About Nike

Nike is the world's leading sports brand, empowering athletes and consumers through innovative products and storytelling. In Japan, Nike drives cultural movements in sneaker, fashion, and lifestyle spaces, particularly in Tokyo's vibrant Neighborhood (NBHD), Runway (RNWY), and Style Specialty channels. As a leader in sportswear, Nike Japan shapes assortments that resonate with local consumers while aligning with global strategies.

Role Overview

The Lead Merchant, Energy, Japan role at Nike in Tokyo is a strategic position within the Nike Japan Merchandising team. Reporting to the Nike Sportswear (NSW) Merchandising Director, you'll partner with Energy-focused accounts to craft assortments, deliver product insights, and drive sell-in execution. This consumer-obsessed role demands a pulse on Tokyo's sneaker culture, bilingual fluency, and data-driven merchandising to deliver products at the right time, place, and price.

Key Responsibilities

In this high-impact role, you'll obsess over cross-category assortments that capture seasonal trends and fuel growth for Energy partners. Key duties include:

• Creating and refining assortments to lead trends and drive business growth.
• Aligning strategies with Asia Pacific Latin America (APLA) Geography, Japan Sport teams, and Marketplace teams for optimized retail capacity and product flow.
• Partnering with APLA and Japan Sport Merchants to harmonize assortments across Japan.
• Defining differentiation opportunities, including country-specific product exclusives.
• Presenting strategies with clarity at sell-in gates to influence decisions.
• Delivering consumer and point-of-sale insights to APLA teams.
• Continuously refining strategies based on performance and evolving insights.

Daily Collaboration

Expect seamless partnerships with account leads, marketing, planners, buyers, and consumers, ensuring strong relationships and execution in NBHD, RNWY, and Style Specialty channels.

Qualifications & Requirements

Nike seeks strategic thinkers with merchandising passion. Must-haves include:

• 5+ years in merchandising, product creation, or retail in vertical/wholesale environments.
• Bachelor’s degree or higher.
• Proven retail acumen, storytelling, and data interpretation skills.
• Deep Nike consumer knowledge and Tokyo sneaker/fashion culture insight.
• Bilingual English/Japanese communication.
• Cross-functional experience in matrixed organizations.
• International travel willingness (once per season).

Ideal Candidate Profile

A high-taste merchant who anticipates trends, curates compelling mixes, and turns insights into bold decisions.

Benefits & Perks

Joining Nike means accessing premium benefits tailored for top talent:

• Competitive salary estimated at 9-15 million JPY, reflecting Retail/Tech sector rates with buffer.
• World-class health, wellness, and family support programs.
• Employee product discounts and exclusive Nike apparel.
• Flexible work options in Tokyo's dynamic hub.
• Professional development through Nike University and global networks.
• Paid time off, parental leave, and seasonal international travel.

Career Growth

This role accelerates careers in Nike's merchandising ecosystem. Gain exposure to APLA strategies, build expertise in Energy category (NSW focus), and position for director-level opportunities. Nike's matrixed structure fosters cross-functional leadership, with paths to global merchandising, marketplace strategy, or account management.

Development Opportunities

Mentorship from NSW Director, projects with APLA teams, and analytics training enhance skills for senior roles.

Why Join Us

Be at the forefront of Nike's Japan growth, shaping Energy assortments that define Tokyo's streetwear scene. Influence exclusives, harmonize global strategies, and thrive in a consumer-first culture. Nike offers unparalleled scale, innovation, and impact in the premium sportswear industry.

Role FAQs

What is the Energy category at Nike?

Focuses on high-energy sportswear, including NSW lines for NBHD, RNWY, and Style Specialty.

Is Japanese fluency required?

Yes, strong oral/written skills in English and Japanese are essential for stakeholder collaboration.

How much travel is involved?

International travel once per season.

What salary can I expect?

Estimated 9-15 million JPY annually, based on sector benchmarks.

Is this a full-time role?

Yes, full-time position in Tokyo, Japan.