Job Description

SmartNews is a news aggregator delivering a wide variety of content provided by partner companies in both Japan and the US. We currently offer a loyalty feature that allows users to earn points simply by using SmartNews, and we are looking for a Part-Time Operations Specialist to join this point service team.

In this role, you will work closely with both the US team and the Japan point service team to manage daily operations and drive higher user engagement.

In this role, you will provide operational support for key initiatives aimed at driving user acquisition and increasing customer satisfaction for SmartNews. To help you get up to speed smoothly, our existing team members will guide and support you through hands-on OJT (On-the-Job Training), including training on all proprietary internal tools.

• Execute content distribution operations using internal tools (including setting up Point Missions and conducting operational testing).
• Aggregate metrics and build documentation.
• Manage workflow progress with content providers and internal account managers/stakeholders.
• Escalate tool specifications and issues to the engineering team.
• Create and update standard operating manuals.
• Assist with other related operational tasks.

Conditions of employment:

Hourly Wage: 2,100 yen per hour

Hours: 8 hours/day, 5 days/week (Full-time schedule, Part-time status)

Days off: Tuesday/Wednesday OR Sunday/Wednesday (Japan Standard Time / JST)

*You can choose either Tuesday and Wednesday off, or Sunday and Wednesday off.

Standard Shift: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM (JST)

Break: 1 hour

Overtime: Potential for approximately 10 hours per month.

Flexibility: Start time is negotiable (e.g., 8:00 AM start).

• Minor adjustments may be made depending on the plan.
• Shortened work hours are not available.

Working Place: Hybrid

*At least 1 day per week in the office (Tokyo Office), with remote work available for the remaining days.

Fixed-term employment contract: A minimum of 3 months to a maximum of 4 years from the date of employment.

Although this is a part-time position, it requires working 8 hours a day, 5 days a week.

Selection Process:

1. Document Screening (Please attach your resume/CV when applying)
2. Interview (Conducted in Japanese)

Requirements

Must to have:

• 3+ years of experience in operational support (e.g., configuring and updating settings via management dashboards for social media, digital advertising, or website operations).
• Proficiency with Google Workspace or Microsoft Office, with advanced spreadsheet skills including: Data aggregation using functions such as SUM, IF, VLOOKUP, IMPORTRANGE (including leveraging generative AI tools).
• Data visualization using pivot tables.
• Hands-on experience using business communication channels (e.g., Slack, Microsoft Teams).
• Experience with configuration and settings management in enterprise software/internal systems.
• Strong communication skills to coordinate effectively with internal stakeholders.
• Experience drafting operational manuals and onboarding/training new team members.
• Business-level proficiency in both English and Japanese (e.g., ability to clearly articulate unexpected system/tool behavior and technical issues to software engineers).
• You need to have a valid VISA. The company will not sponsor visas for a part-time role.

Nice to have:

• Experience driving operational efficiency or process improvements using Generative AI tools (e.g., Claude Code, Codex), RPA tools, or Google Apps Script (GAS).
• Experience reading and writing JavaScript Object Notation (JSON)
• Basic understanding of marketing concepts and digital media.
• Experience in project management or managing workflow progress across teams.
• Meticulous attention to detail, with a track record of implementing checks to minimize errors in system configuration and data aggregation.
• Flexibility and adaptability to handle sudden changes, requirement updates, or shifting priorities seamlessly.

Ideal Personality & Mindset:

• Meticulous attention to detail: Ability to carry out high-accuracy tasks consistently with zero or minimal errors.
• High tolerance for routine tasks: Comfortable and efficient with performing repetitive operational workflows.
• Proactive & supportive attitude: Willingness to anticipate team needs and take initiative in supporting colleagues.
• Adaptability & resilience: Ability to thrive in a fast-changing environment and embrace shifting priorities easily.

Benefits

• Paid vacations
• Health insurance
• Free lunch, snacks, and drinks at the office
• PC rental