Stock Option Specialist, Leader candidate - HR Planning Department, Group Human Resources Supervisory Department (GHRD)

Tokyo, Japan March 18, 2026 Full Time Workday

Job Description:

Business Overview

Rakuten Group provides more than 70 services in a wide range of fields, including e-commerce, travel, digital content, and other Internet services in Japan and overseas, as well as financial services such as credit cards, banking, securities, electronic money, and smartphone app payments, mobile services such as mobile carrier services, and professional sports. By organically linking these services through a membership system centered on Rakuten members, Rakuten has created a unique “Rakuten ecosystem” that is unlike any other.

*Our Businesses Key Figures
https://global.rakuten.com/corp/careers/services/

Department Overview

The Group Human Resources Supervisory Department, part of Rakuten Group, Inc.'s Corporate Headquarters, provides HR services to over tens of thousands of employees to strengthen the organizational capabilities of the Rakuten Group.
You will be involved in solving various human resources and organizational management challenges that arise as our global business expands. Your mission will be to accurately grasp internal and external needs without being bound by conventional thinking, support the company's growth in terms of people and organization, and collaboratively create HR strategies and system designs that contribute to corporate growth.

What you will experience in Rakuten HR
You can gain experience in a diverse environment and large-scale HR operations
- In the rapidly growing Rakuten, you can develop a multifaceted perspective and viewpoint in the HR department of the head quarter in the expanding Rakuten economic zone and the rapidly evolving Internet industry.
- We are not only expected to execute established processes but also to drive various new initiatives and improvements based on annual market trends and the company's strategic priorities. Within a large-scale enterprise, you can plan and execute rapid-paced, large-scale recruitment campaigns, contributing to the continued growth of the Rakuten Group.

Global Environment
Working with HR not only in Japan but also in overseas group companies, you will lead global Lead the global HR strategy in cooperation with the HR departments of group companies not only in Japan but also overseas. You will manage a wide range of stakeholders and promote large scale projects.

Rich career paths
The Group Human Resources Supervisory Department consists of sections handling various HR functions, including compensation, training, recruitment, and HR Business Partners. Consequently, communication with other departments is frequent through various projects, providing opportunities to learn about their operations. It is also possible to build diverse HR careers within the Group Human Resources Supervisory Department.

Position:

Why We Hire

The Rakuten Group is rapidly growing, with a diverse global business portfolio spanning e-commerce, fintech, mobile, and more. A crucial element supporting this growth is our compensation system, designed to enhance employee engagement.

Rakuten operates a stock option program on an unparalleled scale, granting stock options to tens of thousands of employees annually across our domestic and international group companies. This serves as a vital incentive for employees to view the company's growth as their own and to collaboratively create value. From grant to monthly exercise, we provide expert and accurate operational support to ensure employees can maximize the benefits of the program.

We are currently seeking a dedicated member to join our team, focusing exclusively on stock option operations, with the aim of strengthening our organization. In the future, we expect this individual to lead the team, drive further efficiency in our operational framework, promote strategic utilization of the program, and contribute to the overall growth of the entire Rakuten Group.

- Experience managing large-scale stock option operations unparalleled by other companies
Handling grants and exercises for tens of thousands of employees annually is a rare experience in Japan. By engaging in addressing complex cases and building efficient operational frameworks, you can dramatically enhance your advanced expertise and problem-solving skills.

- Global perspective and diverse collaboration
Through collaboration with domestic and international group companies and global compensation teams, you can deepen your global business acumen and cross-cultural understanding. Utilizing your English skills to manage operations that comply with various countries' legal systems and business practices will be a significant asset to your career.

- A crucial role in supporting the growth of the Rakuten Group
By taking on a core role in the stock option program, which directly impacts employee engagement and company growth, you will gain a strong sense that your work is contributing to the overall business expansion of the entire group.

Position Details

This is a crucial position supporting the smooth operation of our stock option program. You will be responsible for managing the entire cycle of our stock option program, which is essential as an employee incentive, from grant to exercise, and all associated procedures. Additionally, you will be involved in preparing related materials for shareholder meetings and providing global support for our internationally expanding company.

Operation and Management of the Stock Option Program
- Maintenance and improvement of internal regulations and rules regarding the stock option program.
- Coordination and liaison with relevant departments (HR, Accounting, Legal, etc.).
- Responding to employee inquiries regarding the program.
- Stock Option Grant Operations during Evaluation Periods

Granting-related operations
- Information sharing with relevant group companies regarding grants.
- Preparation of Board of Directors materials, contracts, timely disclosures, electronic public notices, etc., for grant implementation.
- Registration of grant data.

