Job Description

PURPOSE & OVERALL RELEVANCE FOR THE ORGANISATION

Lead the planning and execution of culture marketing partner management and activation ranging from celebrities, artists and fashion designers within Japan, to contribute to the growth of lifestyle business.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Own overall Culture Marketing portfolio strategy creation based on local brand priority and supervision.
• Define partner portfolio across fashion designers, musicians, and celebrities aligned with brand priorities
• Lead endorsement contract negotiation and sealing for all CuMa partners
• Accountable for all contract governance (CAF, AMS, compliance)
• Act as PoC for global EIM for any global talent activation within Japan
• Ensure alignment between global initiatives and local execution
• Lead Fashion / Designer network development and partnership management
• Drive high-impact collaboration pipeline together with CCT for product creation
• Own CuMa MaEx / OPEX / showroom operations / team management
• Strategically contribute to global and local brand campaigns and activations by defining celebrities and influencer partners as well as managing relationships from the beginning negotiation process to activation.
• Lead talent sourcing, negotiation and contracting for key partners (artists, designers, cultural collaborators), ensuring strong alignment with local brand objectives
• Ensure team and market are following global operational practices.
• Comply with Contract Approval Form (CAF) procedures for new partners and renewals and ensure proper maintenance of AMS system.
• Create, manage and execute Partner Activation plan for signed partners and continuously update the Partner Activation Tool (PAT): contract period, contract value, partners priority relevance, social media stats, tracking of contractual appearances and encouraging optimal presence of adidas amongst brand partners.
• Research and prepare presentations/documents for internal and external stakeholders.
• Establish and maintain strong relationships within Japan’s Entertainment, Streetwear, Art, and Fashion circles, i.e. actors, musicians, stylists, designers, artists, industry VIPs. Attend events and industry meetings for networking, when relevant.
• Consistent collaboration with Japan cross functional teams across Brand Activation, Brand Communications, Product Marketing, Sales, Business Units and global EIM
• Manage, train, and develop team members on logistical elements of the position, protocol of department and dynamics of the industry, while fostering a high performance culture.
• Oversee all logistics and product ordering efforts for Culture Marketing showroom: Includes forecasting, ordering and maintaining in-office product (Monthly stock orders, quarterly promotional forecasting, seasonal specialty product) across all brand segments. Must maintain current product knowledge and clear target market objectives. Ensure showroom is run smoothly in premium condition.
• Maintain brand recognition and relevant brand visibility through strategic product placement, industry/consumer events and brand integration platforms in entertainment.
• Establish a performance culture and drive team members’ engagement applying the Leadership Framework.
• Identify and develop high-potential talents fueling the team’s succession plan

KEY RELATIONSHIPS

• Local Business Unit Teams
• Local Brand Activation Teams
• Product Marketing Teams
• Sports Marketing Team
• Global EIM
• Finance
• Legal
• Sales
• Key wholesale partners
• Industry Contacts (Agencies, Individuals, Brands)

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Strong knowledge and awareness of the art/designers/fashion/style/entertainment industry
• Creative Thinker & Problem Solver

• Strong negotiation skills and experience working legal teams
• Ability to see the long-term opportunity, through the short-term objectives
• Strong attention to detail, results-focused
• Avid Communicator: Vital to keeping colleagues, community informed and engaged
• Strong networking and interpersonal skills
• Self-initiator, capable of determining priorities
• Highly stress-resistant; ability to handle tight deadlines, and abrasive personalities
• Project management skills and an ability to work well in a team environment
• Ability to write reports, business correspondence and presentations
• Savvy presentational skills as both creator and presenter. Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from groups of managers, clients, customers, and the public.
• High level of proficiency in Word, Excel, PPT and Outlook.
• Ability to make sound business decisions.
• Excellent understanding of ‘Service-Provider Approach’ to relationship management
• Strong organizational, problem solving, time management and resolution skills.
• Unconventional business hours may be required. (evenings, weekends)
• Capable and comfortable with global travel on a regular basis

REQUISITE EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE / MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Four-year college or university degree in Marketing, advertising or related field
• 8 to 10 years Marketing (Sports, Entertainment or Brand Marketing) with proven experience or background
• Equivalent combination of education and experience may be substituted for degrees.

Proven track record of growth, development and success across various functions, areas, and activities

• Direct working relationships with key markets/regions or relevant experience working in a focus adidas market.
• Network in fashion designers and creative directors a plus
• Business Level English
• Fluent in Japanese