Publisher Sales Specialist - Kobo Japan Department (KJD)

Rakuten Group provides more than 70 services in a wide range of fields, including e-commerce, travel, digital content, and other Internet services in Japan and overseas, as well as financial services such as credit cards, banking, securities, electronic money, and smartphone app payments, mobile services such as mobile carrier services, and professional sports. By organically linking these services through a membership system centered on Rakuten members, Rakuten has created a unique “Rakuten ecosystem” that is unlike any other.

*Our Businesses Key Figures

http://corp.rakuten.co.jp/careers/services/

Department Overview

Rakuten Kobo is building "the most loved digital e-reading ecosystem for people who love books and manga" – our "Reading Oasis." We aim to provide a premium, curated, and enjoyable reading experience.

The service has many users and is a major player in Japanese e-book industry which has been growing rapidly.
The Sales Section is the heart of Rakuten Kobo's offering. We are responsible for cultivating strategic partnerships with Japanese and international publishers, acquiring a diverse range of high-quality eBooks, and ensuring our content library aligns with our "Reading Oasis" vision. This department is undergoing a strategic transformation to enhance its focus on publisher relationship management, strategic content acquisition, and sophisticated content merchandising. While manga remains a core strength and focus, we are strategically expanding our diverse non-manga categories to broaden our appeal and reader base. We collaborate closely with Product, Marketing, and Device teams to bring the best reading experience to our users.

Position:

Why We Hire

As we embark on our mission to transform Rakuten Kobo into a "Reading Oasis," we are expanding our Publisher Relations team to strengthen our partnerships and diversify our content library. This role is essential for ensuring smooth communication with publishers, efficient content acquisition processes, and effective support for our strategic initiatives, particularly in growing non-manga genres while also supporting our robust manga content offerings. We need a proactive and detail-oriented individual to help us build a world-class content ecosystem.

Key Attractions

Business & Organizational Phase: Be a foundational member of a transforming team, directly contributing to the strategic shift towards a premium "Reading Oasis." This is a chance to be part of building something new and impactful

- Autonomy & Culture: Work in a dynamic environment where your initiative and attention to detail are highly valued. Our culture encourages learning, collaboration, and a shared passion for digital reading
- Career Growth: Gain hands-on experience in content acquisition, publisher management, and strategic project support within a global tech company. This role offers a clear path to developing specialized skills and advancing within the Publisher Relations team

Position Details

We are seeking a highly motivated and detail-oriented Publisher Relations Specialist to join our growing team. Reporting to the Publisher Relations Manager, you will be instrumental in supporting our efforts to build strong relationships with Japanese publishers, facilitate content acquisition, and ensure the smooth integration of new titles into our "Reading Oasis" ecosystem. This role offers a fantastic opportunity to directly contribute to the expansion of our content library and the enhancement of the digital reading experience.

Publisher Support: Serve as a key point of contact for a portfolio of publishers, assisting with inquiries, content submissions, and operational processes. This includes supporting both manga and non-manga publishers

- Content Acquisition Support: Assist the Publisher Relations Manager in identifying potential content, preparing materials for negotiations, and tracking deal progress
- Data Management: Maintain accurate publisher and content data in internal systems, ensuring data integrity for reporting and analysis
- Contract Administration: Support the administration of publisher agreements, including tracking renewals and compliance
- Market Research: Conduct research on publishing trends, new titles, and competitor activities to identify content opportunities
- Internal Coordination: Collaborate with Content Operations, Merchandising, and other internal teams to ensure timely content ingestion and effective promotion
- Reporting Assistance: Prepare reports on content acquisition status, publisher activities, and key metrics.

Work Environment

12members
- It consists of mid-career(different industries), new graduates

Mandatory Qualifications:

3+ years of experience in a content-related role, publisher relations, or account management within the publishing or digital media industry

- Excellent written and verbal communication skills in Japanese (native level)
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, PowerPoint, Word)
- Ability to build and maintain professional relationships
- Proactive attitude with a strong desire to learn and contribute to a fast-paced environment
- Passion for books, manga, and digital reading

Desired Qualifications:

Experience with content management systems

- Basic understanding of contract terms
- Experience working in a global organization or multinational company
- Business-level English communication skills

Other Information:

Additional information on Location

Rakuten Crimson House

1-14-1 Tamagawa, Setagaya-ku, Tokyo

Related Pages
- Employee Benefits:https://global.rakuten.com/corp/careers/benefit/
- Employee Conditions:https://corp.rakuten.co.jp/careers/information/
- Culture:https://corp.rakuten.co.jp/careers/culture/

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