Supply Chain Manager - Device Sales Section , Device Business Department , Group Sales Division (GSD)

Role summary

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This role manages the end-to-end supply chain for devices sold through Rakuten, including demand planning, procurement, inventory control, logistics coordination, supplier communication, and sales support. Candidates are expected to have experience in supply chain management, purchasing, distribution, or consumer electronics, together with strong analytical, organizational, and negotiation skills. Japanese and English communication ability may be important for coordinating with local and international partners. The successful candidate should be comfortable working across sales, finance, logistics, and product teams, identifying operational risks, improving processes, and meeting delivery and inventory targets in a fast-moving business.

About the employer

Rakuten Group, Inc. is one of Japan’s largest technology and internet companies. Founded in 1997, it operates a broad ecosystem covering online marketplaces, mobile communications, fintech, travel, digital content, advertising, and logistics. Rakuten Mobile is expanding its telecommunications business, while the wider group supports millions of customers and merchants in Japan and overseas. The company is known for its Englishnization policy, which encourages English as a common working language in many corporate functions and attracts a diverse international workforce. Rakuten offices typically offer opportunities to work across business units, combining technology, commerce, data, and customer-focused services. Its culture emphasizes innovation, ownership, speed, and collaboration, although employees may also experience a demanding, performance-oriented environment. A supply chain manager in the device business would contribute directly to the availability and efficient distribution of smartphones and related equipment.

Working in Japan

Japan is an island nation made up mainly of Honshu, Hokkaido, Kyushu, and Shikoku, plus many smaller islands. Tokyo, on Honshu, offers the largest concentration of technology, telecommunications, finance, and international business jobs. Osaka, Nagoya, Fukuoka, and Sapporo also provide strong employment markets, often with lower living costs than Tokyo. Japanese workplaces value punctuality, preparation, respect, and careful communication, while international companies may use English extensively. Lifestyle options range from dense urban neighborhoods and efficient public transport to quiet coastal, rural, and mountain communities. Rent in Tokyo can be expensive, but healthcare, safety, and transport are generally excellent. Foreign professionals usually need an employer-sponsored work visa, commonly the Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services status; senior professionals may qualify for Highly Skilled Professional status. Relocating typically requires securing a contract, arranging housing, registering residency, obtaining a residence card, and enrolling in health insurance and the pension system.