Head of Markets Strategy & Operations, Japan

The Markets team is responsible for managing Spotify’s regions and their performance across all business-relevant metrics. Our team consists of regional Managing Directors and Market Strategy & Operation Managers (MSO). We are looking for a strategic, analytically-driven and open-minded character to support our efforts in Japan.

As Head of Market Strategy and Operations, you will be responsible for strategic direction based on business analysis and insights; business planning; regional operating processes; and managing cross-functional projects by building strong relationships across the company. In this position, you will work closely with global stakeholder, local functional leadership and report to the Managing Director, Japan

What You'll Do

Problem Solving and Strategic Projects:

• Pairing with the MD as a thought partner to chart regional strategy and initiatives

• Evaluating and executing strategic market opportunities - identifying and recommending “bets” for growth and differentiation with an entrepreneurial mindset

• Identifying and solving operational problems on a tactical level with practical and creative approaches

• Stepping in and executing alongside or in place of functions when needed

Business Planning:

• Working with the Managing Director, Japan and functional leads to formulate local strategy in line with Spotify’s overall global strategy

• Owning and adapting the regional planning process and framework

• Ensuring that the plan takes into account all necessary local and global functions and addresses both local challenges and global priorities

Business Reviews and Reporting:

• Tracking the performance of key market metrics

• Owning the process, framework, and output of market analysis and business reviews, tracking of regional budgets and initiatives as part of the business plan

• Monitoring and gathering insight on competitor activities

Operating Processes:

• Driving operations for the region by building efficiency, removing obstacles and improving processes

• Providing the functions with the insights and knowledge needed to drive decisions and define strategy

• Ensuring communication and alignment between all functions, including Music, Podcasts, Marketing, Growth, Finance, Ad Sales, PR, and HR

• Communicating and aligning with global stakeholders, including but not limited to the Global functions in Markets & Subscriptions

Who You Are

• A minimum of 8-12+ years work experience, including an early or growth stage internet company and/or top-tier management consultancy, and experience working with an international team

• Passionate and have a deep understanding of the technology and music spaces

• Familiar with Japanese popular culture, the Japanese business landscape and Japanese consumer behavior

• Thought leader with proven results demonstrating business judgment

• General business skills, equally comfortable analyzing data, coordinating internal projects, speaking to partners, or negotiating a deal

• Organized, process-driven strategic thinker with an understanding of planning and budgeting

• Analytical expert, developing and interpreting deep data analysis and presenting rigorous analysis and insights with simplicity, clarity, and confidence

• Rapid and effective decision-making skills

• Ability to learn new concepts, technologies, and businesses quickly and to produce quality work in short time-frames

• Outstanding communication skills:

• Speaking and presenting in front of groups, building concise and illustrative presentations

• Writing succinct but detailed memos and briefs

• Confident, friendly, supportive verbal manner and inquiry

• Ability to manage internal stakeholders and align teams even with diverse levels of seniority and tenure

• Genuine, confident, flexible, and fun attitude

• You thrive from working in a constantly-changing but always-exciting environment!

• Bilingual in English and Japanese

Where You'll Be

• This role is based in Tokyo

• We offer you the flexibility to work where you work best! There will be some in person meetings, but still allows for flexibility to work from home