Job Description:Business OverviewThe Rakuten Group's basic management philosophy is to "empower" people and society through innovation.Rakuten Group offers more than 70 diverse services, including the online shopping mall Rakuten Ichiba, e-commerce services such as the travel booking site Rakuten Travel, financial services such as Rakuten Bank, and professional sports.Department OverviewYour assignment will be to the Procurement Operations Department of Rakuten Group, Inc. The Procurement Operations Department is responsible for the procurement operations of the entire Rakuten Group, acting as a centralized sourcing function for the entire company, and promotes the selection and negotiation of business partners in cooperation with business divisions.Position:Why We HireThe Logistics Sourcing Group is responsible for the selection, negotiation, and management of logistics suppliers to ensure the efficient and stable logistics of equipment, materials, and services required for base station construction and shop openings.AttractivenessContribution and Impact on Business- You will be consistently involved in logistics procurement, which forms the core of the company's business strategy, from strategic planning to execution. This allows you to truly feel your contribution to the entire business.- Your strategies directly impact the company's cost structure and competitiveness, enabling you to work with significant autonomy and responsibility.Enhancement of Expertise and Market Value- As a logistics procurement expert, you can acquire and deepen a wide range of skills, including developing optimal procurement strategies, market analysis, and price negotiation.- Through experience in complying with relevant laws such as the Subcontract Act and managing risks, you will also cultivate legal and ethical perspectives in business, growing into a highly marketable professional.Position DetailsBased on the company's business strategy, you will be responsible for the entire process of logistics procurement, from developing the procurement strategy to its execution.- Developing and executing optimal procurement strategies (sourcing strategy, cost reduction strategy, etc.).- Research and analysis of market trends, cost structures, and supplier dynamics.- Price assessment, evaluation of price validity through benchmark analysis, and negotiation of terms.- Developing and executing cost optimization measures through the analysis of purchasing performance data.- Reviewing, negotiating, and concluding various contracts.- Ensuring compliance with relevant laws and regulations, including the Subcontract Act, and managing risks.- Preparation of RFPs (Request for Proposals) and RFQs (Request for Quotations).Work EnvironmentOrganizational Structure- Number of Employees: Procurement Operations Department: Approximately 80 employees/Each section: Approximately 3-10 employees- Age Range: Primarily 20s to 30s- New Graduates vs. Mid-Career Hires: 1:3 ratioBackground of Mid-Career HiresAfter gaining experience in production management within the manufacturing industry, they joined Rakuten Group, Inc. The Procurement Operations Department is comprised not only of individuals from procurement backgrounds but also those with diverse industry and experience.Career Path ExampleA mid-career hire joined the Procurement Operations Department as a staff member in their 20s and was promoted to Vice Manager in their fourth year.Mandatory Qualifications:*Experience in any of the following areas (minimum of 3 years, industry not specified)- Practical experience in logistics procurement, SCM (Supply Chain Management), or logistics-related operations (3+ years).- Strong negotiation skills, communication skills, and problem-solving abilities.Desired Qualifications:- Experience in logistics procurement within the telecommunications or IT industry.- Knowledge and experience in warehouse management and inventory management.- Project management experience.- Experience with RFP/RFQ creation and evaluation, and supplier selection processes.Other Information:Additional information on LocationRakuten Crimson House1-14-1 Tamagawa, Setagaya-ku, TokyoRelated Pages- Employee Benefits: https://global.rakuten.com/corp/careers/benefit/- Employee Conditions: https://global.rakuten.com/corp/careers/information/- Culture: https://global.rakuten.com/corp/careers/culture/#corporate #procurement #operationdiv