Marketing Manager - Specialty

📌 Core Information

🔹 Job Title: Marketing Manager - Specialty

🔹 Company: Fender Musical Instruments Corporation

🔹 Location: Tokyo, Tōkyō, Japan

🔹 Job Type: On-site

🔹 Category: Marketing

🔹 Date Posted: June 4, 2025

🔹 Experience Level: 5-10 years

🔹 Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Job Overview

Key aspects of this role include:

• Developing and implementing marketing strategies for Specialty Brands
• Collaborating with Sales and Artist Marketing teams for distribution strategies and artist relations
• Managing advertising, PR, and digital media investments across core touchpoints
• Monitoring and controlling A&P expenses to ensure effective brand development
• Working within an international organization and influencing for positive outcomes

ASSUMPTION: This role requires a strategic mindset, strong project management skills, and the ability to work effectively in a global team.

📋 Key Responsibilities

✅ Develop effective marketing strategies for each Specialty Brand, including competitive set, market share, product portfolio, and pricing

✅ Drive investments and execution across advertising, PR, and digital/social media

✅ Coordinate with the Sales team to develop distribution strategies, including promotions and events for dealers

✅ Lead Artist Marketing for Specialty brands, including artist seeding strategy, product seeding, artist contents, and partnerships

✅ Collaborate with the US Specialty brands Marketing team for new products strategy and assets

✅ Monitor and control A&P expenses to ensure effective brand development

✅ Execute other duties assigned

ASSUMPTION: This role requires a high level of autonomy and the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.

🎯 Required Qualifications

Education: Preferred: Bachelor’s Degree in Business, Marketing, or related field

Experience: 5-7+ years of experience in a marketing-focused role with a significant portion in a leadership/supervisory capacity

Required Skills:

• Proven marketing strategy and communication experience
• Experience working in advertising, events, promotions, with timelines and budgets
• Experience working in digital communication
• Project management skills
• Certain knowledge of the Japanese music community
• Fluency in Japanese (writing, reading, and speaking) and English (speaking and writing)
• Experience with large ERP systems, with a preference for SAP
• Knowledge of US and Japan GAAP/IFRS

Preferred Skills:

• Hyperion knowledge
• Excellent interpersonal, organizational, and management skills
• Ability to work individually and as a team to accomplish company priorities and goals
• Strong analytical skills and the ability to identify and resolve issues

ASSUMPTION: Candidates should have a strong background in marketing strategy and project management, with a proven track record in a leadership role.

💰 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Based on industry standards for a Marketing Manager role in Tokyo, the estimated salary range is ¥8,000,000 - ¥12,000,000 per year. This range takes into account the candidate's experience level and the company's size and industry.

Benefits:

• Health insurance
• Retirement plan
• Paid time off
• Employee discounts on Fender products

Working Hours: Full-time position, typically 40 hours per week, with flexibility for project needs

ASSUMPTION: The salary range provided is an estimate based on market research and may vary depending on the candidate's specific qualifications and experience.

📌 Applicant Insights

🔍 Company Context

Industry: Fender is a world-renowned manufacturer of musical instruments, operating in the competitive and dynamic music industry.

Company Size: Fender has 1,001-5,000 employees globally, providing a large and diverse work environment with ample opportunities for growth and collaboration.

Founded: Fender was founded in 1946 and has since become an American icon, with a worldwide influence extending beyond the studio and the stage.

Company Description:

• Fender is a world-famous brand with offices across the globe
• An American icon, Fender was born in Southern California and has built a worldwide influence
• A Fender is more than an instrument; it’s a cultural symbol that resonates globally

Company Specialties:

• Manufacturing and marketing of musical instruments
• Distribution and sales of musical instruments and accessories
• Artist relations and endorsements

Company Website: www.fender.com

ASSUMPTION: Fender's strong brand recognition and global presence offer applicants a unique opportunity to work for an iconic company in the music industry.

📊 Role Analysis

Career Level: This role is a mid-level management position, offering opportunities for growth and advancement within the company.

Reporting Structure: The Marketing Manager (Specialty brands) reports directly to the Marketing Director and works closely with the Sales and Artist Marketing teams.

Work Arrangement: This is an on-site position based in Tokyo, Japan, with the possibility of occasional remote work for specific projects.

Growth Opportunities:

• Potential advancement to a senior marketing role within the company
• Expansion of responsibilities to include additional brands or regions
• Opportunities to work on high-profile artist relations and marketing campaigns

ASSUMPTION: This role offers a clear path for career progression within the company, with opportunities to take on more responsibilities and advance to senior-level positions.

🌍 Location & Work Environment

Office Type: Fender's Tokyo office is a modern and collaborative workspace, designed to foster creativity and innovation.

Office Location(s): Tokyo, Japan

Geographic Context:

• Tokyo is a bustling metropolis, offering a vibrant culture, rich history, and numerous entertainment options
• The city is home to a diverse and dynamic music scene, providing ample opportunities for networking and collaboration
• Tokyo offers a high standard of living, with excellent dining, shopping, and recreational facilities

Work Schedule: The typical workweek is Monday to Friday, with some flexibility for project needs and occasional weekend work for events or campaigns.

