Head of Stores Communications, Japan, Japan Stores Communications

📌 Core Information

🔹 Job Title: Head of Stores Communications, Japan

🔹 Company: Amazon

🔹 Location: Tokyo, Tōkyō, Japan

🔹 Job Type: On-site

🔹 Category: Public Relations

🔹 Date Posted: April 23, 2025

🔹 Experience Level: 10+ years

🔹 Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Job Overview

Key aspects of this role include:

• Strategic planning and execution of communications for Amazon's core retail business, including physical goods, Amazon Prime, and other membership programs
• Leadership and management of a team responsible for developing and implementing content, channels, and processes for local and international programs
• Collaboration with business, product, and PR leaders to launch and provide ongoing strategic communications support for key services and initiatives
• Crisis management and issue resolution for retail business-related communications challenges

ASSUMPTION: This role requires a high level of strategic thinking, leadership, and adaptability to thrive in Amazon's fast-paced, start-up culture.

📋 Key Responsibilities

✅ Oversee and manage Stores Communications, including strategic plans for core retail areas, covering retail strategy, consumer campaigns, news generation, and product placement

✅ Manage key retail events and build cross-category campaigns

✅ Drive strategic launches around shopping innovations

✅ Drive communications strategies to support membership programs, with a strong focus on Amazon Prime

✅ Successfully manage complex, fast-moving, and unexpected communications challenges and manage issues/media inquiries related to the retail business

✅ Act as a business partner to Amazon Stores Leadership team across key areas, collaborating with internal stakeholder teams to drive successful program launches

✅ Deliver strategic communications counsel to internal executives on both short and long-term challenges and opportunities

✅ Write strategic plans, messaging, and press releases; pitch and secure top media, including print, broadcast, and online outlets

✅ Build excellent relationships with key media and effectively represent Amazon as a spokesperson

ASSUMPTION: This role requires a strong understanding of both traditional and digital media landscapes, as well as the ability to adapt to changing communications trends and technologies.

🎯 Required Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's degree in Communications, Public Relations, Journalism, or a related field

Experience: 10+ years of experience in public relations, with at least 5 years in a leadership role

Required Skills:

• Proven expertise in strategy development, stakeholder management, media relations, social media, and influencer relations
• Strong leadership and team management skills
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English and Japanese
• Strong analytical skills and an entrepreneurial mindset
• Ability to work independently and thrive in a fast-paced, start-up culture

Preferred Skills:

• Experience working in a global organization
• Familiarity with Amazon's products and services
• Knowledge of the Japanese retail market

ASSUMPTION: Candidates with experience in e-commerce or retail communications will have a strong advantage in this role.

💰 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Based on industry standards for a senior-level public relations role in Tokyo, the estimated salary range is ¥15,000,000 - ¥20,000,000 per year. This range may vary depending on the candidate's experience and qualifications.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision care
• Retirement savings plan with company match
• Generous paid time off and holidays
• Maternity and paternity leave
• Employee discounts on Amazon products and services

Working Hours: Full-time, with flexible hours as needed to meet deadlines and manage crises

ASSUMPTION: Salary and benefits information is based on industry standards and may vary depending on the candidate's experience and qualifications.

📌 Applicant Insights

🔍 Company Context

Industry: Amazon is a multinational technology company focused on e-commerce, cloud computing, digital streaming, and artificial intelligence. The company's mission is to be Earth's most customer-centric company.

Company Size: Amazon is a large company with over 1,000,000 employees worldwide. As a large company, Amazon offers numerous opportunities for career growth and development.

Founded: Amazon was founded in 1994 by Jeff Bezos and is headquartered in Seattle, Washington, USA.

Company Description:

• Amazon is guided by four principles: customer obsession rather than competitor focus, passion for invention, commitment to operational excellence, and long-term thinking.
• The company is driven by the excitement of building technologies, inventing products, and providing services that change lives.
• Amazon embraces new ways of doing things, makes decisions quickly, and is not afraid to fail.

Company Specialties:

• E-commerce
• Retail
• Operations
• Internet

Company Website: Amazon.com

ASSUMPTION: Amazon's large size and global presence offer unique opportunities and challenges for employees, including diverse career paths and a fast-paced work environment.

📊 Role Analysis

Career Level: This role is a senior-level position, requiring extensive experience and leadership skills.

Reporting Structure: The Head of Stores Communications, Japan, will report directly to the Global Head of Stores Communications and work closely with regional and local leadership teams.

Work Arrangement: This is an on-site role based in Tokyo, with the expectation of working in the office full-time. However, flexibility may be available for specific tasks or projects.

Growth Opportunities:

• Potential to expand the role's scope and influence as Amazon's retail business grows in Japan
• Opportunities to work on cross-functional projects and collaborate with teams across the organization
• Possibility to take on additional responsibilities or lead special projects

ASSUMPTION: This role offers significant growth potential for the right candidate, with opportunities to make a substantial impact on Amazon's retail business in Japan.

