Apparel Brand Manager - Japanese Bilingual -

Pasona N A, Inc.; New York (NY); Hybrid; USD 90,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Pasona N A, Inc. in New York, NY seeks Apparel & Lifestyle Business Manager to lead cross-border Japan–US market, driving sales, brand expansion and new business development across apparel and lifestyle categories.

You will oversee DTC and wholesale, work with partners in Japan and the U.S., manage product launches, digital marketing and e-commerce via Shopify, and explore opportunities beyond apparel. Hybrid role based in NYC with travel, requires 5+ years intl business experience and strong

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent professional experience.
• 5+ years in sales, marketing, BD, brand management or related fields.
• Experience managing both sales and marketing initiatives.
• Business-level English and native-level Japanese communication.
• Proven leadership and team management experience.
• Strong business acumen and revenue ownership.
• Experience with international stakeholders.
• Experience using Shopify or other e‑commerce platforms.
• Excellent communication, presentation and relationship-building.
• Authorized to work in the U.S. without sponsorship.

Responsibilities

• Lead growth and profitability of apparel and lifestyle businesses.
• Develop and execute strategies to increase sales and market presence.
• Own revenue targets, performance metrics, and growth initiatives.
• Identify new opportunities, partnerships, and product categories.
• Coordinate market research to support strategic decisions.
• Oversee U.S. market expansion via DTC and wholesale.
• Collaborate with Japanese and U.S. partners to align branding.

Skills

Sales & Marketing Experience

International Business

Leadership

Shopify Experience

Education

Bachelor's degree or equivalent

Tools

Shopify

Job description

Apparel & Lifestyle Business Manager (Japan–U.S. Market)

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.

About The Opportunity

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.

Key Responsibilities

Business Management & Growth

• 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.

U.S. Market Expansion (Direct‑to‑Consumer & Wholesale)

• 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.

Japan Market Expansion

• 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.

Digital Marketing & E‑Commerce

• 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.

Brand Marketing & Events

• 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.

Leadership & Cross‑Functional Collaboration

• 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.

Qualifications

Required

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent professional experience.
• 5+ years of experience in sales, marketing, business development, brand management, or a related field.
• Experience managing both sales and marketing initiatives.
• Business‑level English and native‑level Japanese communication skills.
• Demonstrated leadership and team management experience.
• Strong business acumen with the ability to take ownership of revenue and performance goals.
• Experience working with multiple stakeholders across international markets.
• Experience using Shopify or other e‑commerce platforms.
• Strong project management and organizational skills.
• Excellent communication, presentation, and relationship‑building abilities.
• Authorization to work in the U.S. without sponsorship.

Preferred

• Experience with apparel, fashion, lifestyle, consumer products, or retail businesses.
• Experience supporting both wholesale and direct-to-consumer business models.
• Familiarity with e‑commerce, digital marketing, social media strategy, and brand-building initiatives.
• Experience working between Japanese and U.S. organizations.
• Experience launching new products, brands, or business ventures.
• Knowledge of influencer marketing, events, trade shows, and public relations.

Ideal Candidate

The Successful Candidate Will Demonstrate

• Strong entrepreneurial spirit and ownership mentality.
• Ability to develop strategy and personally execute initiatives.
• Comfort working in a lean, fast‑paced organization.
• Strong leadership and decision‑making skills.
• Proven ability to build relationships across cultures and functions.
• Flexibility to manage both strategic planning and day‑to‑day operations.
• Passion for consumer brands, lifestyle products, and business growth.
• Long‑term commitment and desire to help scale a growing business.

Work Environment & Travel

• Hybrid work schedule (approximately 3-4 days per week in the NYC office).
• Standard business hours with occasional evening meetings to accommodate Japan‑based stakeholders.
• Domestic U.S. travel approximately 1-2 times every few months.
• International travel to Japan approximately 1-2 times per year.

Why Join Us?

This role offers the opportunity to take ownership of a growing international business at the intersection of brand management, sales, marketing, and business development. You will help shape the future of consumer and lifestyle brands across two major markets while working closely with decision-makers and senior leadership in a highly collaborative environment.