Assistant Manager Operations

Location: Chiba Japan
Employment Type: Full-Time On-Site
Key Account: Major Global Fashion Retail Client

About the Role

Our customer is an omnichannel fulfilment arm of the worlds largest integrated container logistics company providing integrated warehousing and transport management solutions across Asia.

They operate as the logistics partner of choice for major local and multinational brands across Lifestyle FMCG Retail and Technology sectors. With the rapid growth of e-commerce and cross-border trade they manage major regional hubs and consolidation centres to optimise inventory flow and ensure responsiveness.

This role is dedicated to managing a major global fashion retail account operating within a high-volume fast-paced distribution centre environment.

Position Summary

The Assistant Manager Operations holds:

• Full responsibility for daily DC operational performance

• Cost control through demand planning and forecasting

• Leadership of supervisors and frontline operational teams

• Alignment with the DC Managers strategic direction and GMP targets

This is a high-visibility operational leadership role managing a demanding high-volume fashion retail account with significant seasonal fluctuation.

Key Responsibilities

Account Operations Leadership

• Lead operational teams including:

  • Operations Supervisors

  • System Superusers

  • Inbound and Outbound Leaders

• Ensure strict adherence to customer KPIs and service-level agreements

• Stabilise and optimise operations during seasonal peaks (volume may increase 510x)

• Maintain daily accountability and operational rhythm

• Act as the key operational interface for the customer business

Workflow & Performance Management

• Translate customer forecasts into structured daily operational plans

• Monitor productivity throughput labour utilisation and cost performance

• Maintain visibility of working hours and task-level productivity

• Ensure inventory accuracy and rapid resolution of operational issues

• Drive continuous improvement initiatives

• Collaborate closely with the DC Manager to achieve monthly GMP targets

Critical Requirements (Must-Have)

Experience

• Minimum 5 years experience in contract logistics or distribution centre operations

• Experience managing retail / fashion / FMCG warehouse accounts preferred

• Exposure to operational P&L management and commercial costing models

Operational & Commercial Capability

• Strong analytical and strategic thinking ability

• Clear P&L awareness and cost control mindset

• KPI-driven and customer-focused

• Detail-oriented and proactive

Systems & Tools

• Excel capability

As a significant proportion of the warehouse staff are Chinese nationals:

• Ideally fluent in Mandarin Chinese and business English

• Able to communicate effectively with frontline warehouse teams

• Comfortable working in a multicultural operational environment

• Willing and motivated to learn Japanese to support long-term integration

  within the Japan organisation

Japanese language fluency is advantageous; however strong Chinese and English capability combined with strong communication skills and operational leadership experience is considered more valuable for this role.