Director, Brand Innovation Platform

Job description

Job Description Summary: In Japan & Korea Operating Unit (JKOU), we aspire to build a balanced and locally relevant portfolio of global and local brands with strong potential to grow our consumer base, increase purchase frequency, and drive sustainable system value. We are looking for a talented Director to lead brand and innovation strategies for assigned local brands or categories across JKOU, translating global brand direction into locally relevant strategies and execution plans for Japan and Korea. This will partner closely with Marketing, Commercial, Franchise, Finance, GDI, PACS, bottling partners, agency partners, and other key stakeholders to deliver business results through the right mix of Price, Promotion, Packaging, Product, and Channel activation. The successful candidate should bring strong experience in consumer-packaged goods (CPG), a passion for brand building and innovation, and the ability to lead through influence in a complex, cross-market environment. What You’ll Do for Us Leads strategic brand development, initiatives, and programs for assigned brands or categories across JKOU to broaden consumer appeal, drive growth, and support revenue and profit delivery in Japan and Korea. Recommends clear and differentiated brand positioning, consumer targets, and market priorities in alignment with global and regional strategy, while reflecting the distinct consumer, cultural, and channel dynamics of Japan and Korea. Stewards brand standards and design language to ensure consistency with brand positioning, while partnering with global/regional teams and the Design Center to adapt assets, packaging, and communication materials for local market needs. Works with Knowledge, Strategy, and Insights teams to develop a deep understanding of consumers, shoppers, customers, and channels in Japan and Korea, and translates insights into marketing strategy, communication plans, and channel activation priorities. Manages assigned brand or portfolio budgets for JKOU and recommends investment allocation to ensure an effective marketing mix, delivery against financial targets, and alignment with governance, process guidelines, and productivity expectations. Leads through influence across cross-functional teams in Japan, Korea, and regional/global interfaces, while coaching junior innovation members and helping build brand, innovation, and execution capabilities within the team. Contributes thought leadership around brand or category innovation by identifying consumer, cultural, and channel opportunities in JKOU and generating ideas that lead to locally relevant, scalable product and experience concepts. Works with brand leads and cross-functional partners to translate OU business priorities into compelling briefs that guide internal teams and agency partners in developing and executing marketing communication plans aligned with portfolio, brand, and market goals. Works collaboratively with GDI, Commercial, Franchise, Finance, bottling partners, and internal teams to develop and recommend innovation priorities for JKOU, including sustaining and breakthrough innovation, new categories, and new market spaces. Articulates innovation recommendations and supports the development of a locally relevant product roadmap. Qualification & Requirements Bachelor’s degree in Marketing, Business or related field is required (Master’s degree is highly preferred) 12+ years of related CPG, brand marketing, or innovation experience, preferably with exposure to Japan, Korea, or other Asian markets. Demonstrates strong understanding of differences across consumers, customers, channels, cultures, and operating models. Demonstrated ability to translate marketing objectives and OU business priorities into strategies and execution plans. Proven success leading cross-functional teams to develop integrated marketing plans across consumer, shopper, customer, and digital touchpoints. Knowledge of how to define brand strategic corridors and develop appropriate business solutions, with the ability to support the development, communication, and stewardship of brand positioning, architecture, and guidelines in a multi-market environment. Knowledge of and the ability to use basic financial analysis (e.g., Return on Investment, Value Chain Analysis) related to marketing effectiveness, resource allocations and new business opportunities is needed Experience launching new products from concept stage through commercialization and in-market execution. Experience managing or supporting a product portfolio across diverse channels or markets is required. Strong communication and influencing skills, with the ability to develop materials for strategy discussions, business reviews, and stakeholder alignment across local, regional, and global audiences. Experience leading cross-functional teams, influencing stakeholders without direct authority, and coaching or developing marketing talent in a matrixed organization. What We Can Do For You Iconic Brands with Local Relevance: Work on some of the most recognized brands in the world while shaping how they grow and connect with consumers in Japan and Korea. Cross-Market and Global Exposure: Collaborate with local, regional, and global leaders, bottling partners, and agency partners while gaining exposure to best practices, emerging digital platforms, and consumer insights across JKOU. Creative and Collaborative Team Culture: Be part of a collaborative team culture that values consumer obsession, enterprise thinking, calculated risk-taking, and innovation grounded in local market realities. Skills: Analytics Software, Communication, Competitor Analysis, Customer Insights, Data Mining, Financial Analysis, Financial Modeling, Influencing, Key Performance Indicators (KPI), Long Term Planning, Microsoft Office, Professional Presentation, Relationship Building, Risk Mitigation Strategies, Stakeholder Management, Storytelling, Strategic Thinking, Syndicated Research, Tactical Planning, Waterfall Model Location(s): Japan City/Cities: Tokyo Travel Required: 00% - 25% Relocation Provided: No Job Posting End Date: October 30, 2026 Our Purpose and Growth Culture: We are taking deliberate action to nurture an inclusive culture that is grounded in our company purpose, to refresh the world and make a difference. We act with a growth mindset, take an expansive approach to what’s possible and believe in continuous learning to improve our business and ourselves. We focus on four key behaviors – curious, empowered, inclusive and agile – and value how we work as much as what we achieve. We believe that our culture is one of the reasons our company continues to thrive after 130+ years. Visit Our Purpose and Vision to learn more about these behaviors and how you can bring them to life in your next role at Coca-Cola.