Product Line Manager, Network Slicing

Why should you choose us?

Rakuten Symphony is reimagining telecom, changing supply chain norms and disrupting outmoded thinking that threatens the industry’s pursuit of rapid innovation and growth. Based on proven modern infrastructure practices, its open interface platforms make it possible to launch and operate advanced mobile services in a fraction of the time and cost of conventional approaches, with no compromise to network quality or security. Rakuten Symphony has operations in Japan, the United States, Singapore, India, South Korea, Europe, and the Middle East Africa region. For more information, visit: https://symphony.rakuten.com

Building on the technology Rakuten used to launch Japan’s newest mobile network, we are taking our mobile offering global.

To support our ambitions to provide an innovative cloud-native telco platform for our customers, Rakuten Symphony is looking to recruit and develop top talent from around the globe. We are looking for individuals to join our team across all functional areas of our business – from sales to engineering, support functions to product development.

Let’s build the future of mobile telecommunications together!

About Rakuten Group, Inc. (TSE: 4755) is a global leader in internet services that empower individuals, communities, businesses and society. Founded in Tokyo in 1997 as an online marketplace, Rakuten has expanded to offer services in e-commerce, fintech, digital content and communications to 2 billion members around the world. The Rakuten Group has over 30,000 employees, and operations in 30 countries and regions. For more information visit https://global.rakuten.com/corp/.

The Opportunity:

We are seeking a highly experienced and visionary Product Line Manager to lead the strategic direction and lifecycle management of our groundbreaking Network Slicing solution portfolio. This critical role demands a deep technical understanding of 5G network architectures, particularly across RAN, Core, and Transport domains, coupled with extensive expertise in O-RAN compliant products and Service Management & Orchestration (SMO) integration.

You will be instrumental in defining the product strategy, roadmap, and go-to-market execution for our Network Slicing offerings, ensuring they meet the evolving demands of mobile network operators and enterprise customers. If you possess a unique blend of technical acumen, strategic thinking, and a proven ability to drive complex product initiatives from concept to commercial success in the telecom space, we invite you to be a part of our journey.

Key Responsibilities:

Network Slicing Vision & Strategy:

• Define and champion the long-term product vision, strategy, and roadmap for our Network Slicing solutions, aligning with overall company objectives and market trends in 5G.

• Conduct in-depth market research, competitive analysis, and customer engagement to identify unmet needs, emerging use cases, and strategic opportunities within the Network Slicing domain across various industries (e.g., IoT, automotive, industrial automation).
• Translate complex technical requirements and industry standards (3GPP, O-RAN) into clear, actionable product definitions and specifications.
• Prioritize features and initiatives based on business impact, technical feasibility, and strategic alignment.

Product Lifecycle Management:

• Manage the entire product lifecycle for Network Slicing, encompassing conceptualization, definition, development, testing, launch, and post-launch optimization.
• Deeply understand and guide product development across all critical network segments relevant to slicing:

RAN (Radio Access Network):

• Ensure our slicing solutions support dynamic resource allocation, isolation, and QoS differentiation within O-RAN compliant RAN components (RU, DU, CU).

• Core Network:

  Drive features related to network slice instance management, session management, and traffic steering within the 5G Core.

• Transport Network:

  Define requirements for transport network slicing capabilities, including segment routing, MPLS, and optical network integration for end-to-end slice connectivity.

O-RAN Compliance & SMO Integration:

• Drive the integration of our Network Slicing solution with O-RAN compliant products and interfaces.
• Specifically lead the definition and execution of Service Management & Orchestration (SMO) integration strategies as per O-RAN standards, ensuring seamless end-to-end slice lifecycle management, including slice creation, modification, monitoring, and termination.
• Collaborate with engineering to ensure product adherence to O-RAN specifications (e.g., O1, O2 interfaces) for effective slice management and control, ensure timely and high-quality product delivery, acting as the voice of the customer throughout the development process. Oversee Product Planning, Product backlogs and release management
• Collaborate with Sales/Presales team on RFx responses and customer engagements.

Go-to-Market Strategy & Execution:

• Develop and execute comprehensive GTM strategies for new Network Slicing products and features, including pricing models, packaging, and commercialization plans tailored for mobile network operators and enterprise customers.
• Collaborate with marketing to create compelling messaging, sales enablement materials, and thought leadership content that articulate the value proposition of our Network Slicing solutions.
• Partner with sales and business development teams to identify key accounts, develop sales strategies, and provide expert product support during customer engagements.
• Monitor market performance, gather feedback, and iterate on go-to-market plans to optimize product adoption and revenue.

Cross-Functional Collaboration & Leadership:

• Act as the primary interface between customers, engineering, sales, marketing, and executive leadership for Network Slicing.
• Lead and influence cross-functional teams to ensure alignment on product goals, delivery timelines, and market success.
• Represent the company at industry events, conferences, and standards bodies related to 5G, Network Slicing, and O-RAN.

Qualifications:

1. Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Electronics and Telecom Engineering, or a related field.
2. 12-20 years of progressive experience in product management, with a strong focus on Telco software and SaaS solutions.
3. Demonstrated experience in developing and executing successful go-to-market strategies for complex technical products.
4. Mandatory deep technical understanding and proven product management experience with 5G network architectures, specifically understanding of RAN, Core, and Transport domains.
5. Demonstrated expertise in Network Slicing concepts, use cases, and 3GPP standards (Rel-15, 16, 17).
6. Hands-on experience or significant product leadership with O-RAN compliant products and interfaces is essential.
7. Proven track record of defining and driving Service Management & Orchestration (SMO) integration strategies, ideally within an O-RAN context.
8. Familiarity with cloud computing platforms (AWS, Azure, GCP).
9. Familiarity with AI/ML applications in network optimization and management.
10. Published articles, whitepapers, or presentations on 5G, Network Slicing, or O-RAN.
11. Previous experience working with global mobile network operators.
12. Proven ability to translate complex technical concepts into clear, concise, and compelling product requirements and value propositions.
13. Strong analytical skills with the ability to define metrics, analyze data, and make data-driven decisions.
14. Excellent communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to influence and collaborate effectively with diverse teams. Experience working with global teams.
15. Demonstrated ability to thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic, and evolving environment.

RAKUTEN SHUGI PRINCIPLES:

Our worldwide practices describe specific behaviours that make Rakuten unique and united across the world. We expect Rakuten employees to model these 5 Shugi Principles of Success.

• Always improve, always advance.

  Only be satisfied with complete success - Kaizen.

• Be passionately professional.

  Take an uncompromising approach to your work and be determined to be the best.

• Hypothesize - Practice - Validate - Shikumika.

  Use the Rakuten Cycle to success in unknown territory.

• Maximize Customer Satisfaction.

  The greatest satisfaction for workers in a service industry is to see their customers smile.

• Speed!! Speed!! Speed!!

  Always be conscious of time. Take charge, set clear goals, and engage your team.