Manager, Basketball Sports Marketing, Japan

About the role

Nike is looking for a Manager, Basketball Sports Marketing, Japan, based in Tokyo. The role reports to the Senior Manager of International Basketball Sports Marketing at Nike's headquarters in Portland, Oregon, and works closely with cross-functional teams across Japan Sports Marketing, Global Sports Marketing, Brand Marketing, Communications, Retail, Sales, Product, Finance and SC&I, as well as athletes, agents, coaches, teams, leagues, federations, schools, agencies and media partners.

Key responsibilities

• Seek: identify and connect with top basketball talent across Japan early, building authentic, long-term relationships.
• Manage the athlete and team portfolio by balancing investments and divestments to maximise impact.
• Sign: use trusted relationships to establish Nike as a preferred partner among Japan's top basketball talent.
• Serve: manage athlete and team servicing needs, including product seeding, contractual commitments and event execution.
• Collaborate with Brand Marketing, Product and cross-functional partners to amplify athlete moments and grow business.
• Oversee budgets, contracts, reporting and compliance requirements.
• Develop and evolve the Japan Basketball Sports Marketing strategy, aligning global priorities with local insights.

Required profile

• Minimum 5-6 years of experience in sports marketing, brand marketing, athlete management, sponsorship, partnerships or a related field.
• Bachelor's degree in Marketing, Business, Sports Management, communications or equivalent practical experience.
• Deep expertise in Japan's basketball and broader sports landscape, with established relationships.
• Demonstrated ability to build and sustain trusted partnerships across diverse stakeholders.
• Skilled negotiator with sound judgment, able to drive strategic decisions in dynamic environments.

Required skills

• Strong oral and written communication in both English and Japanese.
• Ability to turn athlete insight and sport trends into actionable sports marketing strategies.