Schedule
Daily Tasks
What are your primary responsibilities as a Store Growth Unit Leader?
The Store Growth Unit has two main objectives. First, we plan and execute campaigns for our major partner stores, such as Rakuten, Amazon, Mercari, and Rakuma. Second, we support the sales growth of our smaller partner stores.
My unit is responsible for strategizing and executing promotions for specific stores and products. Depending on the store and its KPIs, this could range from a short-term promotion via limited channels (such as SNS posts and email) to a large-scale, omni-channel campaign across all 19 languages with a significant budget.
My primary responsibilities include setting KPIs, negotiating deadlines, establishing workflows, and overseeing the entire process until final delivery.
Which tools and platforms do you use daily?
I use Asana for task management, Slack for team communication, and Zapier for automating workflows. Additionally, I use various Google tools to organize data, prepare reports, and create presentations.
For data tracking, I use the internal ZenMarket analytics board to monitor store performance, Google Analytics to analyze traffic and campaign effectiveness, and tools like Semrush and Google Keyword Planner to identify potential keywords for both organic content and paid ads. I also work extensively with Meta Ads Manager, auditing ad accounts and setting up new campaigns to promote our partner stores.”
How do you prioritize your tasks?
My routine tasks include evaluating campaign results, planning new campaigns each month, and outlining a detailed roadmap each quarter based on our OKRs. This ensures everyone has a clear view of upcoming tasks.
With the increasing number of partner stores, we often manage multiple promotions simultaneously. I prioritize tasks based on urgency and the needs of both internal and external stakeholders, always aligning with ZenGroup’s current goals.
Right now, the Store Growth Unit is actively hiring, so when a new member joins, I focus on delegating tasks efficiently to balance workloads and ensure we meet important deadlines.
Team Collaboration
What’s your team like?
The whole ZenMarket marketing team consists of more than 30 people from different countries, so it is a very diverse working environment.
What are the unique points about your team?
The ZenMarket marketing team stands out for its diversity. With over 30 members from various countries, we bring a wide range of cultural perspectives, skills, and ideas to the table. This multicultural environment not only fosters creativity and innovation but also allows us to approach challenges from different angles.
Another key strength of our team is its adaptability and dynamism. In such a competitive industry, we constantly push for new ideas and improvements. Every week is packed with events, deadlines, and multiple projects running simultaneously, making the work both exciting and demanding.
Over time, we’ve developed remarkable adaptability to this fast-paced, ever-changing environment—an impressive achievement, especially given the size and diversity of our team.
Which other departments do you collaborate with at ZenGroup?
As the person responsible for promoting partner stores, the Store Growth Unit acts as a bridge between language marketers and the Sales team, collaborating with them daily. Additionally, we work closely with the Customer Support and Purchasing departments, as well as the HR Hiring team, as my team is currently hiring additional members.
Learning and Development
How do you stay updated on the latest trends in your position?
To stay updated on the latest trends in my role, I rely on a mix of industry resources and continuous professional development. For marketing strategies, I follow platforms like HubSpot and MarketingProfs, and I stay informed through newsletters such as Morning Brew and McKinsey.
For ZenGroup-specific needs, I use tools like Google Trends and SEMrush, making sure to stay up to date with their latest courses and training programs.
What are you doing for self-improvement?
I continuously strive for self-improvement by staying updated on the latest trends and tools in digital marketing, as well as reading books on management and leadership.
Besides work, I focus on personal growth by exploring traditional Japanese arts and culture, drawing inspiration from them to bring fresh ideas into both my professional and personal life.
Work-Life Balance
How do you manage your work-life at ZenGroup?
Managing my work-life balance at ZenGroup is easier thanks to the company’s supportive work culture. There’s no excessive overwork, and the flexible system allows employees to start their workday anytime between 7 AM and 10 AM.
This flexibility is especially valuable for me as I commute to our office in Osaka, allowing me to adjust my schedule to avoid peak hours while still having time for my hobbies on weekday evenings.
Do you have any tips for maintaining productivity and avoiding burnout?
I have a strong sense of responsibility, so maintaining productivity while avoiding burnout is essential for me. I prioritize effective time management and self-care by breaking tasks into smaller steps to stay focused and prevent feeling overwhelmed. Short 2–3 minute breaks to stretch my legs or refill my coffee also help me recharge.
Another key practice I’m working on is delegating tasks when needed and openly discussing workloads to ensure no one is overburdened. Finally, I make a conscious effort to disconnect from work during personal time by practicing tea ceremony and yoga.
Personal Insights
What do you enjoy most about your job?
What I love most about my job is its creativity and dynamism. There’s nothing more exciting than crafting a strategy, bringing it to life, and seeing real results—whether it’s boosting sales, increasing engagement, or launching a successful campaign.
I also enjoy collaborating with different teams, tackling complex challenges, and finding innovative ways to connect with people.
What advice would you give to someone just starting out in your position?
My biggest advice? Stay curious and always be open to learning. Digital marketing and e-commerce are constantly evolving, so keeping up with trends and tools is essential.
Don’t be afraid to experiment—some of my best results came from trying new ideas and learning from what didn’t work. Most importantly, understanding your audience and connecting with them genuinely makes all the difference.
And finally, teamwork is everything. Listen, collaborate, and never hesitate to ask for help when you need it.
