About the job [Japanese-English Bilingual ]General Manager
The Role
We are looking for the first General Manager of the U.S. company. You will lead the U.S. company as a whole: its strategy and P&L, its sales and marketing, and the operations behind them, including finance, people, compliance and logistics.
You will report to C-level leadership at headquarters in Tokyo, and lead the U.S. team, including the Sales & Marketing Manager and the HR & Accounting Coordinator.
What You'll Do
Own the business: Set the North American strategy, annual plan and budget together with headquarters, and take responsibility for the P&L.
Grow sales: Lead the development of retail, wholesale, distributor and e-commerce channels, including marketplaces such as Amazon, and manage key partner relationships.
Lead marketing in the region: Guide localized marketing, events and trade shows, and bring the voice of U.S. customers back to the product and brand teams in Tokyo.
Build and lead the team: Hire, develop and manage the U.S. team; set goals, review performance, and establish how the team works.
Run the company: Oversee finance and reporting with outside accountants, payroll and benefits with the PEO, and contracts, insurance and regulatory compliance.
Manage the supply chain: Oversee import, customs, inventory and fulfillment together with logistics partners.
Report and align: Provide regular business reporting to headquarters, and connect the U.S. market and the teams in Tokyo.
What We're Looking For
Must-haves
-10+ years of experience in consumer products, retail, e-commerce or brand businesses, including responsibility for a business unit, a P&L or a U.S. subsidiary
-3+ years of managing people, including hiring and performance management
-Hands-on knowledge of U.S. business operations (budgeting, financial reporting, contracts and compliance), working with outside advisors
-A track record of growing sales through retail, wholesale or e-commerce channels in North America
-Business-level Japanese and professional-level English
-Authorization to work in the United States (visa sponsorship is not available for this role)
Nice-to-haves
-Experience as General Manager or Country Manager at the U.S. subsidiary of a Japanese company
-Experience launching or ramping up a new U.S. entity
-Experience with Amazon (Seller or Vendor Central) or Shopify
-Experience with import, customs and third-party logistics
-Experience with lifestyle, gift or design-led consumer products
