Apparel Brand Manager - Japanese Bilingual

Location:

New York, NY (Hybrid)

Salary:
Up to $100,000 Base Salary

Travel:
Domestic U.S. and occasional international travel required

Work Authorization:
Must be authorized to work in the United States. Visa sponsorship is not available.

We are seeking a highly motivated and entrepreneurial Apparel & Lifestyle Business Manager to lead and grow a cross-border business connecting Japan and the United States. This role is responsible for driving sales, marketing, brand expansion, and new business development across apparel and lifestyle product categories.

The ideal candidate is a business-minded leader who can balance strategic thinking with hands‑on execution. You will oversee direct‑to‑consumer and wholesale initiatives, collaborate closely with partners in both Japan and the U.S., and identify new opportunities to expand the business beyond apparel into additional lifestyle categories.

This is an excellent opportunity for someone who enjoys building businesses, managing brands, driving revenue growth, and working in an international environment.

• Lead the growth and profitability of existing apparel and lifestyle businesses.
• Develop and execute business strategies to increase sales and market presence.
• Take ownership of revenue targets, business performance, and key growth initiatives.
• Identify and evaluate new business opportunities, partnerships, and product categories.
• Conduct market research and competitive analysis to support strategic decision‑making.

• Manage the introduction and growth of Japanese products and brands within the U.S. market.
• Develop and execute B2C sales and marketing strategies through e‑commerce and digital channels.
• Oversee product launch calendars, promotional activities, and campaign execution.
• Collaborate with external sales agencies and retail partners to expand wholesale distribution.
• Build relationships with retailers and key industry stakeholders.

• Coordinate business activities related to the introduction of U.S.
  
  -based brands into the Japanese market.
• Act as a key liaison between brand partners, Japanese affiliates, and internal stakeholders.
• Support product planning, ordering processes, and market‑entry initiatives.
• Ensure brand positioning and messaging are effectively communicated across both markets.

• Manage and optimize Shopify‑based e‑commerce operations.
• Develop and execute social media marketing initiatives, including Instagram and other digital platforms.
• Monitor marketing performance metrics and online sales data.
• Work with external agencies and partners on SEO, advertising, influencer marketing, and content creation.
• Recommend website and customer experience improvements to maximize business growth.

• Plan and execute marketing campaigns, product launches, and promotional programs.
• Manage public relations activities and brand communications.
• Coordinate influencer collaborations and partnerships.
• Organize trade shows, pop‑up events, industry exhibitions, and customer engagement initiatives.

• Provide leadership to a small international team across multiple locations.
• Collaborate with colleagues in sales, marketing, logistics, and operations.
• Serve as the primary bridge between U.S. operations and Japan‑based stakeholders.
• Foster strong communication and alignment among internal and external business partners.

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent professional experience.
• 5+ years of experience in sales, marketing, business development, brand management, or a related…