Category Associate, Japan

Whatnot, Inc.

Job Overview

Location

Tokyo, Japan

Job Type

Full-time

Full Job Description

📋 Description

• Serve as the go-to expert for your assigned product category in Japan, deeply understanding seller and buyer dynamics, community channels, influencers, and product-specific nuances.
• Lead seller outreach and onboarding efforts by identifying, contacting, and convincing high-potential sellers to join and grow their businesses on Whatnot’s livestream shopping platform.
• Utilize social media platforms, outbound communication channels, and in-person events to source and recruit sellers across Japan.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with new sellers and strategic partners to help them scale their businesses on the platform.
• Develop and execute tailored seller growth plans designed to drive category expansion and maximize revenue potential in Japan.
• Spearhead marketing and community growth initiatives, including organizing offline events, coordinating influencer partnerships, and promoting category-specific campaigns.
• Use basic data analytics skills, including SQL, to extract insights from platform data, assess category performance, and identify opportunities for process improvement.
• Analyze key metrics to evaluate seller success, buyer engagement, and category growth trends, then apply findings to iterate and optimize strategies.
• Act as the primary representative of Whatnot within the Japanese seller and buyer community, fostering trust and brand loyalty through consistent, culturally informed engagement.
• Operate in a fast-paced, ambiguous environment with minimal supervision, taking initiative to solve problems, adapt quickly, and deliver high-impact results.
• Leverage tools such as Salesforce, Airtable, and Sigma to manage seller accounts, track outreach pipelines, and maintain accurate records of seller activity and performance.
• Maintain fluency in both English and native Japanese, applying deep cultural understanding to navigate local market dynamics, communication norms, and community expectations.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with marketing, operations, and product teams to align category strategies with broader company goals in Japan.
• Continuously learn and adapt to evolving marketplace trends, seller behaviors, and platform features to stay ahead in the rapidly growing livestream commerce industry.

🎯 Requirements

• 3+ years of experience in sales and/or account management, specifically working with top business partners, streamers, and/or creators
• Fluent in English and native Japanese with deep understanding of Japan’s cultural and community dynamics
• Business acumen with strong analytical skills and comfort using data (e.g., SQL) to derive actionable business insights
• Experience working in ambiguous, fast-moving environments with limited guidance and high autonomy
• Proficiency in tools such as Salesforce, Airtable, and Sigma for account and pipeline management
• Demonstrated ability to source, onboard, and grow seller communities in online marketplaces

🏖️ Benefits

• ¥140,000 home office setup allowance
• ¥20,750 monthly allowance for cell phone and internet
• ¥69,500 monthly allowance for wellness
• ¥14,000 monthly allowance for commuter expenses
• ¥693,000 annual allowance towards childcare
• ¥2,772,000 lifetime benefit for family planning (e.g., adoption or fertility expenses)
• 16 weeks of fully paid parental leave plus one month gradual return to work
• Flexible time off policy and company-wide holidays including spring and winter breaks
• Health insurance options including Medical, Dental, and Vision
• Pension plans

Skills & Technologies

Spring

Junior

Remote

Ready to Apply?

Apply Externally

You will be redirected to an external site to apply.

Whatnot, Inc.

Visit Website

About Whatnot, Inc.

Whatnot operates a live-stream marketplace for collectibles, sneakers, trading cards, apparel, and other hobby items. Sellers host real-time auctions and fixed-price shows while buyers bid or purchase through the mobile app. The platform combines live video, integrated payments, and authenticated shipping to reduce fraud. Founded in 2019, the company is headquartered in Los Angeles and has raised multiple venture rounds to expand categories and international markets.

View Company Profile

Get more remote jobs like this

Subscribe to the weekly newsletter for similar remote roles and curated hiring updates.

Weekly remote jobs and featured talent.

No spam. Only curated remote roles and product updates. You can unsubscribe anytime.