforms, will be beneficial for this role.
👔 Cultural Fit Considerations
Company Values:
- Respect
- Integrity
- Accountability
Work Style:
- Collaborative and team-oriented
- Data-driven and analytical
- Adaptable and responsive to change
Self-Assessment Questions:
- Do you thrive in a collaborative, team-oriented environment?
- Are you comfortable working with data and using it to inform your decisions?
- Can you adapt to change and respond quickly to new information?
ASSUMPTION: Successful candidates will demonstrate a strong cultural fit with Microsoft's values and work style, as well as a passion for driving marketing success in a dynamic, global organization.
⚠️ Potential Challenges
- Managing multiple partners with varying priorities and expectations
- Balancing marketing investment strategy and marketing mix with partners
- Driving partner negotiations and maximizing impact across partner marketing vehicles, programs, and platforms
- Working in a fast-paced, dynamic environment with tight deadlines
ASSUMPTION: Successful candidates will be able to navigate these challenges effectively, leveraging their strong negotiation skills, strategic thinking, and ability to build and maintain strong relationships with partners.
📈 Similar Roles Comparison
- This role is similar to a Channel Marketing Manager or Partner Marketing Manager role, but with a focus on the consumer channels and partner marketing team in Japan
- Compared to other marketing roles at Microsoft, this role offers a unique opportunity to work with retail partners and drive growth in the consumer channels
- Career progression in this role could lead to opportunities in marketing leadership, product management, or other related fields
ASSUMPTION: This role offers a unique blend of marketing, sales, and negotiation skills, providing a strong foundation for a successful career in the tech industry.
📝 Sample Projects
- Developing and executing a marketing campaign to drive sales of Windows, M365, and Surface products in a major Japanese retail partner
- Negotiating with a partner to secure prime in-store placement and digital marketing support for a new Microsoft product launch
- Collaborating with the channel sales team to create a unique Microsoft experience for customers in a partner's physical storefront
ASSUMPTION: These sample projects illustrate the range of responsibilities and opportunities available in this role, from strategic planning and negotiation to creative execution and collaboration.
❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview
- What are the top priorities for this role in the first 30, 60, and 90 days?
- How does this role fit into the broader marketing organization and consumer channels strategy?
- What are the key performance indicators (KPIs) for success in this role?
- How does Microsoft support the professional development and growth of its employees?
- What is the team culture like, and how does it align with Microsoft's values?
ASSUMPTION: Asking thoughtful, insightful questions during the interview demonstrates your interest in the role and your commitment to driving success in the organization.
📌 Next Steps for Applicants
To apply for this position:
- Submit your application through the Microsoft Careers website
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience and skills for this role
- Prepare examples of your marketing plans, campaigns, and successes to discuss during the interview
- Research Microsoft's products, services, and competitors to demonstrate your knowledge of the industry
- Follow up with the hiring manager one week after your final interview to express your continued interest in the role
⚠️ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.
