Project Management & Process Improvement (Lead Candidate) - Quality Management Department (QMD)

Job Description

This role supports project management and process-improvement activities within Rakuten’s Quality Management Department. Candidates are expected to coordinate cross-functional initiatives, improve operational processes, monitor quality metrics, identify risks, and help establish effective standards and governance. Strong project planning, stakeholder-management, problem-solving, and communication skills are required. Experience in quality management, business process improvement, operational excellence, or a related corporate environment is advantageous. The successful candidate should be organized, proactive, comfortable working with multiple teams, and capable of presenting findings and recommendations in English and/or Japanese. The lead-candidate level suggests responsibility for driving initiatives while developing toward broader leadership duties.

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 e-commerce, fintech, mobile communications, digital content, travel, advertising, and other online services. Its businesses include Rakuten Ichiba, Rakuten Card, Rakuten Mobile, Rakuten Travel, and Rakuten Bank. The company’s strategy connects these services through a shared membership and loyalty platform, allowing customers to earn and use Rakuten Points across the ecosystem. Rakuten has an international workforce and promotes a multilingual, globally minded working environment, although Japanese ability may be important for some positions. Its corporate culture emphasizes innovation, customer focus, collaboration, and continuous improvement. Employees in Tokyo typically work in a fast-paced environment where cross-functional coordination and adapting to changing business priorities are important.

Destination Guide

Japan offers opportunities in technology, software engineering, telecommunications, finance, e-commerce, consulting, manufacturing, education, and customer operations. Tokyo provides the widest range of international jobs, while Osaka, Nagoya, Fukuoka, and Sapporo offer lower-cost alternatives with growing business communities. Japanese workplaces commonly value punctuality, teamwork, respect for seniority, and careful attention to quality; international companies may use English, but Japanese greatly improves career options and daily life. Japan provides excellent public transport, healthcare, safety, food, and cultural experiences, though housing and commuting costs can be high in Tokyo. Foreign employees generally need an appropriate work visa, commonly sponsored by the employer, with eligibility based on qualifications and job duties. Before relocating, arrange housing, a residence card, health insurance, local registration, banking, and tax procedures. Learning basic Japanese and understanding workplace etiquette will make integration easier.