TOPIC:
What do you think about the workplace at ZenGroup?
For this crosstalk edition, we interviewed four key members who support ZenGroup’s Store Growth Section. They shared insights into their tasks, team atmosphere, and what makes working at our center rewarding.
What are your current responsibilities and roles?
Kara: I’m the Unit Leader of the Recommended Stores Unit, where we plan and manage promotions that support the growth of our partner stores. Our work covers a wide range of activities, including coupons, campaigns, blog content, social media, paid advertising, and influencer collaborations. As a leader, I also help build efficient workflows, oversee campaign execution, and coordinate between Sales, our partner stores, Marketing, and the team to make sure projects move forward smoothly.
Olga: At the Store Growth Section, we focus on improving ZenMarket’s profitability by planning and executing initiatives for our partner stores. We analyze market trends and customer demand, develop strategies that maximize value for both ZenMarket and our partners, and turn those strategies into campaigns, influencer initiatives, and other marketing activities. As the Vice-Section Leader, I set the team’s direction and priorities while creating an environment where each member can make the most of their strengths and achieve results.
Ueno: I serve as a leader in the BigStore Unit of the Store Growth Section in the Marketing Department. My main job is creating strategies and providing execution support to increase sales for large partner stores. My responsibilities include campaign planning, influencer initiatives, SNS and ad operations, newsletters, and LP/web page creation and improvement. I also work on post-initiative data analysis, reporting, and automation to improve operational efficiency.
What is the atmosphere of your team like?
Kara: The team has a calm, friendly, and collaborative atmosphere. Each member brings different strengths, such as advertising, influencer marketing, SEO, or design, so we are able to complement one another naturally. We respect each person’s area of expertise and work together when a project requires different skills. It is also very easy to ask for advice or support, which makes it a comfortable environment for trying new ideas and taking on new challenges.
Olga: Our team currently has eight members, all of whom are women. We have a calm and friendly atmosphere, and everyone naturally supports each other whenever someone needs help. Each member has different strengths and areas of expertise, so we divide responsibilities while stepping in to support one another when needed. I really enjoy working with the team because we can openly share ideas, learn from each other, and work together to move our projects forward.
Ueno: The team has a very relaxed and open atmosphere. Members come from diverse backgrounds with different areas of expertise, such as creative production, SEO, newsletters, and data analysis. That is why I think it is a team where members can leverage their strengths while naturally complementing each other. Communication is active and open,and it’s a warm team where everyone feels comfortable reaching out to each other when they need help.
What makes working in your position so attractive and fulfilling?
Kara: What makes this role interesting is that every partner store has different strengths and challenges, so there is no single approach that works for everyone. We need to understand each store and develop promotions that suit their products, audience, and goals. Coordinating between partner stores, Sales, and Marketing can sometimes be challenging, but that is also what makes the role rewarding. It is especially satisfying when we can see the impact of our work through increased sales, new customers, or stronger engagement.
Olga: As Vice-Section Leader, I am involved in meetings with partner stores, negotiating terms for joint campaigns, as well as allocating responsibilities and managing the progress of projects across the team. What I find particularly rewarding is being involved in decisions about the direction of our partnerships and contributing to ZenMarket’s overall partnership strategy. I also find it very fulfilling when I can organize our workflows and create systems that allow team members to make the most of their strengths and work more efficiently. Seeing an idea I have worked on become part of our team’s daily workflow feels especially good.
Ueno: What I find most rewarding is seeing the impact of our work through actual results. Whether it’s an increase in sales compared to the previous month or a response that matches what we were aiming for, seeing my analysis and ideas lead to concrete results gives me a strong sense of accomplishment and motivates me to take on the next challenge.
What is a memorable experience you’ve had with your team?
Kara: One project that stands out to me was the first in-store promotion I worked on for international visitors to Japan. We created a journey where customers could discover the store and its products in person, then continue shopping online after returning home through the coupons and information provided in-store. Since most of our work is usually online, it was especially interesting to see an in-store customer touchpoint lead back to online shopping. Being able to connect the offline and online experience in a real campaign made the project particularly memorable for me.
Olga: One of my favorite team traditions is ordering donuts and sharing them together at the end of each half-year. Our team is always moving from one project to the next, with a new campaign often starting as soon as the previous one ends. Because we are always kind of busy, we do not often have a chance to stop and reflect on what we have accomplished or recognize each other’s hard work. That is why I value these small moments when we can take a break, share some food, and celebrate what we have achieved together.
Ueno: One memorable experience was visiting ZenGroup’s warehouse as a team for on-site training. We got to see firsthand how products ordered through the marketing initiatives we worked on are stored and shipped by the staff. It gave us a better understanding of the work happening behind the scenes and made me appreciate how many people support what we do. Seeing that connection between our work and the actual operations made the experience especially memorable.
What do you like the most about Store Growth Section ?
Kara: What I like most about the Store Growth Section is that we get to discover so many interesting Japanese stores and products that may still be unfamiliar to customers overseas. Every store has different strengths, audiences, and stories, so there is no single formula that works for everyone. I enjoy thinking about which part of a store’s appeal will resonate internationally and finding the right way to communicate it through campaigns, content, or other marketing activities.
Olga: What I like most is that each member has the opportunity to make the most of their strengths and take on projects they are genuinely interested in. I believe that when you enjoy what you do, it leads to better ideas and better results. That is why I want to create opportunities for team members to take on things they think, “I’d like to try this,” and grow through those experiences. I really value our current environment, where everyone can use their strengths, challenge themselves, and contribute to the team’s success.
Ueno: What I find exciting is being involved from the early strategy stage when working with large partner companies. Rather than simply carrying out assigned tasks, I have the opportunity to think about and work on marketing initiatives that can contribute to their growth. I also enjoy being in an environment where I can take on new challenges and learn through the process while seeing the results of my work.
Do you have a message for those considering applying to ZenGroup?
Kara: ZG is a very international and dynamic environment, with people from many different countries and backgrounds. Because the company is constantly evolving, there are many opportunities to learn, try new things, and take on new challenges. You do not need to know everything from the beginning. If you are curious, willing to learn, and comfortable sharing your own ideas, I think you will find many opportunities to grow here.
Olga: If you want to challenge yourself at the forefront of cross-border e-commerce in Japan and grow while learning how to work in a global business environment, I encourage you to take the opportunity and apply. At ZenGroup, you can put your skills to the test, take on new challenges, and grow through your work. I look forward to working with people who enjoy what they do and want to grow together with their teammates.
Ueno: ZenGroup is a very stimulating environment where you can feel a global atmosphere while being in Japan. Working with colleagues from different countries and backgrounds brings new perspectives and discoveries every day, while maintaining the high level of quality and attention to detail we value. I feel it is a workplace where you can easily take on new challenges while broadening your perspective. I look forward to working with you!
