Operations Manager

Summary

Join the Good Food Institute Japan (GFI Japan) as an Operations Manager and play a pivotal role in supporting our mission to improve the global food system. Based in Japan, you will oversee and lead the smooth functioning of internal operations, ensuring our teams achieve their goals. This newly established organization requires a proactive professional to build a strong foundation and drive growth. You will work closely with the Managing Director and the broader GFI global network, contributing to a thriving alternative protein ecosystem. This position offers flexible remote work arrangements within Japan, with occasional in-person meetings. Make a tangible impact while working in a flexible and dynamic global environment.

Requirements

• At least 7 years of experience in two or more of the following fields: operations, administration, finance, or people operations
• Strong financial and IT literacy, with excellent attention to detail and a willingness to learn new software
• Fluency in Japanese and business-level written and verbal proficiency in English
• A strong sense of ownership and responsibility to drive outcomes, with a strong work ethic and self-motivation
• A high degree of organisation and efficiency, with a passion for devising and managing effective systems, fixing problems, and ensuring accurate, high-quality administration
• Ability to work under pressure in complex, often ambiguous environments, including structuring and refining workflows from the ground up
• Strong strategic thinking and prioritisation skills to focus on the most impactful work
• Excellent people skills, including high emotional intelligence, effective communication, and teamwork
• Experience fostering team integration and professional development; overseeing and supporting team performance, ideally in a remote work environment
• Comfort working remotely and in a rapidly growing and evolving organisation
• Strong support for GFI’s philosophy and mission; demonstrated interest in plant-based & other alt proteins, public health, environmentalism, climate change, animal protection, or hunger relief
• A commitment to GFI’s values: believe change is possible, do the best we can, share knowledge freely, act on evidence, and invite everyone to the table
• Candidates must have legal authorisation to work in Japan

Responsibilities

• Effectively managing key internal systems, including Google Workspace, Freee, Asana, and Salesforce, addressing basic technical needs, and coordinating with administrative and operational vendors, as well as the GFI IT team based in the United States
• Managing the organisation’s budget under the oversight of the Managing Director, to ensure efficient allocation of resources and financial oversight
• Overseeing operational coordination between departments, routine reporting, office rental/management, event coordination, and facilitating safe, efficient travel arrangements
• Collaborating with colleagues at GFI’s global affiliates as needed
• Managing day-to-day financial operations, including close collaboration with GFI colleagues in APAC and the United States on monthly reporting, periodic audits, and financial compliance
• Ensuring compliance with Japanese financial and tax regulations in coordination with local tax advisors and legal counsel
• Managing organisational statutory filings and business registration renewals, as well as coordinating Board of Directors and General Meetings of Members, as stipulated in the General Incorporated Associations Act and the organisation’s Articles of Incorporation
• Coordinating with local legal counsel, U.S.-based legal teams, accounting firms, and tax advisors as needed; taking the lead on contracting external suppliers and managing agreements with grant recipients
• Leading on people operations processes, talent acquisition, and fostering a work environment that is respectful, supportive, fair, and welcoming to all
• Overseeing payroll (liaising with third party support as appropriate), employee records, and development of employee handbooks, internal guidelines, SOPs, and policies to support a healthy and thriving work environment
• Ensuring effective onboarding, team integration, and ongoing professional development for a fast-paced remote work environment with flexibility to support hybrid work arrangement
• Fostering cross-functional collaboration across teams to align with GFI Japan’s mission and goals
• Performing other duties as assigned to ensure the success of GFI’s people operations initiatives

Preferred Qualifications

• Proficiency in Google Workspace, Asana, Salesforce, Freee, and Slack is highly preferred
• Experience in project management, workflow optimisation, vendor management, logistics, contract administration, and/or legal compliance is strongly preferred
• Conversational English proficiency would be a huge plus

Benefits

• Includes statutory health, pension, labor, and employment insurances per Japanese regulations, as well as paid leave per GFI Japan’s policy
• Flexible hours with an occasional need to work at nights or early mornings to coordinate with GFI’s global network
• Annual Salary: Up to 9 Million Japanese yen (pre-tax)
• Flexible – we will consider applicants from anywhere in Japan. This is a remote role, and you will be able to work from home or anywhere you choose within Japan
• The whole GFI Japan team aims to get together in person approximately twice per year for around 2-3 days at a time. Travel costs will be covered by GFI Japan within our travel policy