Japanese Bilingual Sales and Operations Manager (U.S. Launch) (Remote)
 Staffmark Group | |
$100,000.00-$100,000.00
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paid time off, paid holidays
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 United States, California, Gardena | |
 Jun 27, 2025 | |
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Japanese Bilingual Sales and Operations Manager (U.S. Launch)
Location: Southern California: While you'll start working remotely, you'll be expected to transition to an office location for onsite work as the team grows.
Travel: Frequent travel is required for trade shows, client meetings, and initial trips to Japan.
The Opportunity: First U.S. Hire - A Pivotal Role
Our client is a Japan-headquartered company, celebrated for its unique approach to consumer goods merchandising through licensing and exquisite glasswork crafted with intricate Japanese techniques. As this pioneering company embarks on an exciting journey to launch its business in the vibrant U.S. market, they are seeking a foundational team member who will drive their success and embody their core values.
They are looking for a highly motivated and adaptable Sales and Operations Manager to be the very first hire for their U.S. operations. This is a unique and critical position that will lay the groundwork for their entire presence in the United States, directly influencing their growth and strategic direction. This role requires an individual who is not only a self-starter but also deeply trustworthy, capable of establishing a close working relationship with the President in Japan and providing comprehensive, regular reports to ensure smooth operations and peace of mind for the leadership.
As the Sales and Operations Manager, you will be instrumental in launching and establishing the U.S. business, primarily focusing on business-to-business (B2B) sales channels. The sales duties include identifying, qualifying, and securing contracts with manufacturers and retailers for the use of licensor's intellectual property (IP) the company owns as well as glasswork craft techniques on a wide range of consumer products.
Your efforts will extend beyond sales to encompass the development of general operational procedures, guidelines, and foundational business development activities, including outreach and participation in key trade shows. While the initial focus is B2B, future expansion into e-commerce and brick-and-mortar retail, mirroring the successful Japanese business models, will also fall under your purview.
If you are a self-starter eager to make a significant impact, grow with a pioneering company, and build a new market from the ground up, this is a great opportunity for you.
What You'll Do: Key Responsibilities
* Attend a business travel to Japan for an initial training period of up to one month to deeply understand the company's culture, products, techniques, and operational methodologies.
* Lead the charge in establishing and managing B2B sales operations from the ground up, identifying key accounts and fostering strong client relationships.
* Develop, implement, and refine general U.S. operational procedures and guidelines to ensure efficiency and alignment with company standards.
* Spearhead initial business development efforts, including market research, direct outreach to potential partners, and representing the company at industry trade shows and events.
* Contribute to the strategic planning for future business model expansion, including e-commerce and brick-and-mortar retail, leveraging insights from the successful Japanese operations.
* Consistently provide clear, comprehensive, and frequent operational reports (daily, weekly, monthly) to the President in Japan, ensuring full visibility into sales performance, operational efficiency, and overall business health, fostering a relationship built on transparency and trust.
* Maintain a strong focus on cost-consciousness, actively identifying opportunities to optimize expenditures and ensure responsible financial management.
Who You Are: Qualifications
* Bilingual Japanese and English (Business Level).
* Understanding of Japanese business culture and communication nuances.
* Any of the following previous experiences is highly preferred:
* Experience in consumer goods licensing, merchandising, or related industries.
* Experience in B2B sales strategies and market entry for new products or brands.
* Experience in a start-up environment or launching a new business unit/market.
Who You Are: Competencies
Our client is building a team based on collaboration, trust, and shared values. While extensive prior business experience is not a strict requirement, they are looking for an individual who deeply resonates with their company philosophy and possesses the following qualities:
* Trustworthy & Reliable: Possess an impeccable level of trustworthiness and integrity, capable of working autonomously yet in close, transparent collaboration with overseas leadership.
* Adaptable & Responsive: You are highly flexible, able to readily accept instructions, and act upon them promptly and efficiently.
* Company Advocate: You genuinely resonate with and champion the company's philosophy and vision.
* Collaborative Team Player: As a team member, you are open-minded, cooperative, and skilled at building trusting, long-term relationships with colleagues and partners.
* Disciplined & Consistent: You are committed to consistently adhering to the company's instructions and policies.
* Detail-Oriented & Accountable: You are proactive in contributing to operational visibility through meticulous reporting and clear communication.
* Resourceful & Prudent: You are inherently cost-conscious and vigilant in avoiding unnecessary expenses, always seeking the most efficient path forward.
The base pay range above represents the low and high end of the base compensation range we reasonably expect to pay for this position. Actual base compensation will vary and may be above or below the range based on various factors including, but not limited to, geographic location, actual experience, and job performance. This job posting is not a promise of any specific pay for any specific employee. The range listed is just one component of the total compensation package for our employees. Based on the details of your position, we provide a variety of benefits to our employees, including medical, dental, and vision plans, pre-tax savings plans, pre-tax parking and commuter plans, supplemental health and welfare plans, a retirement savings plan, an employee assistance program, pet insurance, and paid holidays. Other rewards may include short-term incentives and paid time off. After you have applied, download our Staffmark Group WorkNOW App to receive real-time job offers and apply for additional opportunities. You can download it from the App Store or get it on Google Play. About Staffmark Staffmark is committed to providing equal employment opportunity for all persons regardless of race, color, religion (including religious dress and grooming practices), sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, age, marital status, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, pregnancy, medical condition, genetic information, mental and physical disability, political affiliation, union membership, status as a parent, military or veteran status or other non-merit based factors. We will provide reasonable accommodations throughout the application, interviewing and employment process. If you require a reasonable accommodation, contact your local branch. Staffmark is an E-Verify employer. This policy is applicable to all phases of the employment relationship, including hiring, transfers, promotions, training, terminations, working conditions, compensation, benefits, and other terms and conditions of employment. All employees are directed to familiarize themselves with this policy and to act in accordance with it. All decisions with respect to employment matters and other phases of employer-temporary employee relationships will be in keeping with this policy and in accordance with all applicable laws and regulations. To read our candidate privacy info statement which explains how we will use your information click here. | |