International Apparel Brand Manager – North America & Japan

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Full Time Management NY, New York, NY, US

Salary Range: $80,000.00 To $ Annually

Job Title: International Apparel Brand Manager – North America & Japan

Location: New York, NY (Hybrid)

Salary Range: $80,000 - $100,000 Annually

Founded in 1894, the Kowa Group is a global enterprise with its roots in the textile business. Today, Kowa operates across a wide range of industries, including pharmaceuticals, healthcare, chemicals, textiles, machinery, and lifestyle-related businesses, with operations spanning the globe.

Kowa American Corporation serves as one of the Kowa Group’s key bases in North America. For many years, the company has developed businesses in textiles, chemicals, and consumer products. More recently, through its Lifestyle Division, Kowa American has been actively bringing and expanding Japanese brands and lifestyle products in North America while also supporting the introduction of U.S. brands into the Japanese market.

We strive to be more than a distributor or sales representative. By working closely with our brand partners, we aim to build markets, grow businesses, and create long-term value together. We are currently expanding our portfolio of apparel and lifestyle brands and planning to introduce additional brands in the future.

This position will play a key role in driving that growth through brand strategy, marketing, and business development initiatives.

The Apparel Brand Manager will lead the growth of apparel and lifestyle brands within the Lifestyle Division, supporting the growth and expansion of Japanese brands in North America and U.S. brands in Japan. This position will drive brand strategy, marketing, and business development while serving as a key liaison among brand owners, headquarters in Japan, and the U.S. market. The role will initially focus on apparel and fashion, with opportunities to support additional lifestyle categories as the business grows.

• Support the expansion of Japanese brands in the U.S. market.
• Support the expansion of U.S. brands in the Japanese market.
• Support business growth initiatives and monitor key business and marketing performance metrics.
• Conduct market research and competitive analysis.
• Develop brand positioning recommendations and contribute to sales and go-to-market strategies.
• Identify and pursue business development opportunities, including the introduction of new brands.
• Oversee U.S. e-commerce business activities.
• Support and manage U.S. wholesale business operations.

• Develop and manage marketing initiatives through Shopify platforms and recommend website improvements to support business growth.
• Plan and coordinate product launches.
• Develop and execute social media strategies, including Instagram.
• Analyze marketing KPIs and e-commerce sales performance to identify opportunities for improvement.
• Coordinate with SEO, advertising, and digital marketing partners.

• Serve as the primary liaison among Japanese brand partners, headquarters in Japan, and U.S. stakeholders.
• Build and maintain relationships with brand owners and partners.
• Coordinate merchandising plans and partner alignment in support of product launches.

• Manage PR initiatives and brand communications to increase brand awareness.
• Plan and execute influencer marketing programs.
• Organize and manage pop-up events, trade shows, and other industry events.
• Manage relationships with media partners and agencies.

• Three (3) or…