MD Buyer - Super Market OMO/DX Business Department(C&M)

Role summary

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The MD Buyer will manage merchandise planning and product selection for Rakuten’s supermarket OMO/DX business, connecting online and offline shopping experiences. Responsibilities typically include identifying customer needs, selecting and negotiating with suppliers, planning assortments and promotions, managing sales and margins, analyzing market and purchasing data, and coordinating with internal technology, marketing, logistics, and store teams. Candidates are expected to have experience in merchandising, buying, retail, consumer goods, or e-commerce, along with strong negotiation, analytical, and project coordination skills. Japanese communication ability is likely important because the role involves domestic suppliers and cross-functional teams. The ideal candidate is commercially minded, customer-focused, comfortable with digital transformation, and able to work independently in a fast-changing environment.

About the employer

Rakuten Group, Inc. is one of Japan’s largest internet services companies, founded in 1997 and headquartered in Tokyo. It operates a broad ecosystem covering e-commerce, fintech, mobile communications, digital content, travel, advertising, and professional sports. Rakuten’s platform connects consumers and businesses through services such as Rakuten Ichiba, Rakuten Card, Rakuten Mobile, and Rakuten Travel. The company promotes a membership-based ecosystem in which customers can use Rakuten Points across multiple services. Its supermarket and OMO initiatives combine physical retail with online shopping, data, logistics, and digital tools to create more convenient customer experiences. Rakuten has an international workforce and encourages innovation, collaboration, and entrepreneurial thinking. Employees may work with Japanese and global teams while helping develop technology-enabled retail and consumer services.

Working in Japan

Japan offers strong opportunities in technology, e-commerce, retail, finance, engineering, tourism, manufacturing, and education. Tokyo and Osaka have the largest concentration of international employers, while regional cities can offer a lower cost of living and a more relaxed pace. Japanese workplace culture generally values punctuality, preparation, teamwork, respect for seniority, and indirect communication. Daily life is safe and convenient, with excellent public transport, reliable services, and varied food and entertainment. Housing and commuting costs are highest in central Tokyo. Foreign professionals usually need an appropriate work visa, commonly sponsored by their employer; requirements depend on education, experience, and job type. The Highly Skilled Professional visa may provide additional benefits for eligible applicants. New arrivals should arrange housing, residence registration, health insurance, a bank account, and a phone contract. Basic Japanese is valuable for everyday life and significantly improves career options, even when the workplace uses English.