Chief of Staff (Retail & Operations Lead)

Ref: YC47215

A Japanese brand is currently recruiting a Chief of Staff (Retail & Operations Lead) to join its London office as part of its European expansion.

This role combines strategic execution as a key partner to the CEO with hands-on retail leadership, ensuring both operational excellence and premium brand experience in-store.

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Eligible applicants:

- (O) Eligible visa: Permanent residence, Spouse, Partner

- (X) NOT eligible: YMS, Graduate visa, Student visa, Requiring visa sponsorship

Work type: Hybrid working available

Visa support: No

Benefits: Staff discount, Pension scheme

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TYPE: Permanent, full-time

WORKING HOURS: 9:00-17:00 from Monday to Friday

SALARY: £45-50K depending on experience

START: ASAP

LOCATION: Central London

Chief of Staff (Retail & Operations Lead) Main Responsibilities:

• Translate CEO strategy into operational execution across retail, projects, and workflows

• Design and optimise operational processes, manuals, and project management frameworks

• Manage ordering, inventory, logistics, and import processes in coordination with HQ in Japan

• Support business expansion, including new store launches and operational improvements

• Drive efficiency through data analysis (spreadsheets) and digital/AI tools

• Deliver premium in-store customer experience and represent the brand on the shop floor

• Communicate the value and story of Japanese traditional products to customers

• Train, mentor, and manage store staff

• Build and standardise store operations

• Support new store openings and retail expansion initiatives

Chief of Staff (Retail & Operations Lead) Ideal Candidate:

• 3+ years’ team management experience in retail, hospitality, or a startup environment

• Hands-on mindset with willingness to engage in customer-facing retail operations

• Strong data analysis skills and proficiency in digital tools

• Business-level Japanese and English

• Experience in airlines, luxury hotels, or premium hospitality

• Startup or tech company experience

• Experience working closely with senior leadership (e.g. CEO support)

• Proven track record in driving sales performance or improving customer satisfaction

** All applicants for the (Chief of Staff (Retail & Operations Lead)) must have the right to work in the country without any restrictions as the Company is not able to offer visa support.

1 **We regret that we cannot accept applications from Working holiday, Graduate or Student visa holders.

*When contacting us, please include the job reference number (Ref: YC47215) at the top of your message.

If your application is successful, you will be contacted within two business days.

We regret that due to the high volume of applications we receive we cannot provide feedback on individual CVs.