Global Procurement Strategy (Research Business) for Assistant Manager Candidate - Membership Strategy Section, Data Solutions Department, Rakuten Insight, Inc. (Secondment) (A&M)

Job Description

This role supports global procurement strategy for Rakuten Insight’s research business, with a focus on membership strategy, supplier management, market research operations, and data-driven business improvement. Responsibilities may include developing procurement plans, researching vendors and research panels, negotiating terms, monitoring costs and quality, coordinating with overseas stakeholders, and preparing strategic reports. Candidates are expected to have experience in procurement, market research, consulting, business planning, or a related field, together with strong analytical, communication, and project-management skills. Business-level Japanese and English are likely important because the position involves global collaboration. The successful candidate should be comfortable working independently, managing multiple priorities, using data to make recommendations, and presenting clear proposals to senior stakeholders. Experience with research platforms, digital services, or multinational organizations would be advantageous.

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 online services. Rakuten’s membership model connects customers across many of these businesses through a shared loyalty program and Rakuten Points. Rakuten Insight, the organization associated with this position, provides consumer research, survey panels, data solutions, and market intelligence to businesses in Japan and international markets. The group has a strongly entrepreneurial culture and works across borders, combining technology, customer data, and business services. Employees may collaborate with colleagues from multiple countries and functions. Working environments vary by business unit, but roles commonly value initiative, commercial awareness, analytical thinking, and the ability to operate effectively in a fast-moving, digitally focused organization.

Destination Guide

Japan offers opportunities in technology, e-commerce, finance, data analytics, market research, engineering, tourism, education, and multinational business. Tokyo has the largest concentration of international roles, while Osaka, Nagoya, Fukuoka, and Sapporo also provide growing employment markets. Japanese workplace culture generally emphasizes punctuality, respect, teamwork, careful preparation, and relationship building, although global companies may use more flexible practices. Daily life is convenient, safe, and supported by excellent public transport, healthcare, and digital services. Living costs are highest in Tokyo, especially rent. Foreign workers usually need an employer-sponsored work visa, such as the Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services status; highly skilled professionals may qualify for accelerated permanent residency routes. Before relocating, arrange a residence card, registered address, health insurance, pension, bank account, and tax procedures. Learning conversational Japanese makes housing, administration, and social integration significantly easier.