Product Manager, Ichiba Search Experience - Search Department (SED)

Job DescriptionBusiness OverviewRakuten Group, Inc. is the largest e-Commerce company in Japan, and provides a variety of services in e-commerce, fintech, digital content and communications to many users all over the world.Department OverviewThe Rakuten Search team creates powerful, customer-focused search. Whenever a customer visits an Rakuten services and types in a query or browses through product categories, the Rakuten Search services go to work. We design, develop, and deploy high performance, fault-tolerant distributed search systems used by millions of Rakuten customers every day. Our Search product management team works with key business like Ichiba to commerce user facing user experience.PositionPosition DetailsWe are seeking a Product Manager to spearhead the ongoing enhancement of our search user experience and functionality in Ichiba. This role involves developing and executing a product roadmap aimed at optimizing search functionalities, ensuring that our users can quickly find relevant products and information. Fluency in Japanese is essential, as a key aspect of this position is collaborating with Japanese-speaking stakeholders and understanding local market nuances.Key ResponsibilitiesProduct Strategy & Roadmap Define and maintain the product vision and strategy for search-related features. Develop and prioritize a product roadmap that aligns with the company’s objectives and user needs. Conduct market and competitive analysis, especially focusing on the Japanese e-commerce landscape.User Research & Insights Conduct user research (including Japanese-speaking user groups), analyze feedback, and translate insights into actionable product improvements. Work closely with the analytics team to measure search performance (e.g., conversion, click-through rates) and continuously optimize based on data-driven insights.Collaboration & Stakeholder Management Serve as the primary liaison between cross-functional teams (engineering, design, marketing, customer support), ensuring smooth communication and alignment of goals. Engage with Japanese-speaking stakeholders to understand requirements and address concerns specific to the Japanese market. Present product updates, progress reports, and future plans to leadership and relevant stakeholders on a regular basis.Project Management & Execution Oversee the end-to-end product lifecycle, from conception to launch, ensuring timely delivery and high-quality outputs. Define success metrics, monitor key performance indicators, and iterate product features based on performance data and user feedback.Mandatory QualificationsEducation & Experience Bachelor’s degree Computer Science, Engineering, or a related field; advanced degree a plus. 3-5+ years of experience in product management, with a proven track record in search or recommendation systems for e-commerce or related industries.Language Skills Fluency in Japanese (both written and spoken) is a must. Excellent command of English, enabling effective communication within a global team.Technical & Domain Expertise Demonstrated experience working with search technologies, recommendation engines, or related analytics tools. Familiarity with product management best practices and agile methodologies. Strong understanding of user behavior and market trends, particularly in Japan.Analytical & Communication Skills Data-driven mindset with the ability to interpret complex analytics and translate them into actionable product strategies. Exceptional communication, presentation, and stakeholder management skills.Soft Skills Highly collaborative approach, with the ability to build strong relationships across diverse teams. Strong problem-solving skills and a proactive approach to tackling challenges. Passion for user-focused product development and continuous improvement.#engineer #strategyplanning #productmanager #commerce