At a Glance
- Tasks: Drive advertising revenue growth and build high-value partnerships across various platforms.
- Company: Join Rakuten TV, a leading streaming platform in 42 European countries.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, diverse work culture, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Embrace a dynamic environment that values diversity and innovation.
- Why this job: Be a strategic consultant and make a real impact in the evolving advertising landscape.
- Qualifications: 5+ years in digital advertising sales with a strong network and programmatic expertise.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 € per year.
About Rakuten TV
Rakuten TV is a leading streaming platform available in 42 European countries. We offer a premium viewing experience, combining Hollywood blockbusters and local content with diverse access models: Transactional Video-on-Demand (TVOD), AVOD, and FAST (linear free TV channels). As part of the global Rakuten Group, we are driven by a mission to contribute to society by creating value through innovation, helping our users and partners grow and thrive.
The Role
As a Senior Sales Manager, you will be the driving force behind our advertising revenue growth. You will lead the acquisition and expansion of high-value partnerships across CTV, OTT, Display, Sponsorship and cross-device environments. You aren't just selling ad space; you are acting as a strategic consultant to brands, media agencies, and adtech partners, helping them navigate the evolving programmatic landscape in CTV.
What You’ll Do
- Drive Revenue: Take full ownership of an annual sales target by identifying, pitching, and closing deals with top-tier agencies, brands, and adtech partners from a designated patch.
- Strategic Prospecting: Build and maintain a robust pipeline using a mix of modern outreach (LinkedIn, networking, industry events) and data-driven research.
- Consultative Selling: Develop deep relationships with key decision-makers, translating client business objectives into proactive, high-impact media proposals.
- Programmatic Expertise: Serve as an internal and external expert on programmatic buying, supporting the integration of our inventory into major SSPs, DSPs and Agency Marketplaces.
- Collaborate & Improve: Work closely with the Senior Director to refine our media offering, identify process bottlenecks, and contribute to the overall growth strategy of the team.
What You Bring
- Experience: 5+ years of success in leading and closing AV, VOD, or digital advertising sales with agencies, advertisers, or trading desks.
- Network: An established and active network of contacts within key programmatic and AV planning/buying roles.
- Technical Fluency: Deep understanding of the OTT/CTV and programmatic landscape, including current buying formats and trading desk integrations.
- Sales Acumen: A proven track record of managing a full sales cycle, from cold outreach to complex contract negotiation and account growth.
- Soft Skills:
- Problem-Solving: Ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment and turn complex challenges into clear solutions.
- Communication: Exceptional presentation and negotiation skills; comfortable speaking at industry events or leading high-stakes meetings.
- Entrepreneurial Mindset: A proactive, "winning" mentality with the ability to work both independently and collaboratively within a team.
Rakuten Shugi Principles
Rakuten Group has an unswerving commitment to building an egalitarian society by empowering individuals and companies to be successful in business and in life. We expect “Rakutenians” to model these 5 “Shugi” Principles of Success:
- Always improve, always advance. With enough determination and effort, you can achieve anything.
- Be passionately professional. Be determined to be the best.
- Hypothesize - Practice - Validate - Shikumika. Success in business depends on making and executing concrete specific action plans.
- Maximize Customer Satisfaction. The greatest satisfaction in a service industry is to see our customers smile.
- Speed!! Speed!! Speed!! Always be conscious of time. Take charge, set clear goals, and engage yourself and your team.
Our D&I Mission
Rakuten’s corporate mission is to “contribute to society by creating value through innovation and entrepreneurship.” We foster a culture that provides equal opportunities to those who share this founding philosophy and take on the challenge to transform society, regardless of gender, age, sexual orientation, race, religion, culture, nationality, disability, or any other status. Diversity is one of Rakuten's core strategies and a driving force for innovation. To continue to provide innovative services, we strive to respect the uniqueness and values of every one of our Rakutenians, located all around the world, and to create environments where they are able to demonstrate their full potential.
When a candidate applies for a position in a Rakuten Group Company, candidates consent to the use and sharing of their information in accordance with the terms of the Rakuten Recruiting Privacy Policy. Please read the privacy policy carefully before submitting your application.
Beware of fraudulent job offers claiming to be from Rakuten. Rakuten does not send unsolicited job offers or request money during the recruitment process.
Senior Sales Manager employer: Rakuten Kobo Inc.
Rakuten TV is an exceptional employer that champions innovation and diversity, providing a dynamic work environment where employees can thrive. As a Senior Sales Manager, you will benefit from a culture that values professional growth, collaboration, and the pursuit of excellence, all while contributing to a leading streaming platform that reaches millions across Europe. With a commitment to empowering individuals and fostering a supportive atmosphere, Rakuten TV offers unique opportunities for career advancement and personal development in the fast-paced world of digital advertising.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Sales Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Attend industry events and connect with key players in the CTV and OTT space. Don’t just collect business cards; follow up and build genuine relationships that could lead to future partnerships.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your consultative selling skills! When you’re chatting with potential clients, focus on understanding their needs and challenges. Tailor your pitch to demonstrate how you can help them achieve their goals, not just sell them ad space.
✨Tip Number 3
Leverage LinkedIn to its fullest! Use it for strategic prospecting by sharing insightful content and engaging with your network. This will position you as a thought leader and keep you top of mind when opportunities arise.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Sales Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Senior Sales Manager role. Highlight your experience in AV, VOD, or digital advertising sales and showcase your network within key programmatic roles. We want to see how you can drive revenue and build partnerships!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about the role and how your skills align with our mission at Rakuten TV. Don’t forget to mention your consultative selling approach and any relevant successes you've had.
Showcase Your Programmatic Expertise:Since this role requires a deep understanding of the OTT/CTV landscape, make sure to highlight your technical fluency in programmatic buying. Share examples of how you've successfully integrated inventory into major SSPs or DSPs in the past.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows you’re proactive and ready to take charge!
How to prepare for a job interview at Rakuten Kobo Inc.
✨Know Your Stuff
Before the interview, make sure you’re well-versed in Rakuten TV’s offerings and the programmatic landscape. Brush up on the latest trends in CTV and OTT advertising, as well as the specific challenges brands face. This will help you speak confidently about how you can drive revenue and build partnerships.
✨Showcase Your Network
Since having an established network is crucial for this role, be prepared to discuss your connections within the industry. Bring examples of how you've leveraged these relationships to close deals or create successful campaigns. This will demonstrate your ability to hit the ground running.
✨Consultative Selling Approach
Emphasise your consultative selling skills during the interview. Share specific examples of how you’ve developed deep relationships with clients and translated their business objectives into successful media proposals. This will highlight your strategic mindset and ability to act as a trusted advisor.
✨Be Ready to Problem-Solve
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving abilities. Prepare scenarios where you turned complex challenges into clear solutions, especially in fast-paced environments. This will show that you embody the entrepreneurial mindset Rakuten values and can thrive under pressure.
