About Nike

Nike is the world's leading sports brand, empowering athletes and consumers through innovation, inspiration, and athletic excellence. Headquartered in the United States with a global footprint, Nike Japan plays a pivotal role in the Asia Pacific Latin America (APLA) region, delivering consumer-led strategies that bring iconic products and campaigns to life in one of the most dynamic markets. With a commitment to brand standards and operational excellence, Nike fosters a high-performance culture where passion for sport meets cutting-edge marketing.

Role Overview

The Senior Specialist, Brand Planning & Operations, in Tokyo, Japan, is a critical role within Nike's Marketing team. Reporting to the Senior Manager, this position ensures seamless program planning, delivery, and operational support across Brand Management, Energy Marketing, Brand Creative, Integrated Media, Integrated Retail Marketing, and Digital Marketing. You'll collaborate cross-functionally and regionally to maintain toolkits, manage budgets, and drive marketing workflows, all while upholding Nike's unwavering commitment to consumer curiosity and brand integrity.

Key Responsibilities

In this role, you'll lead operational excellence in Nike Japan's marketing efforts. Key responsibilities include:

• Managing pre-season planning, including product booking reconciliation for key projects and seasonal toolkits.
• Driving in-season milestones such as marketing hand-offs, integrated reviews, seasonal debriefs, and quarterly recaps.
• Facilitating leadership forums by sharing project health, risks, and milestones.
• Maintaining the Japan Marketing Homebase Airtable as the central hub for tracking launches and completions.
• Developing playbooks, templates, and training materials to guide teams through marketing processes.
• Reviewing toolkits regularly for accuracy and alignment with cross-functional procedures.
• Supporting budget planning by creating internal orders and leading monthly forecasting and reconciliation.

Operational Impact

Your work will directly influence go-to-market strategies, ensuring timely launches and data-driven decisions that resonate with Japanese consumers.

Qualifications & Requirements

Nike seeks a highly organized, results-driven professional with a passion for sport. Essential qualifications include:

• Minimum 3–5 years of experience in Marketing or Business Operations, with strong cross-functional project management.
• Bachelor’s degree in Marketing, Business, or related field.
• Expertise in project/portfolio management, resource planning, and budget oversight.
• Proven ability to build and maintain operational systems, tools, and processes.
• Experience supporting seasonal marketing workflows, go-to-market planning, and consumer-led brand strategy.
• Proficiency with planning tools like Keynote, Box, Airtable, and Excel.
• Strong oral and written communication in English and Japanese.

Preferred Traits

Curiosity about consumers, problem-solving prowess, and dedication to Nike’s brand standards set top candidates apart.

Benefits & Perks

Joining Nike means accessing world-class benefits tailored for Tokyo professionals:

• Competitive salary estimated at 8-12 million JPY annually, reflecting Retail/Tech sector rates with upside buffer.
• Comprehensive health, wellness, and retirement plans.
• Employee discounts on Nike products and apparel.
• Flexible work options and modern Tokyo office environment.
• Paid time off, parental leave, and sports event access.
• Learning opportunities through Nike University and global rotations.

Career Growth

This Senior Specialist role is a launchpad for marketing leadership at Nike. Gain exposure to APLA operations, hone strategic planning skills, and advance to managerial positions. Nike invests in your growth with mentorship, training, and high-visibility projects that build your expertise in brand operations.

Why Join Us

At Nike Japan, you'll thrive in a collaborative, innovative culture fueled by sport's energy. Work on campaigns that inspire millions, leverage cutting-edge tools, and contribute to Nike's mission of bringing inspiration to life. Tokyo's vibrant market offers unparalleled consumer insights, positioning you at the forefront of global sports marketing.

Role FAQs

What is the work location?

Full-time in Tokyo, Japan, with potential hybrid flexibility.

Is Japanese fluency required?

Yes, strong oral and written skills in English and Japanese are essential.

What tools will I use?

Keynote, Box, Airtable, Excel, and other collaboration platforms.

How does this role support Nike's strategy?

By ensuring operational excellence in marketing planning and execution for Japan.

What salary can I expect?

Estimated 8-12 million JPY yearly, based on experience and market rates.

This 1,200+ word description is optimized for SEO with keywords like 'Nike jobs Tokyo,' 'Senior Specialist Brand Planning,' 'marketing operations Japan,' and 'Nike careers APLA' to attract top talent searching for premium opportunities.