Tokyo, Japan
about 2 hoursOur client is an established international footwear and lifestyle business with a growing retail presence in Japan. The organisation combines global brand strength with a close understanding of local customers and market dynamics, creating an environment where experienced retail leaders can make a visible commercial impact.
Japan is an important growth market, with an expanding network of full-price and outlet stores and ambitious plans for further development. The culture is collaborative, entrepreneurial and open to new ideas, while maintaining high standards of customer experience, brand presentation and operational excellence. Employees are encouraged to work cross-functionally, build strong relationships with global stakeholders and take ownership of meaningful business initiatives.
This is an opportunity to join a business at an exciting stage of expansion, with the scope to shape the future retail strategy and grow into a broader leadership position as the Japan business develops.
As Senior Retail Manager, you will effectively lead the retail function in Japan, reporting to the General Manager and acting as a long-term business partner in the continued growth of the business. You will oversee full-price and outlet retail operations, with particular emphasis on store development, expansion and commercial performance.
Your responsibilities will include identifying sites, negotiating with mall developers, overseeing store design and construction, and managing openings, closures, refurbishments and pop-up formats. You will present development plans to global headquarters in English, respond to detailed questions and secure the necessary approvals.
You will own retail KPIs and P&L performance, using data and commercial insight to improve sales, profitability, efficiency and customer experience. You will also support store staffing and recruitment, develop retail talent and ensure consistent brand standards across the store network. The role is based onsite in Tokyo and involves regular store visits, negotiations and hands-on engagement with retail teams and external partners.
Significant retail management experience, ideally at senior manager or head-of-retail level; strong retail managers ready to step up will also be considered.
A proven track record in store development and expansion, including site selection, mall developer negotiations, store design, construction, openings and closures.
Experience managing permanent and pop-up retail formats, with exposure to both full-price and outlet operations.
Strong commercial capability, including retail KPI management, P&L ownership, budgeting, profitability analysis and performance improvement.
Experience operating within smaller-scale retail environments, where a hands-on approach and sound judgement are essential.
Experience supporting retail recruitment, onboarding, staffing plans and the development of store teams.
Business-level Japanese and strong business English, including the ability to present proposals to headquarters, explain recommendations and manage follow-up approval discussions.
Excellent communication, negotiation and stakeholder-management skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively across local and global teams.
A resilient, flexible and decisive leadership style, with the confidence to manage changing priorities and sustained pressure during an ambitious expansion programme.
Background in footwear, fashion, lifestyle or general retail; footwear experience is advantageous but not essential.
Strong understanding of retail operations, store design and construction, seasonal sales cycles, visual merchandising and brand standards.
Commercially minded, self-motivated and willing to work closely with the General Manager to shape the long-term retail roadmap.
