Victoria, Western Suburbs Melbourne VIC
Full time
From AUD 85,000 + Superannuation
Japanese-Born Restaurant Group – First Australian Store Opening
📍 Melbourne West, Victoria ｜ Full-time permanent ｜ Japanese language skills highly regarded
A well-established Japanese-born casual dining group is preparing to open its first restaurant in Australia, located in Melbourne. The business has a strong presence across Japan and Asia, and this Australian launch marks an important new chapter.
As their Corporate Operations Specialist / Head Office Manager, you will be one of the key people helping build the foundation of the Australian business — working across head office functions, supporting the leadership team and helping the operation run smoothly from day one.
You will also play an important role in bringing structure, calm and practical coordination to a fast-moving launch environment — helping the team stay organised, aligned and focused as the business grows.
This is a broad, hands-on role. You will be wearing multiple hats, working across different areas of the business and contributing wherever it matters most at any given time.
Your responsibilities will span a range of head office and operational support functions, including:
• General office administration, document management and internal communications
• Supplier and vendor coordination, including purchase orders and delivery tracking
• Logistics and inventory support — coordinating stock movement and store supply needs
• Sales data collection, reporting and basic financial administration
• Support for HR administration, onboarding and staff record management
• Coordination of store development activities, fit-out logistics and contractor liaison
• Marketing and social media support, including content coordination and scheduling
• Translation and interpretation support between Japanese and English where needed
• Supporting senior leadership with scheduling, correspondence and project coordination
• Helping establish systems, processes and documentation as the business grows
This list will evolve. As a founding head office team member, you will have the opportunity — and the expectation — to contribute across areas as priorities shift.
We are looking for someone who is organised, adaptable and genuinely motivated to be part of a growing business — not someone looking for a narrowly defined role.
You will likely bring experience in administration, operations, office coordination, logistics, procurement, sales support or a similar business support function. Just as importantly, you will bring a calm, practical and balanced approach.
This role will suit someone who can support busy, energetic business leaders while also helping keep priorities clear, information organised and processes on track. You should be approachable, easy to communicate with and confident enough to ask the right questions when something needs to be clarified.
Beyond that, what matters most is your approach: practical, flexible, detail-oriented and comfortable working across different areas rather than staying within a narrow lane.
Strong communication skills, proficiency in Microsoft Office — particularly Excel and Word — and a genuine interest in food, hospitality or consumer business will all stand you in good stead.
Particularly valued:
• Experience in restaurant, hospitality, food, retail, FMCG or logistics industries
• Background in finance administration, procurement or supplier management
• Exposure to marketing, social media or store development coordination
• Experience supporting senior managers, founders, executives or fast-moving project teams
• Ability to bring structure, clarity and follow-through to a busy, evolving work environment
• Japanese language skills or experience in a Japanese or multicultural business environment
Japanese language is not a requirement — but if you have it, it will be a genuine asset in this role and team.
Melbourne West (head office) with occasional travel to the restaurant site as required.
Please note: The head office has limited access by public transport. A valid driver’s licence and own vehicle are strongly recommended.
Standard business hours, Monday to Friday, with flexibility as operational needs require.
From AUD 85,000 + Superannuation.
The final package will be negotiated based on your skills, experience and overall fit for the role.
Full On-site.
Early August 2026
Sunday, 19th July 2026
• A founding head office role in the Australian launch of a recognised Japanese dining brand
• A chance to play a steady, trusted coordination role behind a fast-growing Australian launch
• Broad exposure across head office functions — this is not a siloed role
• An environment where calm judgement and practical follow-through are genuinely valued
• Direct involvement in building systems, processes and the operational foundation of a new market
• Close working relationship with the leadership team from day one
• Genuine long-term career development potential as the business expands
This search is managed exclusively by Career Meister on behalf of our client.
Applications are managed confidentially. The client’s name will be shared with shortlisted candidates only.
All shortlisted candidates will be required to attend an initial face-to-face interview with Career Meister as part of the recruitment process.
Only candidates with unrestricted, long-term working rights in Australia will be considered.
Further details about the company will be shared with shortlisted candidates.
If you are ready to be part of something being built — not just maintained — we would love to hear from you.
Please submit your resume and a brief cover letter outlining your experience and what draws you to this opportunity.