Head of Markets Strategy & Operations

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