Operations Manager (Employee #1)
Location: Polo Alto CA
The Opportunity
We are seeking a Founding Operations Manager (Employee #1) to build and scale our U.S. operations from the ground up. This is a rare opportunity to work directly with the Global CEO and play a defining role in launching and shaping a U.S. business backed by a profitable, publicly listed parent company in Japan.
You will have true ownership—designing systems, building infrastructure, and creating operational foundations that will support long-term growth in the U.S. market.
What We’re Building
We are creating a next-generation platform at the intersection of creators, experts, and audiences—where deep, Q&A-driven conversations generate real economic value.
After achieving strong product-market fit and scale overseas, we are rebuilding the experience from the ground up to lead the U.S. creator economy.
Why This Role Matters
You’ll get the best of both worlds:
- Startup Speed: Full autonomy to build from 0→1 alongside the Global CEO
- Corporate Stability: Backed by a profitable, publicly listed parent company with a multi-year runway and no fundraising distractions
This role is ideal for someone who thrives on ownership, execution, and building durable systems from scratch.
The Role
As the Architect of Operations, you will be responsible for executing the launch and day-to-day operations of the U.S. entity.
You will independently manage core operational functions—payroll, HR, accounting, benefits, and compliance—using modern U.S. SaaS tools, while coordinating closely with external specialists such as CPAs, legal counsel, and benefits providers.
Key Responsibilities
Physical Infrastructure
- Establish and manage the Palo Alto office
- Oversee facility operations and build the IT environment
- Handle equipment procurement and vendor selection
Organizational Infrastructure
- Support local hiring and onboarding
- Manage payroll, benefits, and labor relations
- Draft and maintain internal policies and ensure regulatory compliance
Corporate & HQ Coordination
- Serve as the primary operational liaison with Japan HQ
- Provide clear, accurate, and timely visibility into U.S. operations
- Deliver structured reporting via Slack, email, and documentation
External Partner Management
- Select, onboard, and manage external vendors
- Coordinate with legal counsel, accounting firms, and other specialists
As part of a Japanese listed group, you will be expected to maintain high standards of precision, logic, and transparency. We value clear communication and proactive problem-solving—no information silos, no hidden issues.
Requirements
Hands-on Experience in Office & Entity Setup
- Proven experience building U.S. operations from scratch at an early-stage startup (Seed to Series A)
- Direct involvement in office setup, IT infrastructure, equipment procurement, and vendor selection
Language Skills
- English (Native level): Able to independently handle legal negotiations, government filings, and external business discussions
- Japanese (Business level): Comfortable conducting regular meetings and progress reporting with Japan HQ
Execution Mindset
- Pride in being a hands-on “doer” who builds systems and playbooks—not just strategy decks
- Strong attention to detail with a bias toward flawless execution
High Autonomy
- Proactively identify operational needs, propose solutions, and execute without waiting for instructions
- Capable of providing “peace of mind” to the CEO so leadership can focus on growth
Location
- Must reside in the San Francisco Bay Area
Ideal Candidate Profile
Strong Fit
- A generalist who has served as an early “everything officer” (Operations / Admin / Biz Ops) at a U.S. VC-backed startup
- Experience supporting the U.S. expansion of a Japanese company and building local operations from zero
Not a Fit
- Candidates focused primarily on high-level strategy or consulting
- Those whose experience is limited to managing within mature, highly structured corporate environments
Compensation & Equity
- Base Salary: $80,000 – $120,000 USD (depending on experience)
- Equity: Founding-level equity opportunity
- A U.S. stock option plan is currently being finalized
- As Employee #1, you will be eligible for a primary grant once established