MD Buyer / Brand Consulting - FMCG Sales Department (C&M)

Job Description

This role supports FMCG brands through merchandise planning, buyer consulting, sales strategy, and category development within Rakuten’s e-commerce business. Candidates are expected to understand consumer goods, retail, merchandising, or digital commerce and to use market data to identify growth opportunities. Strong communication, negotiation, presentation, and client relationship skills are important, as the position involves working with brand partners and internal teams. Experience in FMCG sales, marketing, account management, merchandising, or consulting is likely preferred. Business-level Japanese is generally essential for communication with domestic clients, while English may be useful in Rakuten’s international environment. The successful candidate should be commercially minded, analytical, proactive, and able to manage multiple projects while delivering measurable sales and customer value.

Company Info

Rakuten Group, Inc. is a major Japanese technology and internet company headquartered in Tokyo. Founded in 1997, it operates a broad ecosystem covering online marketplaces, fintech, mobile communications, digital content, travel, advertising, and professional sports. Rakuten Ichiba, its flagship e-commerce platform, connects consumers with a large network of merchants and brands. The company uses its membership and loyalty ecosystem to link services through the Rakuten Point program, creating opportunities for data-driven marketing and cross-business growth. Rakuten has an international workforce and promotes a global working environment, although many Japan-based roles require strong Japanese communication skills. Its culture emphasizes innovation, entrepreneurship, customer focus, and collaboration across businesses. This position sits within the FMCG sales organization and focuses on helping consumer-goods brands improve their online merchandising, commercial performance, and relationship with Rakuten customers.

Destination Guide

Japan offers strong opportunities in technology, e-commerce, finance, manufacturing, tourism, consumer goods, and international business, especially in Tokyo, Osaka, Nagoya, and Fukuoka. Workplace culture values reliability, preparation, teamwork, respect, and attention to detail. Communication can be formal, and Japanese ability greatly improves career options, although multinational companies offer some English-speaking roles. Japan provides excellent public transport, safe cities, high-quality healthcare, and varied lifestyles, from lively urban neighborhoods to quieter rural and coastal communities. Living costs are highest in Tokyo, while regional cities can be more affordable. Foreign professionals generally need an employer-sponsored work visa, such as the Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services status, and must meet education or relevant-experience requirements. Applicants should arrange housing, residence registration, health insurance, tax procedures, and a local bank account after arrival. Learning everyday Japanese and understanding local etiquette make relocation substantially easier.