On is a fast-growing global sports brand reaching millions of runners, always at the forefront of technology and innovation. As the Lead – Trade Marketing for Japan, you are a key driving force behind our brand experience and commercial success across major wholesale channels in Japan. Sitting within the Brand Experience Team, you will innovate and execute end-to-end trade marketing strategies across key wholesale accounts (such as Alpen, atmos, ART SPORTS, OSHMAN'S, BILLY'S, etc.), bridging global/regional brand vision with local commercial execution. You will prioritize/innovate without predefined maps, and lead complex projects to elevate On’s premium brand presence and drive sell-out growth.
As part of the Brand Experience team (Trade & Retail Marketing), we are the visual storytellers and the experience-builders. We don’t just put products on shelves; we create environments that inspire people to move. Sitting at the intersection of marketing, sales, DTC/e-com, and retail, we act as the "creative engine" that brings On’s technical innovation to life in the Japanese market. We are big thinkers and change-makers who challenge conventional retail norms, balance premium brand standards with local commercial needs, and constantly seek fresh ways to surprise our community.
You will be responsible for leading and executing complex, end-to-end Trade Marketing initiatives across major wholesale channels in Japan to deliver strong commercial growth and ensure consistent, elevated brand representation.
B2B Marketing Strategy & Key Account Execution: Partner closely with Wholesale Sales leaders, Key Account Managers, and the Senior Lead – Brand Experience to drive B2B brand strategy. Execute next-level Shop-in-Shops, pop-ups, and innovative trade tool rollouts for key accounts (e.g., Alpen, atmos, ART SPORTS, OSHMAN'S, BILLY'S).
Trade & VM Excellence: Optimize Visual Merchandising (VM) and in-store execution by adapting global and APAC guidelines to fit Japan’s unique wholesale landscapes. Bridge digital and physical touchpoints, ensuring dealer webshops and physical trade touchpoints reflect consistent brand stories.
Campaign Integration & Consumer Journey: Collaborate cross-functionally with DTC, KA Sales, and local/regional Marketing teams to seamlessly integrate marketing campaigns and map consumer journeys that strengthen brand engagement and drive sell-through.
Partner Activation & Space Optimization: Explore and execute new, impactful ways to collaborate with wholesale partners to secure premium space in-store and online, constantly elevating the consumer brand experience.
Data-Driven Optimization & Solutions: Analyze sell-out data, store feedback, and campaign results to evaluate ROI. Identify underlying issues and root causes independently, delivering innovative solutions to complex operational or commercial trade challenges.
Autonomy & Innovation: Prioritize and drive complex end-to-end trade projects autonomously without relying on predefined templates, finding the right balance between innovative creative concepts and process efficiency.
Autonomy & Scope: Prioritize and work autonomously to drive complex end-to-end trade projects that impact your team and several teams across Marketing and Sales. You are comfortable identifying root causes and delivering structured solutions to complex problems.
Decision-Making: Confident in making informed, independent decisions while incorporating input from key cross-functional stakeholders.
Main Polarity (Innovation / Efficiency): Constantly seek creative methods, new trade tools, and innovative retail concepts, while understanding how to improve existing systems and maintain high standards of execution efficiency.
Professional Experience: 6–8+ years of experience in Trade Marketing, Retail Marketing, or Visual Merchandising within the sports, fashion, or lifestyle industries. Proven track record of autonomously managing complex projects and key account trade activations.
Trade & B2B Expertise: Deep understanding of the Japanese wholesale landscape, Key Account dynamics, and dealer digital/in-store environments.
Critical Thinking & Problem Solving: Strong ability to gather insights, analyze sell-out data, evaluate options, and deliver independent, structured solutions to complex retail/trade challenges.
Innovation Mindset: A proactive, creative mindset that continuously tests new trade tools and unconventional display ideas while maintaining high standards and brand integrity.
Stakeholder Management & Collaboration: Skilled at building strong cross-functional relationships across Sales, Regional/Global HQ, and external vendors or retail partners.
Project Management Excellence: Demonstrated ability to drive complex end-to-end projects simultaneously, maintaining clarity, transparent documentation, and high output quality.
Language Proficiency: Native-level fluency in Japanese and professional business-level English (essential for collaborating with APAC/Global HQ teams and synthesizing strategic guidelines).
Flexibility: Willingness to travel domestically for store visits, trade account events, and key store installations as required by the business.
We offer a dynamic, challenging, and sportive environment that has been ranked as the ‘fastest growing sports company’ of its time. With offices across the globe, we are an international team hungry to innovate and build something incredible. We foster an active environment where each individual strives for excellence and can achieve their full potential. This is where your work matters, you’re hands-on, and your team members are amongst the very best in their respective disciplines and fields.