{"id":23861,"date":"2026-01-21T18:06:06","date_gmt":"2026-01-21T18:06:06","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.pasona.com\/job\/operation-manager\/"},"modified":"2026-03-18T16:22:41","modified_gmt":"2026-03-18T16:22:41","slug":"061409","status":"publish","type":"job_listing","link":"https:\/\/www.pasona.com\/en\/job\/061409\/","title":{"rendered":"Operation Manager"},"content":{"rendered":"

Operations Manager (Employee #1)<\/h2>\n

Location: Polo Alto CA <\/strong><\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

The Opportunity<\/h3>\n

We are seeking a Founding Operations Manager (Employee #1)<\/strong> 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.<\/p>\n

You will have true ownership\u2014designing systems, building infrastructure, and creating operational foundations that will support long-term growth in the U.S. market.<\/p>\n

<\/h3>\n

What We\u2019re Building<\/h3>\n

We are creating a next-generation platform at the intersection of creators, experts, and audiences\u2014where deep, Q&A-driven conversations generate real economic value.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Why This Role Matters<\/h3>\n

You\u2019ll get the best of both worlds:<\/p>\n

    \n
  • Startup Speed:<\/strong> Full autonomy to build from 0\u21921 alongside the Global CEO<\/li>\n
  • Corporate Stability:<\/strong> Backed by a profitable, publicly listed parent company with a multi-year runway and no fundraising distractions<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

    This role is ideal for someone who thrives on ownership, execution, and building durable systems from scratch.<\/p>\n

    <\/h2>\n

    The Role<\/h2>\n

    As the Architect of Operations<\/strong>, you will be responsible for executing the launch and day-to-day operations of the U.S. entity.<\/p>\n

    You will independently manage core operational functions\u2014payroll, HR, accounting, benefits, and compliance\u2014using modern U.S. SaaS tools, while coordinating closely with external specialists such as CPAs, legal counsel, and benefits providers.<\/p>\n

    Key Responsibilities<\/h3>\n

    Physical Infrastructure<\/strong><\/p>\n

      \n
    • Establish and manage the Palo Alto office<\/li>\n
    • Oversee facility operations and build the IT environment<\/li>\n
    • Handle equipment procurement and vendor selection<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

      Organizational Infrastructure<\/strong><\/p>\n

        \n
      • Support local hiring and onboarding<\/li>\n
      • Manage payroll, benefits, and labor relations<\/li>\n
      • Draft and maintain internal policies and ensure regulatory compliance<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

        Corporate & HQ Coordination<\/strong><\/p>\n

          \n
        • Serve as the primary operational liaison with Japan HQ<\/li>\n
        • Provide clear, accurate, and timely visibility into U.S. operations<\/li>\n
        • Deliver structured reporting via Slack, email, and documentation<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

          External Partner Management<\/strong><\/p>\n

            \n
          • Select, onboard, and manage external vendors<\/li>\n
          • Coordinate with legal counsel, accounting firms, and other specialists<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

            As part of a Japanese listed group, you will be expected to maintain high standards of precision, logic, and transparency<\/strong>. We value clear communication and proactive problem-solving\u2014no information silos, no hidden issues.<\/p>\n

            <\/h2>\n

            Requirements<\/h2>\n

            Hands-on Experience in Office & Entity Setup<\/strong><\/p>\n

              \n
            • Proven experience building U.S. operations from scratch at an early-stage startup (Seed to Series A)<\/li>\n
            • Direct involvement in office setup, IT infrastructure, equipment procurement, and vendor selection<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

              Language Skills<\/strong><\/p>\n

                \n
              • English (Native level):<\/strong> Able to independently handle legal negotiations, government filings, and external business discussions<\/li>\n
              • Japanese (Business level):<\/strong> Comfortable conducting regular meetings and progress reporting with Japan HQ<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

                Execution Mindset<\/strong><\/p>\n

                  \n
                • Pride in being a hands-on \u201cdoer\u201d who builds systems and playbooks\u2014not just strategy decks<\/li>\n
                • Strong attention to detail with a bias toward flawless execution<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

                  High Autonomy<\/strong><\/p>\n

                    \n
                  • Proactively identify operational needs, propose solutions, and execute without waiting for instructions<\/li>\n
                  • Capable of providing \u201cpeace of mind\u201d to the CEO so leadership can focus on growth<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

                    Location<\/strong><\/p>\n

                      \n
                    • Must reside in the San Francisco Bay Area<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

                      Ideal Candidate Profile<\/h2>\n

                      Strong Fit<\/strong><\/p>\n

                        \n
                      • A generalist who has served as an early \u201ceverything officer\u201d (Operations \/ Admin \/ Biz Ops) at a U.S. VC-backed startup<\/li>\n
                      • Experience supporting the U.S. expansion of a Japanese company and building local operations from zero<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

                        Not a Fit<\/strong><\/p>\n

                          \n
                        • Candidates focused primarily on high-level strategy or consulting<\/li>\n
                        • Those whose experience is limited to managing within mature, highly structured corporate environments<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

                          Compensation & Equity<\/h2>\n
                            \n
                          • Base Salary:<\/strong> $80,000 \u2013 $120,000 USD (depending on experience)<\/li>\n
                          • Equity:<\/strong> Founding-level equity opportunity\n
                              \n
                            • A U.S. stock option plan is currently being finalized<\/li>\n
                            • As Employee #1, you will be eligible for a primary grant once established<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

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