Content & Publisher Relations Manager Candidate - Kobo Japan Department (KJD)

Description

:Business Overview

Rakuten Group provides more than 70 services in a wide range of fields, including e-commerce, travel, digital content, and other Internet services in Japan and overseas, as well as financial services such as credit cards, banking, securities, electronic money, and smartphone app payments, mobile services such as mobile carrier services, and professional sports. By organically linking these services through a membership system centered on Rakuten members, Rakuten has created a unique “Rakuten ecosystem” that is unlike any other.

*Our Businesses Key Figures

Department Overview

Rakuten Kobo is a global eReading service with one of the largest eReading catalogues in the world.

The service has many users and is a major player in Japanese e-book industry which has been growing rapidly.
The Sales Section is the heart of Rakuten Kobo's offering. We are responsible for cultivating strategic partnerships with Japanese and international publishers, acquiring a diverse range of high-quality eBooks, and ensuring our content library aligns with our "Reading Oasis" vision. This department is undergoing a strategic transformation to enhance its focus on publisher relationship management, strategic content acquisition, and sophisticated content merchandising. While manga remains a core strength and focus, we are strategically expanding our diverse non-manga categories to broaden our appeal and reader base. We collaborate closely with Product, Marketing, and Device teams to bring the best reading experience to our users.

Position:

Why We Hire

To achieve our vision of becoming "the most loved digital e-reading ecosystem" and to successfully implement our "Reading Oasis" strategy, we are strengthening our Publisher Relations team. This role is critical for building deeper, more strategic partnerships with publishers, expanding our non-manga content offerings, while continuing to foster strong relationships for our core manga business. We need a dynamic leader who can actively engage with publishers, negotiate effectively, and champion our premium content strategy.

Key Attractions

- Business & Organizational Phase: Join us at a transformative period where you can actively contribute to shaping the future of digital reading in Japan. This role offers the opportunity to build and grow strategic publisher relationships aligned with a clear, ambitious vision
- Autonomy & Culture: Operate with significant autonomy within your portfolio, driving key relationships and negotiations. Our culture values proactive initiatives, cross-functional collaboration, and a deep appreciation for the world of books
- Career Growth: Develop advanced negotiation skills, strategic partnership management expertise, and a deep understanding of the evolving digital content landscape

Position Details

We are looking for an experienced and strategic Publisher Relations Manager to lead our engagement with key Japanese publishers. Reporting to the Senior Manager, Sales Section, you will be responsible for cultivating strong, collaborative partnerships, negotiating content deals and ensuring our content library aligns with our premium vision. This role is crucial for expanding our non-manga offerings and strengthening our overall content ecosystem.

- Publisher Relationship Management: Build and maintain strong, trust-based relationships with a portfolio of key publishers, acting as their primary point of contact
- Content Acquisition & Negotiation: Lead negotiations for eBook content acquisition, ensuring favorable terms that support Rakuten Kobo's strategic goals
- Strategic Partnership Development: Identify and develop opportunities for deeper collaboration with publishers, including joint marketing initiatives, exclusive content, and innovative programs
- Market Insights: Monitor industry trends, publisher strategies, and competitor activities to inform content acquisition and partnership approaches
- Internal Collaboration: Work closely with Content Merchandising, Content Operations, Marketing, and Product teams to ensure seamless content flow, effective promotion, and optimal user experience
- Reporting: Track and report on publisher performance, content acquisition metrics, and key initiatives

Work Environment

12members
- It consists of mid-career(different industries), new graduates

Mandatory Qualifications:

- 7+ years of experience in publishing, digital content, media, or related industries
- Proven track record in partnership management, business development, or content acquisition
- 5+ years of leadership experience managing and developing high-performance teams
- Experience negotiating with publishers, distributors, or rights holders
- Strong strategic thinking and analytical skills, with the ability to translate vision into actionable plans and measurable outcomes
- Excellent communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills
- Deep understanding of Japan's digital content market, including publishing trends, consumer behavior, and competitive landscape
- Passion for books, manga, and digital reading experiences

Desired Qualifications:

- Experience in digital publishing platforms or a publisher’s digital division
- Established network in the Japanese publishing industry
- Experience managing a small team or mentoring junior staff
- Experience working in a global organization or multinational company
- Business-level English communication skills