App Operator (Publisher) Acquisition Sales Manager - Media & Trend Department, Ad & Media Company (A&M)
rakuten/rakuteninc
Tokyo, Japan
Posted Sep 11, 2026
- Other
Job description
Job Description: Business Overview Ad & Media provides advertising and marketing services, including digital advertising, research, and YouTuber-related businesses. Based on Rakuten's assets, we offer a wide range of marketing businesses, such as media services that serve as user touchpoints, comprehensive digital marketing solutions through platforms like Rakuten Marketing/LinkShare, and marketing research services via Rakuten Insight. As part of a core organization within the Rakuten Group, you will have the opportunity to grow personally and professionally, enhancing your career in a dynamic environment. Department Overview This position belongs to the media business within the marketing-related businesses. With the mission of "Enhancing Everyday Life," it operates a media platform that offers daily savings and enjoyment, serving as a touchpoint for Rakuten users. This platform includes point media, news, and lifestyle information, attracting over 10 million users per month. The media business not only manages its own media platforms but also plans, operates, and supports the sales of advertising products that integrate Rakuten Group's media, data, and assets such as points. This position leads the introduction of an SDK that leverages Rakuten Point and Rakuten advertising to increase app usage frequency and revenue for app operators both within and outside the Rakuten Group. This SDK integrates Rakuten Point rewards with ad monetization. It offers app operators an economic model that improves user retention using Japan's No.1 Rakuten Point ecosystem while enabling ad revenue-creating a win-win relationship for users and app operators. Specifically, you will drive new acquisition of target app operators, collaborate with partners （agencies within and outside Rakuten）, and oversee POC design, closing, and post-contract growth support. As a manager candidate for the SaaS external sales team, you will also build the app operator acquisition organization, manage the team, define and execute sales strategy, and maximize organizational outcomes. Position: Why We Hire We are looking for talented individuals who can drive business growth as we expand our operations. ・Work with a unique asset mix-Japan's No.1 Rakuten Point ecosystem and ad monetization-to help Publishers balance retention and revenue. ・Join a newly launched initiative where you can work with startup-like speed and autonomy within a large enterprise. ・Beyond sales experience alone, gain broad experience in commercialization and organization building if you have the ambition to do so. Position Details This position leads the introduction of an SDK solution that combines Rakuten Point and Rakuten Group advertising to help app operators （Publishers） improve user retention and monetization-both within and outside the Rakuten Group-while solving client challenges. ・Define and execute app operator （Publisher） acquisition strategy （target design, prioritization, pipeline management） ・Propose the SDK, design POCs, close contracts, and support post-launch growth ・Drive joint acquisition with partners （agencies, etc.） and advance deals with internal stakeholders Work Environment SPS Section consists of approximately 40 members, with a sales/BD team of around 15. The SDK business is in launch phase as a new initiative; this role will be core to building the app operator （Publisher） acquisition team. The team consists of both Rakuten new graduate members and mid-career employees from various industries, primarily digital advertising. The ratio of new graduates to mid-career employees is approximately 50:50. Mandatory Qualifications: ・5+ years of Publisher （media/app operator） acquisition sales experience in OfferWall, SSP, or ad network businesses ・End-to-end sales experience from new Publisher acquisition through contract and growth - Manager/lead experience in Publisher （media） acquisition sales ・Strong logical thinking and communication skills ・Proven ability to lead projects and drive outcomes through cross-functional collaboration Desired Qualifications: ・Publisher acquisition experience in non-game apps （media, food, etc.） ・Knowledge of SDK, in-app ads, and rewarded ads ・KPI design and pipeline management using data ・0→1 sales in new business launch phases Other Information: Additional information on Location Futakotamagawa Rise Office 2-21-1 Tamagawa, Setagaya-ku, Tokyo Additional information on English Qualification TOEIC Score exceeding 800 (or similar level of English ability) or a University Degree earned in an English-speaking country. Proof of qualifications will be required by the time of the job offer. If no evidence is available to prove the qualifications denoted above, taking an IP test, organized by Rakuten, during selection process is required. Rakuten Group, Inc. Homepage Link ・Benefits: