International Apparel Brand Manager – North America & Japan in New York, New York at Kowa American Corp

Job Title: International Apparel Brand Manager – North America & Japan

Location: New York, NY (Hybrid)

Salary Range: $80,000 - $100,000 Annually

About the Company

Founded in 1894, the Kowa Group is a global enterprise with its roots in the textile business. Today, Kowa operates across a wide range of industries, including pharmaceuticals, healthcare, chemicals, textiles, machinery, and lifestyle-related businesses, with operations spanning the globe.

Kowa American Corporation serves as one of the Kowa Group’s key bases in North America. For many years, the company has developed businesses in textiles, chemicals, and consumer products. More recently, through its Lifestyle Division, Kowa American has been actively bringing and expanding Japanese brands and lifestyle products in North America while also supporting the introduction of U.S. brands into the Japanese market.

We strive to be more than a distributor or sales representative. By working closely with our brand partners, we aim to build markets, grow businesses, and create long-term value together. We are currently expanding our portfolio of apparel and lifestyle brands and planning to introduce additional brands in the future.

This position will play a key role in driving that growth through brand strategy, marketing, and business development initiatives.

Position Summary

The Apparel Brand Manager will lead the growth of apparel and lifestyle brands within the Lifestyle Division, supporting the growth and expansion of Japanese brands in North America and U.S. brands in Japan. This position will drive brand strategy, marketing, and business development while serving as a key liaison among brand owners, headquarters in Japan, and the U.S. market. The role will initially focus on apparel and fashion, with opportunities to support additional lifestyle categories as the business grows.

Key Responsibilities

Brand Strategy & Business Development

• Support the expansion of Japanese brands in the U.S. market.
• Support the expansion of U.S. brands in the Japanese market.
• Support business growth initiatives and monitor key business and marketing performance metrics.
• Conduct market research and competitive analysis.
• Develop brand positioning recommendations and contribute to sales and go-to-market strategies.
• Identify and pursue business development opportunities, including the introduction of new brands.
• Oversee U.S. e-commerce business activities.
• Support and manage U.S. wholesale business operations.

Digital Marketing

• Develop and manage marketing initiatives through Shopify platforms and recommend website improvements to support business growth.
• Plan and coordinate product launches.
• Develop and execute social media strategies, including Instagram.
• Analyze marketing KPIs and e-commerce sales performance to identify opportunities for improvement.
• Coordinate with SEO, advertising, and digital marketing partners.

Brand Communication

• Serve as the primary liaison among Japanese brand partners, headquarters in Japan, and U.S. stakeholders.
• Build and maintain relationships with brand owners and partners.
• Coordinate merchandising plans and partner alignment in support of product launches.

Marketing & PR

• Manage PR initiatives and brand communications to increase brand awareness.
• Plan and execute influencer marketing programs.
• Organize and manage pop-up events, trade shows, and other industry events.
• Manage relationships with media partners and agencies.

Required Qualifications

• Three (3) or more years of brand management, marketing, or business development experience within the apparel or fashion industry.
• Experience using Shopify and e-commerce analytics to support marketing and business growth.
• Experience developing and executing social media marketing initiatives.
• Business-level proficiency in both English and Japanese, including written and verbal communication.
• Strong project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple initiatives and stakeholders simultaneously.
• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills.
• Experience working with multiple stakeholders across international markets.
• Experience with wholesale, retail, or e-commerce business models.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience expanding Japanese brands in the U.S. market and/or U.S. brands in Japan.
• Established relationships within the New York City fashion industry.PR and advertising management experience.
• Knowledge of SEO and digital advertising.
• Experience managing fashion trade shows and pop-up activations, or other industry events.
• Experience launching and operating apparel or lifestyle brands.
• Business development experience within the fashion industry.

Core Competencies

• Entrepreneurial mindset and a strong sense of ownership.
• Proactive and resourceful, with the ability to identify opportunities and work independently.
• Strong understanding of cultural and business differences between Japan and the U.S.
• Ability to thrive in a small, fast-paced organization.
• Strong interest in apparel, fashion, and brand development. Ability and willingness to build and grow brand operations from the ground up.

Career Growth Opportunity

This position offers the opportunity to work directly with executive leadership and brand partners while gaining hands-on experience in brand strategy, marketing, and business development.

You will play a key role in expanding brands across North America and Japan, including new brand launches and business growth initiatives. High performers will have opportunities to take on increasing responsibility for business performance and brand growth initiatives over time.

Benefits

KOWA is committed to investing in our employees—the driving force behind our mission and success—by offering a comprehensive suite of competitive compensation and benefits. We prioritize work-life balance, ensuring you not only thrive in your career but also have the support, time, and resources to lead a happy, healthy life.

• Medical, Dental, and Vision
• Insurance options for Employee Assistance Programs, Basic Life Insurance, Short/Long Term Disability and more.
• 401(k) with a company match
• Vacation, Sick Leave, and Paid Holidays
• Commuter Benefits Reimbursement
• Education Assistance