π Core Information
- Job Title: Product/Business Development (RakutenData Product) - Ad & Media Solutions Section, Data Solutions Department, Marketing Solutions Business (C&M)
- Company: Rakuten
- Location: Tokyo, Japan (Futako Tamagawa Rise Office)
- Job Type: Full-Time
- Category: Business Development, Product Management
- Date Posted: May 8, 2025
- Experience Level: Mid-Level (2-5 years)
- Remote Status: On-site
π Job Overview
Key aspects of this role include:
- Developing new data business using Rakuten's unique data assets
- Collaborating with internal and external services to explore business opportunities
- Planning and executing project roadmaps for new business
- Managing project progress and coordinating with stakeholders
ASSUMPTION: This role requires a strong background in project management and business development, with a focus on data-driven initiatives.
π Key Responsibilities
- Product and Business Development:
- Research and explore business opportunities in collaboration with Rakuten's internal and external services
- Plan and execute project roadmaps for new business
- Manage project progress, including progress management, scope definition, and quality control
- Coordinate with internal and external stakeholders
- Reporting to Executive Management:
- Create materials for discussion and reporting
ASSUMPTION: This role involves a high degree of autonomy and requires strong initiative and decision-making skills.
π― Required Qualifications
- Education: Bachelor's degree in Business, Marketing, or a related field (or equivalent experience)
- Experience: 2-5 years of experience in project management, business development, or a related role
- Required Skills:
- Proven experience in project management, including cost and schedule coordination and quality control
- Strong hypothetical thinking and goal-oriented mindset
- Excellent communication and negotiation skills
- High interest in data business using Rakuten data and the latest technology trends
- Preferred Skills:
- Experience in business development, planning, and strategic positions
- Experience in alliance development with external partners
- Interest in product development using AI
- Advanced business level Japanese (TOEIC score exceeding 800 or equivalent)
ASSUMPTION: Given Rakuten's global presence, proficiency in English is highly desirable for this role.
π° Compensation & Benefits
- Salary Range: Β₯7,000,000 - Β₯10,000,000 per year (Based on experience and market standards for mid-level business development roles in Tokyo)
- Benefits: Comprehensive benefits package, including health insurance, retirement plans, and performance-based bonuses
- Working Hours: Full-time position with standard Japanese working hours (9:00 AM - 5:45 PM, Monday - Friday)
ASSUMPTION: Rakuten offers competitive compensation packages and benefits to attract top talent in the industry.
π Applicant Insights
π Company Context
- Industry: Rakuten operates in the e-commerce, fintech, digital content, and communications sectors, with a strong focus on data-driven services
- Company Size: Rakuten is a large, global organization with over 10,000 employees
- Founded: 1997, in Tokyo, Japan
- Company Description: Rakuten Group, Inc. is a global technology leader in services that empower individuals, communities, businesses, and society. It offers services in e-commerce, fintech, digital content, and communications to over 1.9 billion members worldwide.
- Company Specialties: E-commerce, fintech, digital content, communications, and artificial intelligence
π Role Analysis
- Career Level: Mid-level business development role with opportunities for growth and career advancement
- Reporting Structure: Reports directly to executive management within the Marketing Solutions Business (C&M) department
- Work Arrangement: On-site, full-time position with opportunities for collaboration with internal and external stakeholders
- Growth Opportunities: Potential for career progression within Rakuten's diverse business portfolio and global operations
ASSUMPTION: This role offers a unique opportunity to work on cutting-edge data-driven projects and collaborate with various internal and external stakeholders.
π Location & Work Environment
- Office Type: Modern, collaborative workspace at the Futako Tamagawa Rise Office in Tokyo
- Office Location(s): Futako Tamagawa Rise Office, Tokyo, Japan
- Geographic Context: Tokyo offers a vibrant, multicultural environment with a high cost of living and excellent public transportation
- Work Schedule: Standard Japanese working hours with opportunities for flexible work arrangements based on project needs
ASSUMPTION: Tokyo provides a dynamic and innovative environment for professionals in the tech and data industries.
