At a Glance
- Tasks: Assist in trade shows, market research, and communication between teams.
- Company: Join a leading Japanese food company expanding in Europe.
- Benefits: Enjoy full remote work, flexible hours, and a competitive salary.
- Why this job: Be part of global projects in a dynamic, cross-cultural environment.
- Qualifications: Fluent in English and Japanese, with 2 years in logistics or food trading.
- Other info: Freelancer agreement with potential for an employment contract.
The predicted salary is between 20400 - 40800 £ per year.
A leading Japanese company in the food industry is seeking a Japanese-speaking Research Assistant to support its growing European operations. This role is ideal for a flexible and detail-oriented individual who thrives in a cross-cultural environment and has a deep interest in logistics, supply chains, and the food industry. You will play a key role in preparing for trade shows, supporting communication between European teams and Japan headquarters, conducting market research, and coordinating international travel and meetings. If you’re proactive, culturally adaptable, and enjoy supporting global projects, we’d love to hear from you.
Employment & Conditions:
- Work Location: Remote (Europe-based), ideally UK and Poland
- Work Style: Full remote (occasional business travel required)
- Working Hours: 09:00–17:00 (flexibility available)
- Contract Type: Freelancer agreement with Japan HQ (1-year renewable); Employment contract may be possible after incorporation of European entity
- Start Date: Ideally August 2025
- Salary: £34k/year including bonuses
- Remote Work: Full remote permitted
Main Responsibilities:
- Support preparation and participation in trade shows (approx. 40 days/year in Europe, 20 days/year in Japan), including internal meetings, exhibitions, and client visits
- Conduct market research on product volume, pricing, and supplier trends based on HQ requests (e.g., seafood harvest levels, sourcing conditions)
- Prepare internal reports and presentation materials
- Coordinate and streamline communication between the European team and Japan HQ
- Collect and organize internal data for analysis and sharing with relevant teams
- Support Japan HQ staff during business trips (scheduling, logistics, interpretation if needed)
- Assist in narrowing down suppliers based on sourcing volume and local research
Ideal Candidate:
- Based anywhere in Europe, preferably Poland or UK (main sourcing location)
- Language skills: Business level in English and Japanese, Polish preferred
- At least 2 years of experience in logistics, food trading, or a related supply chain function
- Willing and able to travel frequently throughout Europe and to Japan
- Strong cultural understanding of Japanese business practices and communication styles
- Flexible, communicative, and able to work in a support-focused role
- Valid driver’s license preferred
Applicants must be authorized to work in their country of residence as a freelancer.
Please include the job reference number (Ref:IN46598) at the top of your message. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted within two business days.
We appreciate your understanding that individual feedback cannot be provided due to high application volume.
Contact Detail:
Centre People Appointments Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Japanese speaking Research Assistant (Full Remote)
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the food and seafood industry, especially in relation to European and Japanese markets. Understanding current trends, challenges, and key players will help you stand out during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Brush up on your Japanese business etiquette and communication styles. Demonstrating cultural understanding can significantly enhance your appeal as a candidate, especially when liaising between teams.
✨Tip Number 3
Network with professionals in the logistics and food trading sectors. Engaging with industry contacts can provide valuable insights and potentially lead to referrals that may boost your application.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare to discuss your experience in market research and data analysis. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've contributed to projects in these areas, as this role heavily relies on these skills.
We think you need these skills to ace Japanese speaking Research Assistant (Full Remote)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Language Skills: Make sure to emphasise your proficiency in both Japanese and English. Mention any relevant experiences where you used these languages, especially in a professional context.
Showcase Relevant Experience: Detail your experience in logistics, food trading, or supply chain functions. Use specific examples to demonstrate how your background aligns with the responsibilities of the role.
Cultural Understanding: Illustrate your understanding of Japanese business practices and communication styles. This could be through previous work experiences or personal anecdotes that showcase your adaptability in cross-cultural environments.
Include Job Reference Number: Don’t forget to include the job reference number (Ref: IN46598) at the top of your application. This helps the hiring team easily identify your application and shows attention to detail.
How to prepare for a job interview at Centre People Appointments
✨Showcase Your Language Skills
Since this role requires business-level proficiency in both English and Japanese, be prepared to demonstrate your language skills during the interview. You might be asked to conduct part of the conversation in Japanese, so practice common phrases and industry-specific vocabulary beforehand.
✨Highlight Relevant Experience
Make sure to discuss your previous experience in logistics, food trading, or supply chain functions. Provide specific examples of how you've contributed to similar projects, especially those involving cross-cultural communication or market research.
✨Demonstrate Cultural Understanding
Understanding Japanese business practices is crucial for this role. Be ready to discuss how you’ve navigated cultural differences in past roles and how you plan to adapt to the company's culture. This will show your potential employer that you can thrive in a cross-cultural environment.
✨Prepare Questions About the Role
Having insightful questions prepared shows your genuine interest in the position. Ask about the company's future plans in Europe, the specifics of trade show participation, or how they measure success in this role. This not only demonstrates your enthusiasm but also helps you gauge if the company is the right fit for you.