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 Niseko, with an established presence in Sapporo and Hakuba, we’re actively expanding nationwide. This is a unique opportunity to help shape the operations of a fast-growing start-up in a booming market.
Employment Details
Employment Type: Full-time (part-time may be considered, conditions to be discussed)
Contract Type: 1-year fixed term contract (Renewal is considered based on performance and business needs.)
Start Date: Immediate
Salary: ¥ 3,200,000 to 4,200,000 per year, based on skills and experience. For part-time, salary is set on an hourly basis and discussed individually.
Location: Kutchan, Hokkaido
Language: Japanese (Fluent), English (Intermediate or above preferred)
Working Hours: 40 hours/week, Monday to Friday, 8:00 to 17:00 (including a 60-minute daily break). For part-time, days and hours are discussed individually.
Probation Period: Three months, evaluating performance, communication, attendance and overall aptitude.
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 right 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.
- Valid Japanese driver’s license (or an International Driving Permit).
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.
Industry Insights & Travel: Work on high-profile projects across Hokkaido and nationwide, with opportunities to represent the company at key smart home trade shows and conferences both in Japan and internationally.
Paid Annual Leave: 10 days granted upon completing 6 months of continuous employment, in accordance with Japanese labor regulations.
Flexible Public Holidays: 16 annual public holiday days (equivalent to Japan’s statutory allowance) that can be scheduled at your discretion throughout the year, subject to prior approval.
Comprehensive Social Insurance: Full enrollment in Health Insurance, Welfare Pension, and Employment Insurance for full-time staff.
Allowances: Monthly commuter and phone allowance provided for full-time employees.
Performance Bonus: Performance-based bonuses tied to individual achievements and company targets.
Professional Development: Direct support for technical certifications, specialised training, and ongoing career development.
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].