Business Affairs Lead, Japan Marcom
Marcom is the creatively-led global team that oversees Apple’s consumer facing marketing. We ensure the flawless development and execution of world-class communications across all medias and platforms. Every day, hundreds of millions of Apple customers around the world interact with our products and services. We drive the strategy and creative work that provide both new and existing customers with simple, engaging and inspiring marketing experiences.
We are seeking an experienced and hardworking individual who can lead the Business Affairs function in the Marcom Tokyo office!
This role will collaborate in both local and worldwide team environments, and advise on BA matters related to Apple’s marketing communications in Japan. This includes driving the planning, licensing and execution of intellectual property rights-managed content in Apple marketing.
This is an exciting opportunity to join a unique and diverse team! The successful candidate will enjoy working with colleagues locally as well as colleagues in different parts of the world. This role reports into Marcom’s Global Business Affairs team, based at Apple’s headquarters.
- Lead the Japan Marcom Business Affairs function Japan with a high degree of ownership, integrity, and accountability
- Review marketing and advertising materials with internal teams to identify intellectual property (IP) issues, as well as rights, compliance, and cultural issues, and propose the appropriate course of action
- Seek and secure the appropriate content permissions/licenses with relevant rights holders for use in Apple’s marketing and advertising
- Build productive working relationships with cross-functional partners across internal Marketing, Creative, Brand, Services, Legal, Business, and Product through all levels of the organization
- Facilitate communication between multiple internal partners, providing strategic content options to creative teams, and collaborating closely with Legal as needed
- Maintain effective communication with team leads to ensure information flows properly, action items are clear, and issues are raised at the right time to the right people
- Build and maintain external content partner relationships with a variety of third-party entities (App developers, Music labels, Entertainment companies, Book publishers, Podcast providers, Businesses, etc)
- Advise on all Business Affairs matters related to Geo-originated marketing work produced locally in Japan
- Secure regionally relevant content for deeper customer resonance and engagement. Coordinate and plan appropriate, locale-specific content to replace Worldwide Marcom content that is not available or suitable for use in Japan
- Maintain detailed documentation and trackers around clearances and licenses at Apple’s high standards
- Guide the work of Business Affairs contractors working on Japan marketing projects
- Some non-standard work hours, and travel, may be required
- 10+ years of proven experience on a business affairs, or content licensing team at a creative agency, marketing organization, content production company, or within the entertainment industry
- Business-level verbal and written fluency in both Japanese and English language
- Experience in negotiating rights, analyzing risk, and developing processes regarding business affairs contracts and licenses for marketing and advertising use
- Expertise in IP rights including copyright, trademark, and licensing in the area of entertainment and/or advertising law with emphasis on tech, apps music, film / TV industries, and AI
- Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent experience
- MBA degree or equivalent experience
- Experience with working with app developers is a plus
- Expert in identifying potential legal and cultural issues related to marketing and advertising in Japan
- Solid understanding of consumer-facing content (advertising, social media, UGC, consumer digital experiences, entertainment and editorial), understanding the evolving AI landscape, and associated risks is a requirement
- Demonstrated skills in core areas: concise and clear written and verbal communication, attention to detail, analysis, reviewing and drafting licensing agreements, strong negotiation skills, partnership management, creative problem-solving
- Self-starter with a demonstrated ability to prioritize and lead multiple projects reliably
- Ability to exercise sound strategic, legal, and business judgment in challenging situations
- Proactive approach, flexibility, and inclusive leadership skills
- Track record of achieving great results by cultivating relationships, collaborating with teammates, and effectively communicating with cross-functional partners
- Thrive in a fast-paced, time-sensitive environment
- Highly collaborative and responds positively to change
- Awareness and curiosity in cultural trends in Japan