Job Description:
Business Overview
Rakuten Group is guided by its core philosophy of empowering people and society through innovation.
Starting with its internet shopping mall, Rakuten Ichiba, the company has expanded into a wide range of businesses, including e-commerce services such as Rakuten Travel, financial services such as Rakuten Bank, and professional sports. Today, Rakuten Group offers more than 70 diverse services across multiple industries.
*Our Businesses Key Figures
https://global.rakuten.com/corp/careers/services/
Department Overview
The position will be part of the Procurement Operations Department of Rakuten Group, Inc.
The Procurement Operations Department is responsible for overseeing procurement operations across the entire Rakuten Group. Within this organization, the Global Sourcing Section functions as a centralized sourcing unit, driving supplier selection and negotiations in close collaboration with business units.
Sourcing responsibilities also include managing contracts with group companies, and there is a critical need to optimize these agreements. This "optimization" extends beyond mere pricing to encompass the entire scope, including business flows, profitability, and overall contract terms and conditions.
Position:
Why We Hire
Rakuten Mobile, Inc. is driving the development of cutting-edge telecommunications technologies, such as Open RAN and Edge Cloud. Its group company, Rakuten Symphony, supports Rakuten Mobile by leveraging its proprietary RAN, OSS, and Cloud software, as well as its specialized technical expertise.
To facilitate this advanced R&D, the volume of intercompany agreements between Rakuten Mobile, Inc. and Rakuten Symphony, Inc. is on the rise, necessitating the design and implementation of robust control processes for these transactions. Furthermore, as Rakuten Symphony, Inc. operates multiple overseas subsidiaries, there is a critical need to strengthen governance specifically tailored to the complexities of cross-border transactions.
Attractions
We are seeking an Architect to visualize complex intercompany business flows and design a "disciplined procurement architecture" that ensures sustainable growth for both Rakuten Mobile, Inc. and Rakuten Symphony, Inc.
Discretion
Because you will be managing complex business flows, this role is not at the operational periphery but at the core, with the mandate to directly reflect executive-level intent. You will experience the speed of top-down decision-making and witness your governance designs being implemented immediately as the company-wide standard.
Skills You'll Gain
- Governance & Architecture Design: High-level expertise in the CFO domain, including transfer pricing and the optimization of intercompany transactions (Arm’s Length principle).
- Change Management: Leadership skills to navigate cross-organizational conflicts of interest and institutionalize new frameworks.
- Global Supply Chain Visualization: The ability to manage end-to-end business flows in the cutting-edge, complex world of IT and Telecommunications.
Experience in a Hybrid Industry (Telco x IT)
This is a rare environment where two distinct business models converge: the "equipment procurement" typical of traditional telecommunications carriers and the "global rollout of software/SaaS" led by Rakuten Symphony. Globally, there are almost no other companies that offer the opportunity to experience such complex procurement at the intersection of telecommunications infrastructure and IT technology.
Position Details
Design and Implementation of Intercompany Transaction Governance
- Standardization of the pricing calculation logic and approval processes for transactions between Rakuten Mobile, Inc. and Rakuten Symphony, Inc.
- Development of an end-to-end visibility framework for supply chains involving Rakuten Symphony, Inc. (including contracts with Tier 2 and lower suppliers).
Cost Structure Analysis and Feasibility Assessment
- Assessment of the appropriateness of the gross margin set by Rakuten Symphony, Inc. (benchmark analysis and comparison with market prices).
- Management of the appropriateness of the cost allocation process from suppliers to Rakuten Symphony, Inc. and Rakuten Mobile, Inc.
Procurement Process Transformation
- Development and implementation of “Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for Procurement” to embed the above governance framework within the organization.
- Support for the transition to a framework that enables both companies to autonomously maintain compliance and cost competitiveness.
Sourcing Strategy for Outsourcing (Sourcing Expert)
- Optimizing outsourcing contracts, particularly in the IT and networking sectors.
- Providing guidance on optimal procurement strategies as a procurement expert, from sourcing strategy development to vendor management.
Work Environment
Organization Structure
Procurement Operations Department: Approximately 80 members
Global Sourcing Section: 15 members
Background of Mid-Career Hires
Procurement/Sourcing Specialist worked for global manufacturing companies, Telecom company and IT companies.
Career Path Examples
Joined Rakuten Mobile as Deputy Department Manager from a procurement manager role at a major IT company. Subsequently appointed as the first Head of Global Procurement at Rakuten Symphony, while concurrently serving as a Senior Manager for the Rakuten Group’s Global Sourcing Section.
Mandatory Qualifications:
- Procurement & Sourcing Experience (10+ years): Deep expertise in procurement strategy, sourcing, and supplier management within global enterprises or large-scale organizations.
- Governance & Internal Control: Solid understanding of fundamental concepts regarding intercompany transactions and transfer pricing, with the ability to translate these into practical operational processes.
- Project Management Skills: Proven track record of leading cross-functional process transformations and driving stakeholder engagement to institutionalize new standard processes.
- Analytical Skills: Strong logical thinking abilities to visualize complex business flows and cost structures, and to determine price reasonableness based on quantitative data.
- Japanese Proficiency: Native level or JLPT N1 certification.
- English Proficiency: Business level (Proficient enough to handle meetings, negotiations, and email correspondence).
Desired Qualifications:
- Industry Experience: Proven experience in procurement within the IT, telecommunications, or system integration sectors.
- Consulting Background: Experience in driving procurement transformation for client organizations at a consulting firm.
- Global Communication & Management: Proficiency in conducting negotiations and drafting documentation in English, combined with experience in managing cross-border transactions.
Other Information:
Additional information on Location
Rakuten Crimson House
1-14-1 Tamagawa, Setagaya-ku
Additional information on English Qualification
A TOEIC score of 800 or higher is required, or equivalent English proficiency demonstrated through recognized qualifications or a university degree from an English-speaking country.
Proof of English proficiency must be submitted by the time of the job offer.
If you do not have a valid TOEIC score or supporting documentation, you will be required to take a company-administered TOEIC IP test during the selection process.
Related Pages
- Employee Benefits: https://global.rakuten.com/corp/careers/benefit/
- Employee Conditions: https://global.rakuten.com/corp/careers/information/
- Culture: https://global.rakuten.com/corp/careers/culture/
#corporate #procurement #operationdiv
Languages:
English (Overall - 4 - Fluent), Japanese (Overall - 4 - Fluent)