Retail Country Manager - Japan

What You'll Do

Own Japan P&L: 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.