ASSUMPTION: Working in Tokyo offers applicants the opportunity to live and work in a dynamic and culturally rich environment, with access to a wide range of entertainment and networking opportunities.

💼 Interview & Application Insights

Typical Process:

• Online application submission
• Phone or video screen with the HR department
• In-person or virtual interview with the hiring manager and/or team members
• Final interview with the Marketing Director
• Background check and reference verification

Key Assessment Areas:

• Marketing strategy and planning
• Project management skills
• Communication and interpersonal skills
• Adaptability and cultural awareness

Application Tips:

• Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your marketing strategy, project management, and digital communication skills
• Demonstrate your understanding of the Japanese music community and your ability to work effectively in an international organization
• Prepare examples of successful marketing campaigns or projects you've led, focusing on their impact and the results achieved

ATS Keywords: Marketing strategy, project management, digital communication, artist relations, sales coordination, budget management, event planning, promotions, ERP systems, GAAP knowledge, Japanese music community knowledge, English proficiency

ASSUMPTION: Fender's application process is designed to assess candidates' marketing skills, strategic thinking, and cultural fit within the organization.

🛠️ Tools & Technologies

• Large ERP system (preferably SAP)
• Marketing automation and analytics tools (e.g., Marketo, Google Analytics)
• Social media management platforms (e.g., Hootsuite, Buffer)
• Project management software (e.g., Asana, Trello)

ASSUMPTION: Familiarity with these tools and technologies is essential for success in this role, as they are used to manage marketing campaigns, track performance, and collaborate with team members.

👔 Cultural Fit Considerations

Company Values:

• Passion for music and the arts
• Innovation and continuous improvement
• Collaboration and teamwork
• Integrity and accountability

Work Style:

• Dynamic and fast-paced environment
• Cross-functional collaboration and teamwork
• Adaptability and flexibility
• Strong focus on results and performance

Self-Assessment Questions:

• How do you align with Fender's company values, particularly in the context of this role?
• How comfortable are you working in a dynamic, international organization with a strong focus on results?
• What aspects of your work style make you a good fit for this role and company culture?

ASSUMPTION: Applicants should assess their cultural fit with Fender's values and work style to ensure a successful and fulfilling career with the company.

⚠️ Potential Challenges

• Managing multiple projects and deadlines simultaneously
• Working effectively in an international organization with diverse teams and time zones
• Adapting to a fast-paced and dynamic work environment
• Balancing the demands of multiple stakeholders, including Sales, Artist Marketing, and US Specialty brands Marketing teams

ASSUMPTION: Applicants should be prepared to manage multiple priorities, work effectively in a global team, and adapt to a fast-paced environment to succeed in this role.

📈 Similar Roles Comparison

• Unlike other marketing roles, this position focuses specifically on Specialty Brands, requiring a deep understanding of niche markets and unique customer segments
• This role offers the opportunity to work closely with the Sales and Artist Marketing teams, providing a holistic view of the marketing ecosystem and the chance to influence multiple aspects of the business
• Career progression in this role could lead to senior marketing positions within the company, with the potential to expand responsibilities to include additional brands or regions

ASSUMPTION: This role offers unique opportunities and challenges compared to other marketing positions, with a focus on Specialty Brands and the chance to work closely with multiple teams.

📝 Sample Projects

• Developing and executing a marketing campaign for a new Specialty Brand launch, including advertising, PR, and digital/social media strategies
• Coordinating with the Sales team to plan and execute a dealer event, including product demonstrations, artist performances, and promotional activities
• Leading an artist relations project for a Specialty Brand, including artist seeding, content creation, and partnership development

ASSUMPTION: These sample projects illustrate the diverse range of responsibilities and initiatives that the Marketing Manager (Specialty brands) may undertake, showcasing the role's strategic and collaborative nature.

❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview

• Can you describe the typical marketing strategy and planning process for Specialty Brands?
• How does the Marketing team collaborate with the Sales and Artist Marketing teams to develop and execute marketing campaigns?
• What are the key challenges and opportunities facing the Specialty Brands in the Japanese market, and how can this role address them?
• What opportunities exist for growth and advancement within the Marketing department and the company as a whole?
• How does Fender support work-life balance for its employees, particularly in a fast-paced and dynamic work environment?

ASSUMPTION: These interview questions are designed to provide insight into the role's day-to-day responsibilities, the company's culture, and the opportunities for growth and development.

📌 Next Steps for Applicants

To apply for this position:

• Submit your application through this link
• Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your marketing strategy, project management, and digital communication skills, as well as your understanding of the Japanese music community and international organizations
• Prepare examples of successful marketing campaigns or projects you've led, focusing on their impact and the results achieved
• Follow up with the HR department one week after submitting your application to confirm receipt and inquire about the next steps in the process

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