Retail Country Manager - Japan

What You'll Do

deliver top-line growth and path to profitability across retail, wholesale, and digital channels Lead retail expansion: open doors annually, optimize existing store portfolio Build high-performing team: recruit and develop Area Managers, Store Managers, and HQ support functions Strengthen brand positioning: localize global brand narrative, drive customer acquisition and LTV in Japan's competitive footwear market Manage key stakeholder relationships: landlords, department stores, local media, and KOLs Serve as primary liaison to global HQ: align Japan priorities with company-wide strategy, secure resources and support Requirements Who You Are 15+ years retail leadership in Japan, with proven track record scaling brands from investment phase to profitability Experience managing 20+ store networks and annual revenue of JPY 50B+ Strong commercial acumen: pricing, inventory, margin management, and multi-channel P&L ownership Established network in Tokyo/Osaka retail real estate and department store channels Strategic mindset with ability to articulate 3-year vision while executing quarterly priorities Fluent Japanese and business-level English; Mandarin a plus Entrepreneurial drive: comfortable with ambiguity, resourceful in lean organization.

Year 1: stabilize existing store performance, open 2–3 profitable new locations, build core team Year 2: achieve positive operating profit, establish repeatable store model, expand to 15+ doors Year 3: position Japan as an APAC hub, explore wholesale and digital growth vectors Benefits Competitive package aligned with stage and performance, including base + bonus + equity component.

AI Empowerment: Access to cutting-edge AI tools (e.g., ChatGPT Plus, Midjourney, Manus) and continuous AI training to boost your efficiency and keep you at the forefront of the industry.