About the Role
Smart Homes Japan is seeking an Operations Assistant to oversee daily workflows, optimise operational efficiency and develop systems to support the company’s next stage of growth. Reporting directly to the CEO, the successful candidate will support core business functions across administration, compliance, HR, procurement and project logistics.
Based in Kutchan/Niseko, with a presence in Sapporo and Hakuba, and with plans for nationwide expansion, this is a unique opportunity to help shape the operations of a fast-growing start-up in a booming market.
Employment Details
Type: Part-time or Full-time
Start Date: As soon as possible
Salary: Competitive, based on experience and ability
Location: Kutchan, Hokkaido
Language: Japanese (Fluent), English (Basic)
Key Responsibilities
Communication: Facilitate seamless bilingual communication between internal teams, local Japanese suppliers, contractors and international clients.
Operations and Logistics: support daily administrative operations, ensure smooth cross-departmental coordination and optimise core business workflows.
Team management: Build and maintain strong relationships with local partners, contractors, external accountants and vendors.
Record keeping and compliance: manage basic bookkeeping, track records alongside our external accounting team and prepare essential business documentation.
Research and Business development: conduct research to support new business initiatives, conduct outreach to local stakeholders and follow up on business leads.
Who you Are
Highly organised: You have an exceptional ability to prioritise, multitask and manage deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
Proactive and solution-oriented: A self-starter who anticipates team needs, takes the initiative and solves problems before they escalate.
Attention to detail: Dedicated to achieving high levels of accuracy and quality in documentation and administrative processes.
Adaptable learner: Eager to quickly learn internal tools, basic bookkeeping principles and new operational processes.
Requirements
- One to two years’ experience in business operations, office management, administration or a related role.
- You must be a native-level Japanese speaker and have business-level English proficiency (written and verbal).
- You must also have strong technical literacy with modern productivity tools (e.g. Google Workspace, project management applications and basic accounting platforms).
- Legal authorisation to work in Japan.
Preferred Qualifications
- Prior experience of working in a bilingual or multicultural environment.
- Hands-on experience with tools such as Google Workspace, Notion and Slack.
- A background or interest in smart home technology, architectural design or property development.
- Direct experience of assisting with project coordination or procurement workflows.
Perks & Benefits
- Prime Location & Work-Life Balance: Live and work in Niseko, one of the world’s premier mountain resorts, and enjoy a genuine work-life balance.
- Travel and Diversity: Opportunity to work on high-profile projects across Hokkaido and nationwide.
- Industry Insights: Represent the company at key smart home trade shows and conferences in Japan and internationally.
- Flexible Holidays: May take holiday leave after 6 consecutive months of work with prior approval.
- Commuter Allowance: Will be provided monthly and eligible for full time employees.
- Professional Development: Active support for certifications, specialised technical training, and ongoing career development.
- Performance Bonus: Annual performance-based bonuses tied to individual achievements and company growth.
Why Join Us?
- Shape a New Market: Join a fast-growing international start-up pioneering smart home automation in Japan.
- High-End Portfolio: Gain hands-on experience with cutting-edge technology on luxury residential, hotel and commercial projects.
- Impact & Culture: Enjoy the collaborative energy of a close-knit team where your ideas directly influence the company’s direction.
- Career Progression: Take on greater responsibility and leadership roles as we expand nationwide.
Explore our Website and Instagram page to explore our recent projects and get a feel for our work.
Ready to Join?
Are you passionate about smart technology and ready to build your career with us?
We’d love to hear from you! Please send your CV to [email protected].