🌍 Location & Work Environment

Office Type: Amazon's Tokyo office is a modern, collaborative workspace with an open floor plan and ample natural light.

Office Location(s): The primary office is located in the Shibuya district of Tokyo.

Geographic Context:

• Tokyo is the capital city of Japan and the most populous metropolitan area in the world, with a population of over 37 million people.
• The city is known for its bustling streets, vibrant culture, and diverse neighborhoods.
• Tokyo is a global hub for business, finance, and technology, with a strong focus on innovation and entrepreneurship.

Work Schedule: The work schedule is typically Monday through Friday, with flexible hours as needed to meet deadlines and manage crises.

ASSUMPTION: The fast-paced, dynamic work environment at Amazon's Tokyo office requires strong time management and prioritization skills.

💼 Interview & Application Insights

Typical Process:

• Online application submission
• Phone or video screen with the hiring manager
• In-person or virtual interview with the hiring manager and other team members
• Final interview with the Global Head of Stores Communications

Key Assessment Areas:

• Strategic thinking and problem-solving skills
• Leadership and team management abilities
• Communication and presentation skills
• Cultural fit and alignment with Amazon's leadership principles

Application Tips:

• Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience and skills for this role
• Be prepared to discuss your experience with crisis management and issue resolution
• Demonstrate your understanding of the Japanese retail market and Amazon's products and services

ATS Keywords: Public Relations, Strategic Planning, Communications, Retail, Amazon, Japan, Leadership, Media Relations, Crisis Management

ASSUMPTION: The interview process for this role will be comprehensive and competitive, with a focus on identifying the best fit for Amazon's unique company culture and the specific needs of the role.

🛠️ Tools & Technologies

• Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
• Project management tools (e.g., Asana, Trello, JIRA)
• Media monitoring and analytics tools (e.g., Mention, Brand24, Hootsuite)
• CRM software (e.g., Salesforce, HubSpot)

ASSUMPTION: The tools and technologies required for this role may vary depending on the specific needs of the team and the organization.

👔 Cultural Fit Considerations

Company Values:

• Customer Obsessed
• Ownership
• Invent and Simplify
• Learn and Be Curious
• Hire and Develop the Best
• Insist on the Highest Standards
• Think Big
• Bias for Action
• Frugality

Work Style:

• Fast-paced and dynamic work environment
• Collaborative and cross-functional teamwork
• Focus on innovation and continuous improvement
• Strong emphasis on customer-centricity and data-driven decision-making

Self-Assessment Questions:

• How do you embody Amazon's leadership principles in your daily work?
• Can you provide an example of a time when you successfully managed a complex, fast-moving communications challenge?
• How do you prioritize and manage your time in a fast-paced work environment?

ASSUMPTION: Cultural fit is a critical factor in success at Amazon, and candidates should be prepared to demonstrate their alignment with the company's values and work style.

⚠️ Potential Challenges

• Managing complex, fast-moving communications challenges in a high-pressure environment
• Balancing the needs of multiple stakeholders, including internal teams, business leaders, and external media
• Adapting to Amazon's unique company culture and fast-paced work environment
• Navigating the complexities of the Japanese retail market and regulatory landscape

ASSUMPTION: The successful candidate will be able to thrive in a challenging, fast-paced environment and manage complex communications challenges with grace and composure.

📈 Similar Roles Comparison

• Compared to similar roles in other organizations, this role offers a unique opportunity to work for a global technology company with a strong focus on innovation and customer-centricity
• Amazon's large size and global presence provide extensive resources and opportunities for professional growth and development
• Career paths for this role may include opportunities to take on additional responsibilities or lead special projects, as well as potential opportunities to work on cross-functional teams or transfer to other regions

ASSUMPTION: This role offers a unique combination of challenges, opportunities, and resources that set it apart from similar roles in other organizations.

📝 Sample Projects

• Developing and executing a strategic communications plan for the launch of a new Amazon Go store in Tokyo
• Managing media relations and crisis communications for a high-profile product recall or safety incident
• Collaborating with internal teams to create and implement a targeted social media campaign to promote Amazon's Prime Day event in Japan

ASSUMPTION: The specific projects and initiatives for this role will vary depending on the organization's priorities and the candidate's areas of expertise.

❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview

• Can you describe the team structure and dynamics for this role?
• How does this role collaborate with other teams and departments within Amazon?
• What are the most pressing communications challenges facing Amazon's retail business in Japan?
• How does Amazon support the professional growth and development of its employees?
• What are the key priorities for this role in the first 90 days?

ASSUMPTION: Asking thoughtful, insightful questions during the interview process demonstrates your interest in the role and your commitment to success.

📌 Next Steps for Applicants

To apply for this position:

• Submit your application through this link
• Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience and skills for this role
• Prepare for your interview by researching Amazon's company culture, values, and recent news
• Practice common interview questions and develop your responses based on the job description and your personal experiences
• Follow up with the hiring manager after your interview to express your interest in the role and reiterate your qualifications

⚠️ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.