Japanese Bilingual Store Manager

Job Summary

The Store Manager will play a critical leadership role in launching and operating a Japanese company's first U.S. resale retail store specializing in secondhand merchandise. This position holds high decision-making authority and is responsible for overseeing all aspects of store operations, including merchandising, inventory control, staff management, financial performance, and customer experience, and overall store safety compliance. As a hands-on leader, the Store Manager will be accountable for building daily operational excellence while also managing non-routine situations such as hiring, training, issue resolution, and process improvement.

This role is ideal for a manager who thrives in a startup retail environment and is motivated to build a store operation from the ground up.

• Merchandising & Inventory Management
• Oversee all merchandise acquisition activities, including purchasing and appraisal decisions
• Manage inventory levels, stock rotation, and physical inventory counts
• Determine product pricing, sales floor layout, and merchandise presentation
• Conduct competitive research and market analysis to optimize assortment and pricing

• Create and manage staff schedules and shift assignments
• Perform store opening and closing activities, which may include locking/unlocking doors, setting alarms, and conducting facility walkthroughs
• Ensure efficient and consistent execution of operational standards

• Manage sales, gross margin, inventory turnover, and other key performance indicators (KPIs)
• Set operational targets and implement improvement initiatives based on performance data

• Recruit, hire, train, evaluate, and develop store staff
• Build a collaborative, motivated, and high-performing team
• Manage staff performance, attendance, and workplace conduct

• Handle customer complaints, returns, and escalations with appropriate judgment
• Make initial decisions regarding in-store incidents and elevate when necessary

• Implement theft prevention measures and ensure compliance with company policies
• Maintain cash handling, register controls, and internal rules
• Maintain a safe work environment through consistent enforcement of safety rules, hazard prevention, and employee safety training.

• Perform additional responsibilities as assigned based on business needs

• Associate degree preferred, or equivalent combination of education and work experience
• 3–5 years of experience in retail store operations, including leadership or supervisory responsibilities
• Strong communication and leadership skills, with the ability to instruct, develop, and motivate staff
• Solid understanding of retail store operations, including sales floor management, inventory control, scheduling, and POS systems
• Basic financial and KPI management skills (sales, gross profit, inventory turnover, etc.)
• Basic computer proficiency, including Microsoft Office and retail management or inventory systems

• Experience as a Store Manager or Assistant Store Manager in retail (reuse, apparel, thrift, or similar)
• Experience in team recruitment, training, and performance evaluation
• Experience opening new stores or working in startup / growth-phase environments
• Interest in fashion, clothing, brands, and trends
• Japanese language ability preferred but not required
• Approachable, communicative, and positive attitude
• Service-oriented mindset with strong sense of ownership and reliability
• Flexible and adaptable to changing priorities in a fast-paced environment

• Work is performed in a retail store environment, including the sales floor, backroom, stockroom, and receiving areas
• Work schedule may include early mornings, evenings, weekends, and holidays based on business needs
• Must be able to respond promptly to operational issues, customer incidents, or safety concerns as they arise in the store environment

• Legally authorized to work in the United States (NO VISA SUPPORT)

• Stand and walk for extended periods (typically 6–8 hours per shift)
• Lift, carry, push, and pull merchandise or equipment weighing up to 30–45 lbs regularly, and up to 50 lbs with assistance
• Bend, kneel, reach, squat, and climb step stools or ladders as needed for merchandising and store operations
• Perform repetitive tasks such as pricing, folding, tagging, and handling merchandise
• Safely use standard retail tools and equipment, including box cutters and tagging devices
• Respond promptly to operational, customer, or safety-related incidents
• Move and adjust retail fixtures such as racks or shelving when necessary
• Work in a retail resale environment that may involve exposure to dust, cleaning products, or allergens associated with previously owned merchandise