WHO YOU’LL WORK WITH

The Lead Merchant will serve as the key partner for Energy-focused accounts, driving assortment strategy and delivering product insights. This role sits within the Nike Japan Merchandising team and reports to the Nike Sportswear (NSW) Merchandising Director. Daily collaboration spans across account leads, marketing partners, planners, and external stakeholders - especially buyers and consumers – to ensure seamless sell-in execution and strong relationship.

WHO WE ARE LOOKING FOR

Nike seeks a consumer-obsessed Merchants who understands that everything begins and ends with the consumer. The ideal candidate is driven by a deep understanding of consumers needs and is passionate about curating the right product mix for the marketplace. They possess the foresight to look beyond trends, identifying what’s next and delivering the right products, in the right places, at the right time and price.

This role requires a strategic thinker who can build compelling cross-category assortments for Energy-focused partner accounts in Japan, with a focus on Neighborhood (NBHD), Runway (RNWY) and Style Specialty distribution channels.

The candidate must bring strong merchandising expertise, bilingual communication skills, and sharp business analytics. A pulse on Tokyo’s sneaker and fashion/lifestyle culture is essential, along with the ability to interpret retail metrics and make data-informed recommendations.

• Minimum of 5 years directly relevant work experience in merchandising, product creation, and or retail, in a vertical or wholesale environment.
• Bachelor’s degree or higher education.
• Proven retail acumen and storytelling capabilities.
• Deep understanding of the Nike consumer and marketplace.
• High taste level for product and ability to articulate a clear point of view.
• Experience working cross-functionally, managing projects, and thriving in a matrixed organization.
• Strong and passionate consumer and brand understanding.
• Willingness and ability to travel internationally once per season.
• Strong oral and written communication skills (in both English and Japanese).

WHAT YOU’LL WORK ON

In this role, you’ll craft and refine cross-category product assortments that capture seasonal trends and fuel growth for Energy partners. You’ll work hand-in-hand with Asia Pacific Latin America (APLA) and Japan teams to create marketplace harmony, uncover exclusive opportunities, and turn consumer insights into bold, strategic product decisions that move the business forward.

• Create and obsess over cross-category assortments to support Energy partners, and to leading seasonal trends, seeking opportunities to drive growth.
• Align assortment strategies with Asia Pacific Latin America (APLA) Geography and Japan Sport teams and collaborate with Japan Marketplace teams to optimize strategy, retail capacity, and product flow.
• Partner with APLA and Japan Sport Merchants to ensure cross-marketplace assortments are harmonized across Japan.
• Define account differentiation opportunities, including potential product exclusives tailored to the country-level marketplace.
• Present assortment strategies with clarity and impact at key sell-in gates to influence business decisions.
• Deliver consumer and point of sale insights to APLA Merchandising teams, ensuring product needs are clearly communicated and understood.
• Continuously refine and align the product strategies based on business performance and evolving consumer insights.