Job Description: Area Manager, Japan

Company: VIVAIA

Location: Tokyo, Japan (with travel across the region)

Reports to: Retail Director, Japan

Direct Reports: Store Managers, Assistant Store Managers, Regional Support Staff

About VIVAIA

VIVAIA is a pioneering fashion brand committed to creating beautiful, sustainable footwear for the modern woman. We transform recycled materials, such as plastic bottles, into elegant, comfortable, and versatile shoes. Our brand is built on the pillars of innovation, sustainability, and female empowerment, offering stylish designs that are both eco-conscious and practical for everyday life.

We are a global, digitally-native brand that has successfully expanded into physical retail, creating an omnichannel experience for our customers. Our presence in Japan is a key strategic priority, and we are looking for a dynamic leader to drive our growth in this vibrant market.

Website:

Position Summary

We are seeking a highly motivated and experienced Regional Manager to lead and oversee our retail operations across multiple store locations in Japan. This role is critical to achieving our market growth, brand presence, and financial objectives. The ideal candidate will be a strategic leader with a proven track record in multi-store management, a deep understanding of the Japanese luxury/fashion retail landscape, and a passion for sustainable fashion.

You will be responsible for driving commercial success, ensuring operational excellence, and delivering an exceptional brand experience in every store. You will act as the key link between the global/regional strategy and the local store execution.

Key Responsibilities

1. Commercial & Financial Performance:

l Develop and execute regional business strategies to achieve and exceed sales, profitability, and KPIs (Key Performance Indicators).

l Analyze sales reports, market trends, and consumer insights to identify opportunities for growth and mitigate risks.

l Manage the regional P&L, control operational budgets, and oversee inventory levels to maximize sell-through and minimize markdowns.

1. Retail Operations & Brand Standards:

l Ensure all stores within the region adhere to the highest standards of visual merchandising, customer service, and operational procedures.

l Implement and maintain company policies and initiatives consistently across all locations.

l Conduct regular store visits and audits to ensure compliance, brand integrity, and a flawless in-store experience.

1. Team Leadership & Development:

l Recruit, train, mentor, and performance-manage a high-performing team of Store Managers and retail staff.

l Foster a positive, motivated, and accountable team culture aligned with VIVAIA's values of sustainability and empowerment.

l Create succession plans and develop internal talent to support the region's growth.

1. Multi-Store Management & Expansion:

l Provide direct leadership, coaching, and support to Store Managers, enabling them to lead their teams effectively.

l Oversee the end-to-end process for new store openings in the region, from site selection support to launch execution.

l Optimize the performance of the existing store portfolio.

1. Stakeholder Communication & Reporting:

l Report directly to the Retail Director, providing regular updates on performance, challenges, and strategic recommendations.

l Collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams including Marketing, Visual Merchandising, Supply Chain, and HR to drive cohesive brand initiatives.

Qualifications & Experience

l Bachelor's degree in Business, Retail Management, or a related field.

l A minimum of 8-10 years of retail management experience, with at least 5 years in a multi-store leadership role.

l Essential: Proven experience and a deep understanding of the Japanese retail market, including consumer behavior, competitor landscape, and mall/landlord relations.

l Fluency in both Japanese and English is mandatory.

l Strong commercial acumen with experience in P&L management, budgeting, and sales analysis.

l Exceptional leadership and people management skills, with a proven ability to inspire and develop teams.

l Excellent communication, interpersonal, and problem-solving skills.

l Passion for sustainability, fashion, and the VIVAIA brand.

What We Offer

l A pivotal leadership role in a fast-growing, mission-driven global brand.

l Competitive compensation package with performance-based bonuses.

l Opportunity to shape the retail presence of VIVAIA in a key market.

l A dynamic, supportive, and innovative work environment.

l Professional development and career growth opportunities.