Open Position Candidate for Leadership Role (Strategy / Business Development / Product Development / Sales) - Ad & Media Company(A&M)

Job Description:
Business Overview
The Rakuten Group offers over 70 services both in Japan and overseas. By organically linking these services around a membership base centered on Rakuten members, we have formed a unique "Rakuten Ecosystem" (economic zone).
Since our founding in 1997, we have expanded our business scale - anchored by core operations such as the "Rakuten Ichiba" online marketplace and "Rakuten Card" credit card services - and successfully launched the "Rakuten Mobile" telecommunications business.
Driven by these three pillars, the Group has grown to achieve revenue of 2.3 trillion yen in the 2024 fiscal year.
Department Overview
The Ad & Media Company is tasked with expanding and growing the advertising business as the "fourth pillar" - a crucial business area that will drive the Group's future growth.
We aim to create new business models by leveraging synergies with the "Rakuten Ecosystem." This involves maximizing assets such as Rakuten members, "Rakuten Points," brand power, and member data, alongside all advertising operations across our 70+ services and our established businesses - including "Rakuten Marketing/LinkShare" (internet advertising), "Rakuten Insight" (marketing research), and "Rakuten Data Marketing" (marketing solutions). Our vision is to serve as a unique, indispensable marketing partner for our client companies.
Position:
Why We Hire
The "Rakuten Ecosystem" built by the Rakuten Group has accumulated data on over 100 million user IDs and their purchasing habits. We have yet to fully capitalize on this overwhelming asset.
We are now looking for a leader capable of spearheading an unprecedented challenge: redefining this massive asset within the realm of "advertising" and elevating it into a "fourth pillar" that drives Group growth.
To achieve this, we require the insights of individuals with extensive industry experience and connections, and we are seeking candidates who find fulfillment in driving business operations from the forefront of management and are eager to contribute to our success.
<Key Attractions>
・ Achieving exponential growth by combining advertising with ' Rakuten’s assets and AI '
You will have the opportunity to build a pioneering business model, leveraging unique assets - such as over 100 million user IDs, vast purchasing data, and advanced AI technology - that are unmatched in Japan.
・ Expanding your career as a recognized industry professional
For those with extensive industry knowledge and connections, this role offers the chance to drive the growth of Rakuten’s "fourth pillar" while working closely with senior management.
You can elevate your career to the next level in terms of personal aspirations, professional growth stages, and the scale of your impact.
Position Details
This is an open recruitment position; rather than being confined to a specific job category, the role focuses on driving business initiatives' by leveraging your professional expertise.
Depending on your experience, you will work closely with senior management to lead initiatives in the areas outlined below. We will provide further details during the formal interview or an informal discussion.
<Key Responsibilities>
1. Business Strategy & New Business Development
・ Business Model Restructuring: Conceptualize and operationalize new revenue-generating business models by leveraging Rakuten’s vast ID, purchasing, and AI assets.
・ Growth Strategy Formulation & Execution: Identify growth areas to achieve 2030 revenue targets; lead processes ranging from business viability assessment to KPI formulation.
・ Driving Non-linear Growth: Plan and drive strategic projects that transcend existing business boundaries and involve the entire Group.
2. Sales Strategy Enhancement & Alliance Building
・ Driving Strategic Sales: Formulate and execute sales strategies that boost the presence of the Ad & Media Company by leveraging industry insights and connections.
・ Stakeholder Management: Support executive decision-making and drive projects to completion by engaging key internal and external stakeholders.
<Common Responsibilities>
・ Proposing strategies and supporting decision-making for executives and business unit leaders.
・ Launching and managing cross-functional projects.
・ Planning and driving various strategic projects aimed at non-linear growth for the entire Rakuten Group."
Work Environment
<Organization Structure>
*As of September 2026
・ Headcount: 690
・ Average Age: Mid-30s
・ New Graduate vs. Mid-career Hire Ratio: 30% New Graduates / 70% Mid-career Hires
<Background Examples>
・ Experience at a consulting firm, advertising agency, or operating company.
・ Experience leading strategy formulation and project execution aimed at business growth within corporate planning or business planning departments.
Mandatory Qualifications:
<Experience>
*Any of the following:
・Practical experience in a position of responsibility within an operating company, consulting firm, or the advertising/marketing industry
・Analytical thinking skills to identify core issues within complex situations and evaluate solutions from multiple perspectives
・Communication and project management skills to build smooth relationships and foster consensus among diverse stakeholders (e.g., executive management, division heads, operational staff)
・Ability to accurately articulate and visualize abstract concepts and insights
<Other>
・Strong interest in creating new value and businesses by leveraging the diverse assets of the Rakuten Group
Desired Qualifications:
Experience or qualities in any of the following areas:
・Experience driving business growth