Senior Executive Assistant to the CEO (Operations, Execution & Projects)
# Senior Executive Assistant to the CEO (Operations, Execution & Projects)
## Role Overview
Location: Tokyo preferred (hybrid/on-site) | Remote possible for exceptional candidates
Type: Full-time
Start Date: As soon as possible (flexible)
Important: This is not a Secretary or Office Assistant role.
HosonoDE is seeking a senior, experienced professional to operate close to leadership, drive execution, and take ownership of ongoing business initiatives. We are not looking for a classic assistant for calendar management or travel bookings; we need a strategic partner in operations and project management.
## About HosonoDE
HosonoDE is a 6-year-old e-commerce agency. The company is still in an early growth stage and is building long-term value step by step.
The agency serves the DACH market (Germany, Austria, Switzerland) and is increasingly specialized in highly technical e-commerce consulting and implementation, especially for customers using Shopware and demanding custom setups across systems, processes, and marketing strategy.
HosonoDE is not a hype-driven influencer or social media agency. The company wins through deep expertise, quality execution, and long-term customer partnerships. Many clients already have internal e-commerce or marketing managers, but still rely on HosonoDE because the agency goes deeper into the technical and operational implementation than most internal teams can.
A key strategic point: HosonoDE currently focuses on SMBs/SMEs only. This is an intentional company strategy.
Because the company is still building and scaling, compensation is competitive but not “enterprise-level yet.” The goal is to grow into significantly higher compensation levels together with the CEO and the team over the next 3–10 years, driven by measurable performance, increased profitability, and operational maturity.
## Why This Role Exists
Ryusei Hosono (CEO) focuses on company vision, long-term strategy, and high-level AI initiatives. To enable faster execution, we are hiring a Senior Executive Assistant to:
– Relieve the CEO of operational bottlenecks
– Take ownership of mid-term initiatives and “already-started” projects
– Collaborate directly with team leads to drive accountability
– Build structured reporting and analytical frameworks
– Challenge the CEO with structured thinking and execution proposals
Mission: Turn priorities into results, lead execution, create clarity through numbers, remove blockers, and help the CEO build scalable operations.
# Core Responsibilities
## 1. Drive Execution of Ongoing Projects
You will own (not just coordinate) key initiatives, including:
– AI & Automation: Implementation, quality control, and iteration
– Operations: Standardizing internal documentation and onboarding
– Sales: Improving structure, visibility, and distribution of sales activities
– Scaling: Supporting team lead structures and operational efficiency
## 2. KPI Tracking, Controlling & Reporting
You will manage business numbers with heavy usage of Google Sheets / Excel.
Responsibilities include:
– Analyzing margins, pricing logic, and client profitability
– Tracking employee performance and project ROI
– Building complex sheet-based reporting logic from scratch
## 3. CEO Briefings & Decision Preparation
– Convert “messy” topics into structured choices for the CEO
– Identify risks early and propose logical solutions
– Prepare clear status updates and decision memos to ensure fast decision-making
## 4. Stakeholder Management & Problem Solving
– Work across teams to enforce standards and ensure follow-through
– Handle client escalations by organizing fast diagnoses and building prevention mechanisms (QA / Automation)
# Your Growth Path (Performance-Based)
– Phase 1 (0–6 months): Delivery of defined projects and building KPI routines
– Phase 2 (6–12 months): Independent prioritization and ownership of project budgets
– Phase 3 (12–24+ months): Transition to a Chief-of-Staff scope with company-wide responsibility and profit participation
# Qualifications & Requirements
## Must-Have Experience
– Several years of experience as a Senior EA, Operations Manager, Project Manager, or Consultant
– Proven ability to deliver complex projects end-to-end
– Advanced Google Sheets / Excel skills (complex formulas and structured reporting)
– High reliability, discretion, and an ownership mindset
– Business English proficiency
## Nice-to-Have
– German language skills (strong plus for DACH client culture)
– Experience in the Shopware / e-commerce ecosystem
– Experience in agency environments or performance marketing
– Tokyo-based or willingness to be close to the team
# Compensation & Benefits
We believe senior responsibility should be rewarded. While we are in a growth stage and not at “enterprise-level” yet, we offer a transparent path for compensation growth over the next 3–10 years.
## Base Salary (Annual)
¥5,000,000 – ¥11,000,000 (JPY) depending on experience:
– ¥5M – ¥7M: Strong execution profile with relevant operations experience
– ¥7M – ¥9M: Senior EA / Ops Manager with a clear ownership track record
– ¥9M – ¥11M: Highly experienced manager or former Chief of Staff
## Additional Benefits
– Performance Bonus: Quarterly or annual bonuses tied to project delivery and KPI improvements
– Profit Participation: Transparent C-level track for exceptional performers who drive long-term business maturity
# Hiring Process
1. Application: CV / LinkedIn + summary of 3 delivered projects
2. Interview 1: Leadership fit and execution style
3. Practical Case: Short realistic KPI or project execution task
4. Interview 2: Deep dive with the CEO
5. Final Step: References and offer
# How to Apply
If you are ready to drive real outcomes and grow with HosonoDE, please send the following:
– Your CV or LinkedIn profile
– A short note explaining why this specific role fits your career path
– 2–3 examples of projects you delivered end-to-end (including outcomes and KPIs where possible)
Important: Please state your salary expectations in your application.
# Working Hours
Monday – Friday
– Core hours: 12:00 – 18:00 JST
– Flexible hours outside the core hours
– 40 hours per week
# Benefits
– 15 days vacation in the first year (increasing thereafter)
– Western / German-style work environment encouraging personal development
– Flat hierarchy
– Opportunity to contribute to building the company (founded in 2020)
– High career growth opportunities
– Necessary office equipment provided
– Regular bonuses
– Additional unpaid vacation days possible
– Sick days are not deducted from vacation days
