Japanese Speaker

The Japanese Speaker – Deputy Manager will support the management team in overseeing daily business operations, coordinating with Japanese clients, partners, and/or management, and ensuring effective communication between Japanese and Indonesian stakeholders.

The role requires a strong combination of Japanese language proficiency, people management, operational coordination, problem-solving, and business communication skills. The successful candidate will act as a key liaison between the Japanese-speaking stakeholders and the local Indonesian team while supporting the Deputy Manager/Manager in achieving operational and business objectives.

The ideal candidate is a mature, hands-on professional who is comfortable working in a multicultural environment and can communicate effectively in both Japanese and Indonesian/English.

Main Responsibilities

A. Management & Operations

• Assist the Manager in overseeing daily operations and ensuring smooth business activities.

• Support the implementation of company policies, procedures, and operational standards.

• Monitor operational performance and identify areas for improvement.

• Coordinate with various departments to ensure timely completion of tasks and business objectives.

• Assist in resolving operational issues, customer concerns, and internal challenges.

• Prepare operational reports, management updates, and business-related documentation.

B. Japanese Client & Stakeholder Management

• Act as the primary communication bridge between Japanese-speaking stakeholders and the local Indonesian team.

• Maintain professional relationships with Japanese clients, business partners, vendors, and other stakeholders.

• Attend meetings and discussions with Japanese stakeholders and provide interpretation when required.

• Understand Japanese business culture, etiquette, communication styles, and expectations.

• Follow up on requests, instructions, and action items from Japanese management or clients.

• Ensure that Japanese stakeholders receive accurate and timely information.

C. Team Leadership

• Support the Manager in supervising, coaching, and developing local employees.

• Coordinate team activities and ensure employees understand their responsibilities and targets.

• Monitor team performance and provide constructive feedback.

• Promote effective communication and collaboration within a multicultural working environment.

• Assist in managing employee issues, discipline, attendance, and performance when required.

D. Communication & Interpretation

• Provide Japanese–Indonesian interpretation during meetings, business discussions, operational activities, and site visits.

• Translate business documents, reports, emails, SOPs, and other materials when required.

• Ensure accurate communication of business requirements between Japanese and Indonesian stakeholders.

• Communicate complex operational or business matters clearly and professionally.

E. Business & Process Improvement

• Identify opportunities to improve operational efficiency, service quality, and customer satisfaction.

• Support management in developing and implementing improvement initiatives.

• Analyze operational data and provide recommendations to management.

• Assist with new projects, business initiatives, and other assignments as directed by management.

F. Reporting & Administration

• Prepare regular reports and presentations for management.

• Maintain proper records of meetings, action items, and operational activities.

• Coordinate schedules, meetings, and business activities involving Japanese stakeholders.

• Perform other duties and special projects assigned by management.

Requirements

Education

• Bachelor's degree in business administration, Management, Japanese Studies, Hospitality, Engineering, or a related field.

• Relevant professional experience may be considered in lieu of a directly related degree.

Professional Experience

• Minimum 5–8 years of professional experience, preferably with experience in a supervisory, coordinator, assistant manager, or management position.

• Experience working with Japanese companies, Japanese expatriates, Japanese clients, or Japanese business partners is highly preferred.

• Experience in operations, administration, customer service, hospitality, manufacturing, trading, property, or other service-oriented industries would be advantageous.

• Demonstrated experience managing or coordinating a team is preferred.

Language Skills

• Japanese: JLPT N1 or N2 – mandatory.

• Strong spoken and written Japanese communication skills.

• Good command of English and/or Indonesian.

• Able to conduct business discussions and communicate professionally in Japanese.

Technical Skills

• Good proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).

• Strong reporting and documentation skills.

• Comfortable using digital communication and collaboration tools.

• Good analytical and problem-solving capabilities.

Key Competencies

• Strong leadership and people-management skills

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills

• Strong Japanese–Indonesian cross-cultural communication

• Business-oriented mindset

• Problem-solving and decision-making ability

• High level of professionalism and integrity

• Strong organizational and time-management skills

• Attention to detail

• Proactive and hands-on approach

• Ability to work independently and as part of a multicultural team

• Adaptable to a dynamic and fast-paced environment

• Strong customer and stakeholder orientation

Preferred Candidate Profile

The ideal candidate would be:

“A Japanese-speaking professional who can bridge Japanese management and the local Indonesian team, while also taking ownership of day-to-day operations and people management.”

Candidates with the following backgrounds would be particularly attractive:

• Japanese-speaking Assistant Manager / Supervisor

• Japanese Interpreter with strong operational or management experience

• Japanese-speaking Operations Manager / Coordinator

• Japanese-speaking Hospitality or Service Manager

• Japanese-speaking Business Development / Account Management professional

• Indonesian professional with extensive experience working directly with Japanese management

Key Success Measures

Success in this position will be measured by:

• Smooth communication between Japanese and Indonesian stakeholders

• Effective day-to-day operational coordination

• Achievement of team and operational targets

• Quality and responsiveness of Japanese client/stakeholder management

• Successful resolution of operational issues

• Employee engagement and team performance

• Improved operational efficiency and service quality