Stock Option Exercise Support
- Receiving and confirming exercise applications from employees during exercise periods.
- Verification of exercise conditions and calculation of exercisable shares.
- Preparation of necessary documents for exercise and guidance on procedures.
- Coordination with securities companies and information sharing regarding exercises.

Account Opening Support
- Providing information and support regarding the opening of securities accounts necessary for stock option exercise.
- Coordination with securities companies and monitoring employee account opening status.

Shareholder Meeting Related Operations
- Preparation and review of stock option-related sections for materials such as convocation notices, business reports, and financial statements for shareholder meetings.

- Coordination and liaison with relevant departments (Legal, Accounting, etc.).

Global Support Operations
- Support for the introduction and operation of stock option programs at overseas subsidiaries and bases.
- Assistance in designing programs in compliance with local laws, regulations, and tax systems in each country.
- Responding to inquiries from overseas employees (including in English).

Other Related Duties
- Data aggregation and analysis related to the stock option program.
- Review and adaptation of the program in response to changes in relevant laws and tax systems.
- Audit response and preparation of various reports.
- Preparation of the annual stock option budget.

Work Environment

The team to which this position will be assigned consists of one manager and three members.
Additionally, we collaborate with approximately four members from another internal company who work as contractors.
Each team member is responsible for specific areas within the entire lifecycle of stock options, from grant to exercise and subsequent sale.
The team also includes young members in their mid-20s, and together, they collaboratively support the large-scale and complex stock option operations.

As an example of a mid-career hire, we previously had a member join us from an HR consulting firm, driven by the desire to be directly involved in business operations at a company. After enhancing their expertise in stock option operations, that individual is now leveraging their experience to expand their scope of activity in another department within the company. Thus, this position can serve as a stepping stone to broaden career possibilities within the Rakuten Group.

Mandatory Qualifications:

- Experience in Payroll and Social Insurance operations (3+ years)

Desired Qualifications:

- Practical experience related to stock options
- Work experience in a large-scale organization

- Communication experience in an English-speaking environment (e.g., studying abroad, business use)

Ideal Candidate Profile
- Enjoys change, thinks independently, and takes action
We are looking for someone who can continuously pursue operational improvements and efficiencies without being constrained by existing methods, especially given the rapidly changing business environment and legal frameworks. An individual who can proactively identify issues, propose solutions, and take ownership of their execution.

- Balances accuracy and speed
Handling large volumes of data and processes for tens of thousands of employees annually requires high accuracy and a strong sense of responsibility. At the same time, we seek someone who can execute tasks quickly and efficiently, contributing to the overall productivity of the team.

- Communication skills and cooperativeness
An individual who can build smooth relationships and collaborate effectively with diverse stakeholders, including domestic and international employees, relevant departments (HR, Accounting, Legal, etc.), external vendors (e.g., securities companies), and counterparts at overseas group companies. Someone who is comfortable communicating in English.

- Eager to deepen expertise and demonstrate leadership
A highly motivated individual who is keen to deepen their knowledge in the specialized field of stock option administration and aspires to grow into a leader who can eventually lead teams and projects.

Other Information:

Additional information on Location

Rakuten Crimson House
1-14-1 Tamagawa, Setagaya-ku, Tokyo

Related Pages
- Employee Benefits: https://global.rakuten.com/corp/careers/benefit/

- Employee Conditions: https://global.rakuten.com/corp/careers/information/

- Culture: https://global.rakuten.com/corp/careers/culture/

- Wellness: https://global.rakuten.com/corp/sustainability/wellness/

#corporate #HR #GA #CorporateCommunications #operationdiv

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How to Get Hired at Rakuten Group, Inc.

  • Rakuten uses Workday as its ATS platform. Apply through rakuten.wd1.myworkdayjobs.com/RakutenInc for global positions. Use clean, single-column resume formatting with standard section headers to ensure accurate parsing. Verify your parsed profile data after submission.
  • English proficiency is non-negotiable for most roles. Rakuten adopted English as its official corporate language in 2012 under the Englishnization initiative. Regardless of office location, business is conducted in English. Highlight your language skills prominently on your resume.
How to apply to Rakuten Group, Inc.

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