WHO YOU’LL WORK WITH
This role reports to the Sports Marketing Director based in Tokyo, Japan, and works in close partnership with the broader Sports Marketing team and the Global Sports Marketing organization. The role collaborates cross-functionally with Brand Marketing, Social & Community Impact (SCI), Communications, Nike Direct Digital Commerce (NDDC), Nike Direct Stores, and Partner Sales to ensure alignment between Sports Marketing efforts and brand/business objectives. Externally, the role engages with athletes, trainers, agents, coaches, federations, and team personnel to drive impact across the Running Track & Field, Training & Yoga categories.

WHO WE ARE LOOKING FOR
Nike Japan seeks a strategic and culturally attuned professional to help shape the future of Sports Marketing team across Running Track & Field, Training & Yoga. This role plays a critical part in advancing Nike’s strategic vision by integrating athlete services, innovation, and brand storytelling. Acting as a bridge between global strategy and local execution, the role ensures that Japan-specific insights and cultural relevance are embedded in all initiatives.

The role elevates athlete service, drives deeper athlete integration, and builds a bold, competitive portfolio across both professional and amateur categories.

• Minimum 3–5 years of proven experience in Sports Marketing, Brand Marketing, or directly work relevant experience.

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent.

• Demonstrated ability to build strong relationships with athletes, trainers, coaches, agents, and industry stakeholders and translate insights into actionable sport marketing strategies.

• Skilled in portfolio management, critical thinking, and negotiation with a strategic mindset and entrepreneurial drive; thrives in fast-paced, dynamic environments and brings an inclusive, solutions-oriented approach.

• Deep understanding of Japanese sports culture, and the ability to craft locally resonant narratives; strong knowledge of the sports landscape, especially in Running Track & Field, Training & Yoga.

• Proficient in Microsoft Office, Keynote, and internal Nike systems is preferred.

• Strong oral and written communication skills (in both English and Japanese)

WHAT YOU’LL WORK ON
You’ll operate within the 3S + 1L framework: Seek, Sign, Serve, and Leverage. Guided by the global strategy of the Global Running Track & Field, Training & Yoga Sports Marketing team, you’ll identify athletes who can drive business impact locally and globally. Your mission is to discover and support talent with the potential to become future icons—individuals you can grow with and champion throughout their journey. Through these relationships, you’ll help elevate Nike’s brand presence and relevance in the Running Track & Field, Training & Yoga space.

• Build and maintain strong networks with athletes, trainers, coaches, agents, teams, and internal cross-functional stakeholders across Sports Marketing, Brand Marketing, SCI, Communications, NDDC, Nike Direct Stores, and Partner Sales teams.

• Lead athlete/trainer experiences in under supported areas, using creative, resourceful approaches to maximize impact.

• Develop and activate athlete integration plans that align with seasonal brand priorities and storytelling moments.

• Shape a competitive athlete portfolio through talent identification, contract negotiations, and invest/divest decisions.

• Collaborate with internal teams to ensure athlete partnerships support product launches, business goals, and marketplace strategies.

• Use performance data and market insights to guide decisions and measure partnership impact.

• Oversee promo product orders and seasonal delivery based on athlete needs and key looks.

• Maintain accurate athlete data, manage system updates, and lead budget forecasting and reporting - providing regular updates to Japan and Global Sports Marketing Leadership.