Indirect Materials Sourcing Specialist - IM&S Sourcing Section, Procurement Operations Department, Procurement Operations Supervisory Department

Job Description: Business Overview Rakuten provides over 70 services globally, including e-commerce, fintech, and mobile. We integrate these services through a unified membership to form the "Rakuten Ecosystem." This unique organic connection creates a seamless experience across our diverse business platforms. *Reference Department Overview The Procurement Operations Department is expanding its role to manage centralized procurement for the entire Rakuten Group. We optimize procurement processes across 70+ business units to drive the Group’s sustained growth. Our Indirect Sourcing Group leads supplier selection and negotiations for marketing, BPO, and office supplies. We are rapidly scaling and evolving our processes, seeking individuals who enjoy change and can define our "ideal state." Position: Why We Hire We are seeking experienced professionals to enhance our centralized procurement framework and elevate our sourcing maturity. Operating within a fast-paced, high-growth environment, you will encounter diverse and complex challenges. This role offers a unique opportunity to refine your strategic sourcing expertise through close collaboration with our seasoned buyers and leadership team. Value Proposition 1. Opportunity to Shape the Organization As a relatively young department, we are in a phase of active development. You will have the autonomy to design and mature our procurement processes, playing a pivotal role in building the foundation of our organization. 2. Diverse Career Growth & Global Resources - Leveraging the vast Rakuten ecosystem, you will manage a wide range of indirect categories across diverse business units. - Our team consists of professionals from various backgrounds and industries, providing a rich environment to exchange expertise and elevate your sourcing career. 3. A Culture of Innovation and Agility Rakuten’s fast-paced environment thrives on change. We are looking for individuals who do not settle for the status quo, but instead embrace challenges to continuously refine and innovate our procurement practices. Position Details - Lead Sourcing Projects Translate business needs from management and various departments into actionable strategies, managing the full cycle from RFP development to vendor selection and contract finalization. - Develop Category Strategies Conduct comprehensive market research and spend analysis to establish and implement procurement best practices. - Build & Drive Processes Design and implement robust procurement policies and workflows to support organizational scaling and ensure company-wide adoption. - Stakeholder Management Collaborate with diverse business units to align complex interests and drive cross-functional projects to success. Work Environment Organizational Structure Total Procurement Operations Supervisory Department: Approx. 100 members. Of these, approximately 10 members are in this group/Almost all are mid-career hires. Culture: The team is composed almost entirely of mid-career hires, with a primary age range of 30s to 40s. Examples of Backgrounds of Mid-Career Hires - Automotive Industry: Direct material procurement, procurement project management, and indirect procurement. - Telecommunications Industry: Indirect procurement. - Consulting: IT procurement. Mandatory Qualifications: - Professional Experience: 5+ years of relevant work experience. - Language Proficiency: Native-level fluency in Japanese. - Project Management: Proven ability to manage multiple concurrent projects, delivering high-quality results within deadlines. - Leadership & Influence: Strong capability to drive consensus among internal stakeholders and suppliers to successfully lead projects to completion. Desired Qualifications: - Sourcing Expertise: 3-5 years of hands-on experience in strategic sourcing. - Professional Background: Proven experience in project management or consulting. - Presentation Skills: Advanced proficiency in creating high-quality, persuasive PowerPoint presentations. - Analytical Skills: Strong data analysis capabilities using Excel. (e.g. spend analysis with pivot table) Other Information: Additional information on Location Rakuten Crimson House 1-14-1 Tamagawa, Setagaya- ku , Tokyo Additional information on English Qualification - English Proficiency: TOEIC score of 800+ (or equivalent certification, or a degree from a university in an English-speaking country). - Proof of qualification must be submitted by the time of the offer. - If you do not have a valid score or certificate, we will provide a TOEIC IP test during the selection process. Related Pages - Employee Benefits: - Employee Conditions: - Culture: #corporate #procurement #operationdiv Languages: English (Overall - 3 - Advanced), Japanese (Overall - 4 - Fluent)