Senior Business Development Manager – Luxury/Rare Sneaker Category

📍 Location: Japan 📝 Job Type: Full-time 💰 Salary Range: ¥12M - ¥22M JPY per year 🌍 Language Requirement: Japanese (Fluent)

About the Role

We are seeking an experienced Senior Business Development Manager with deep expertise in the sneaker industry to drive the expansion of our platform in Japan. This role is ideal for a passionate sneakerhead with strong industry connections, a deep understanding of market trends, and a proven track record in business development.

As a key player in our growth strategy, you will be responsible for seller recruitment, market analysis, strategic partnerships, and cross-border e-commerce initiatives. If you thrive in a fast-paced environment, excel in relationship building, and are eager to shape the future of the sneaker industry in Japan, we want to hear from you!

Key Responsibilities

🏆 Seller & Brand Recruitment

• Identify, recruit, and onboard competitive sellers and brands that align with our platform’s goals.

• Guide sellers through the onboarding process and support their expansion to drive category growth.

📊 Market & Industry Insights

• Analyze the Japanese sneaker market, including industry trends, distribution channels, and key competitors.

• Leverage insights to identify opportunities and drive strategic business decisions.

🌏 Cross-Border E-Commerce Strategy

• Navigate the complexities of international e-commerce, leading 0-to-1 execution of new business initiatives.

• Develop innovative solutions to enhance the platform’s presence in the Japanese sneaker market.

🚀 Seller Support & Optimization

• Provide guidance to sellers to resolve operational challenges and improve their performance.

• Continuously optimize seller experience, ensuring high satisfaction and seamless business operations.

🤝 Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Work closely with internal teams, including marketing, data analysis, logistics, and product management, to enhance category performance and user experience.

Candidate Profile

✅ Must-Have Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years of experience in business development, sales, or a related field.

• Strong background in fashion, apparel, or luxury goods, with a preference for sneaker industry expertise.

• Established network with sneaker brands and resellers.

• Passion for sneakers, streetwear, and fashion trends.

🎯 Ideal Traits

• Results-driven and goal-oriented.

• Strong interpersonal, communication, and negotiation skills.

• Highly data-driven, with the ability to leverage analytics for strategic decision-making.

• Proactive and solution-oriented, with a growth mindset.

• Team player with the ability to collaborate across departments.

Tiered Candidate Structure

📌 Tier 1 Candidates: Highly connected within the sneaker community, capable of bringing in resellers of high-end or ultra-rare sneakers, significantly boosting GMV.

📌 Tier 2 Candidates: Experienced professionals from similar e-commerce platforms, with relevant industry knowledge and insights.

Interview Process

• 1st Round: Japan Head of Business Development & HRBP.

• 2nd Round: CEO of Global Operations.

Growth & Career Prospects

As the company continues to scale, top performers may transition into leadership roles, contributing to strategic expansion and category management at a higher level.

Compensation & Benefits

💰 16-month salary system. 🏥 Comprehensive medical & vision insurance. 🤰 Paid maternity leave. 🦽 Disability insurance. 🌍 Exciting opportunities in a rapidly growing global company.

Application Process

📌 Mandatory Candidate Information (Submit with CV)

1. Work Authorization: Are you legally eligible to work in Japan?

2. Current Work Situation: What is your current role, and why are you seeking a change?

3. Willingness to Travel: Are you open to business travel as required?

4. Education Background: What are your academic qualifications?

5. Current Location: Where are you currently based?

6. Reasons for Leaving Previous Roles: Provide key motivations for your career transitions.

7. Motivation for this Role: Why are you interested in this position and company?

8. Relevant Experience & Skills: Detail your experience related to sneakers, fashion, and e-commerce.

9. People Management Experience: Have you led teams or managed direct reports?

10. Current Compensation & Bonus Structure: Provide details on salary and incentives.

11. Salary Expectations: What is your target compensation?

Essential Interview Questions

🛍 Industry Experience: What specific experience do you have in the sneaker or fashion industry, and how has it prepared you for this role?

🤝 Networking Skills: Can you share a successful partnership you established with a vendor or supplier? What strategies did you use to build that relationship?

📊 Data-Driven Decision-Making: How have you used data insights to drive your business development strategy? Can you provide an example of a data-driven decision you made?

Join Our Team!

If you're passionate about sneakers, have a strong industry network, and are ready to make an impact in Japan’s sneaker market, this is your opportunity! Apply now and become part of a fast-growing company that values expertise, innovation, and strategic growth.