πΌ Interview & Application Insights
- Typical Process: Online application review β Phone/Video screening β On-site interviews with relevant stakeholders β Final decision
- Key Assessment Areas: Problem-solving skills, communication and negotiation abilities, cultural fit, and relevant experience in business development and project management
- Application Tips:
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience and skills
- Prepare examples of your past projects and achievements in business development and project management
- Research Rakuten's business and industry to demonstrate your understanding of the company and its goals
ATS Keywords: Business development, project management, data business, Rakuten data, AI, strategic planning, stakeholder coordination, product development
ASSUMPTION: Rakuten uses Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) to filter and manage job applications, so including relevant keywords in your resume can improve your chances of being selected for an interview.
π οΈ Tools & Technologies
- Project management tools (e.g., Asana, JIRA, Trello)
- Data analysis and visualization tools (e.g., Tableau, Power BI)
- Collaboration and communication tools (e.g., Slack, Microsoft Teams)
- AI and machine learning tools (e.g., Python, R, TensorFlow)
ASSUMPTION: Familiarity with relevant project management, data analysis, and collaboration tools is essential for success in this role.
π Cultural Fit Considerations
- Company Values: Innovation, Empowerment, Integrity, and Passion
- Work Style: Collaborative, data-driven, and results-oriented
- Self-Assessment Questions:
- How do you align with Rakuten's core values, and how have you demonstrated these values in your past experiences?
- How comfortable are you working in a dynamic, fast-paced environment with diverse stakeholders?
- How does your personal work style fit with Rakuten's collaborative and data-driven approach?
ASSUMPTION: Rakuten values employees who embody their core values and can thrive in a collaborative, data-driven work environment.
β οΈ Potential Challenges
- Role-specific: Balancing multiple projects and priorities while maintaining strong communication and coordination with stakeholders
- Company-specific: Navigating a large, global organization with diverse business units and priorities
- Industry-specific: Keeping up with the latest trends and developments in data-driven business and AI
- Location-specific: Adapting to the high cost of living and fast-paced environment in Tokyo
ASSUMPTION: Addressing these challenges proactively and demonstrating resilience will be essential for success in this role.
π Similar Roles Comparison
- Role-specific: This role focuses on data-driven business development, whereas similar roles in other companies may focus on more traditional business development or product management
- Industry-specific: Rakuten's unique data assets and global presence set this role apart from similar positions in other companies
- Career path comparison: This role offers opportunities for growth and career advancement within Rakuten's diverse business portfolio and global operations
ASSUMPTION: Understanding the unique aspects of this role and how it compares to similar positions in other companies can help applicants tailor their applications and prepare for interviews.
π Sample Projects
- Developing a new data-driven product using Rakuten's unique data assets to address a specific market need
- Collaborating with external partners to create a joint venture or strategic alliance focused on data-driven business
- Managing a project to integrate data from multiple sources and create a comprehensive data platform for internal and external stakeholders
ASSUMPTION: Applicants should be prepared to discuss their past projects and achievements in business development and project management, with a focus on data-driven initiatives.
β Key Questions to Ask During Interview
- How does this role fit into Rakuten's overall strategy for data-driven business and AI?
- What are the most pressing challenges facing the team currently, and how can this role address them?
- How does Rakuten support the professional development and growth of its employees in this role?
- What are the key performance indicators (KPIs) for success in this role, and how will progress be measured?
- How does Rakuten foster a culture of innovation and collaboration, and how can this role contribute to that culture?
ASSUMPTION: Asking thoughtful, insightful questions during the interview process can demonstrate your interest in the role and help you better understand the company and its goals.
π Next Steps for Applicants
To apply for this position:
- Submit your application through the provided link:
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience and skills
- Prepare examples of your past projects and achievements in business development and project management
- Research Rakuten's business and industry to demonstrate your understanding of the company and its goals
- Follow up with a polite email one week after submitting your application, reiterating your interest in the role and inquiring about the status of your application
β οΈ Disclaimer: This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.