Professional, Sports Marketing Basketball, Japan at Nike

Tokyo, Japan

Nike Logo
Not SpecifiedCompensation
Senior (5 to 8 years)Experience Level
Full TimeJob Type
UnknownVisa
Sports, MarketingIndustries

Requirements

  • Minimum 5 years of proven experience in Sports Marketing, Brand Marketing, or a closely related field
  • Bachelor's degree or equivalent
  • Deep understanding of Japanese sports culture, with the ability to craft locally resonant narratives
  • Strong knowledge of the sports landscape across channels, particularly in basketball
  • Demonstrated ability to translate athlete and industry insights into actionable sports marketing strategies
  • Proven ability to collaborate cross-functionally to ensure order/delivery of product, service, marketing, and contractual commitments
  • Familiarity with Nike’s sports and brand marketing functions (preferred)
  • Strong relationship-building skills with athletes, coaches, agents, and industry stakeholders
  • Strong oral and written communication skills (in both English and Japanese)
  • Experience in portfolio management, critical thinking, and negotiation
  • Strategic thinker with a proactive, entrepreneurial approach to driving business impact
  • Ability to operate with clarity and agility in a dynamic, fast-paced environment
  • Inclusive, adaptable, and solutions-oriented team player with a can-do attitude
  • Technical proficiency in Microsoft Office, Keynote, and internal Nike systems

Responsibilities

  • Proactively cultivate and maintain strong networks with athletes, amateur athletes, coaches, agents, teams, and internal stakeholders across Sports Marketing, Brand Marketing, SCI, Communications, NDDC, Nike Direct Stores, and Partner Sales teams
  • Lead athlete experiences and activations, especially in areas without direct brand support, using creative and resourceful approaches
  • Support the development and execution of athlete integration plans by gathering athlete feedback that aligns with Nike’s seasonal brand priorities and storytelling moments
  • Support talent identification, invest/divest decisions, and endorsement contract negotiations to shape a competitive athlete portfolio
  • Partner with internal teams to ensure athlete partnerships support product, business, and marketplace strategies
  • Leverage performance data and market insights

Skills

Key technologies and capabilities for this role

Sports MarketingBrand MarketingAthlete ServicesAthlete IntegrationBrand StorytellingCross-Functional CollaborationRelationship BuildingBasketball StrategyJapanese Sports CultureStrategic Planning

Questions & Answers

Common questions about this position

What is the salary for this position?

This information is not specified in the job description.

Is this role remote or based in a specific location?

This information is not specified in the job description.

What are the key skills and experience required for this role?

Minimum 5 years of proven experience in Sports Marketing, Brand Marketing, or a closely related field is required, along with a deep understanding of Japanese sports culture particularly in basketball, strong cross-functional collaboration skills, and proficiency in English and Japanese communication.

What teams will I collaborate with in this role?

You will report to the Sports Marketing Basketball Manager in Tokyo Japan, work with the broader Sports Marketing team and Global Sports Marketing team, and partner with Brand Marketing, Social & Community Impact, Communications, Nike Direct Digital Commerce, Nike Direct Stores, and Partner Sales.

What makes a strong candidate for this position?

A strong candidate has 5+ years in sports or brand marketing, deep knowledge of Japanese basketball culture, bilingual English/Japanese skills, cross-functional collaboration experience, and a proactive, entrepreneurial mindset with strong relationship-building abilities.

Nike

Designs and sells athletic footwear and apparel

About Nike

Nike designs, manufactures, and sells a variety of footwear, apparel, equipment, and accessories aimed at athletes, fitness enthusiasts, and everyday consumers. Their products are created to be stylish and performance-oriented, catering to the needs of a diverse clientele. Nike operates through multiple sales channels, including retail stores, online platforms, and third-party retailers, and enhances its brand image through endorsements from well-known athletes and sports teams. A key aspect of Nike's approach is its membership program, which offers exclusive access to products and content, fostering a deeper connection with consumers. Unlike many competitors, Nike places a strong emphasis on sustainability and corporate responsibility, integrating these values into its operations and product development. The company's goal is to continue growing by creating products that resonate with consumers while promoting positive social and environmental impact.

Beaverton, OregonHeadquarters
1964Year Founded
IPOCompany Stage
Consumer Software, Social Impact, Consumer GoodsIndustries
10,001+Employees

Benefits

Health Insurance
Remote Work Options
Flexible Work Hours

Risks

Emerging sportswear brands increase competition through digital marketing and direct sales.
Rising raw material costs could impact Nike's profit margins.
Consumer backlash over labor practices could harm Nike's brand reputation.

Differentiation

Nike integrates electronics into footwear for active recovery, enhancing product innovation.
The company capitalizes on retro designs, appealing to nostalgic consumers.
Nike's strong brand loyalty is bolstered by high-profile athlete endorsements.

Upsides

Nike's partnership with Oaklands Wolves boosts brand visibility among younger demographics.
Significant investments indicate strong investor confidence in Nike's growth prospects.
Nike's recognition as a socially responsible stock appeals to environmentally conscious investors.

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