Made in Japan General Manager - Online Retail & Wholesale
Full-Time | Permanent | Based in West Yorkshire
Location & Working Hours
Based at our warehouse / office in Batley West Yorkshire, Monday–Friday 9am–5pm
About Us
Made in Japan UK is the country’s leading importer of Japanese tableware and homeware, independent and based just outside Leeds. Over the past seven years, we have built a loyal and growing customer base through our online Shopify store and a strong network of wholesale clients including renowned restaurants, independent retailers, and hospitality venues.
As a design-led business with a commitment to quality, service and online storytelling, we are entering an exciting new phase of growth. To support this, we are seeking a capable and experienced Manager to oversee daily operations, support our team, and help us deliver continued excellence across all areas of the business. Alongside our warehouse HQ, we also run a retail store, Found at Redbrick, within Redbrick.
This role will not manage the store or team, but we value collaboration across the business and encourage shared thinking between online, wholesale and retail.
We’ve built something we are proud of, but there is much more to do. We are now looking for someone to help us strengthen our foundations and lead the next phase of growth from the inside out.
The Role
As General Manager, you will take ownership of our daily operational processes and team coordination, ensuring the smooth and efficient running of the business.
You will be responsible for leading a team of 7, across warehouse fulfilment, sales, customer service and technical support. This is a hands-on leadership role with broad responsibilities, covering day-to-day operations, sales team management, logistics and sales growth. You will be organised, driven and commercially aware, ready to take ownership of how things run and help move the business forward.
Key Responsibilities
1. Operations & Logistics
Oversee daily warehouse operations, from stock intake to order dispatch
Ensure processes are followed, efficient, and continually improved
Coordinate with couriers, suppliers, and internal teams to meet timelines
Lead wholesale sales, with support from part time sales colleague and co-founder
Identify ways to grow and streamline both online and wholesale sales
Maintain and build relationships with wholesale customers
Support the planning and execution of product launches and seasonal campaigns
3. People & Team Management
Lead and support a small team across dispatch, customer service, and admin
Responsible for managing team, new hires and day to day tasks
Maintain our positive, productive, and accountable team culture
4. Supplier & Inventory Management
Manage purchase cycles and supplier communication (mainly in Japan)
Plan stock levels and oversee goods-in process
Liaise with freight agents and manage delivery timelines
5. Systems, Admin & Coordination
Oversee Shopify, Square, and other operational tools
Support admin tasks and reporting for both day-to-day and strategic needs
Recommend and implement improvements to systems and processes
KPIs & Success Metrics
You’ll be supported with clear, practical metrics to track progress, including: Dispatch accuracy and order turnaround
Customer satisfaction and issue resolution
Sales growth across Shopify and wholesale channels
Stock accuracy and purchasing efficiency
Team engagement and performance reviews
Supplier communication and delivery timelines
Quarterly reviews will support you to reflect, plan, and keep growing in the role.
Salary & Benefits
Performance based bonus of up 10% of base salary
28 days holiday (including bank holidays)
What We’re Looking For
Commercial mindset and sales experience particularly wholesale
Experience leading operations and people in a small or growing business
Comfortable managing and developing a team
Strong organisational and problem-solving skills
Confident with software, systems, and improving processes
Self-motivated, honest, and excited to help build something long-term
Bonus: interest in Japanese design, food, or homeware (not essential)
Why Work With Us?
We’re a values-led business with a hands-on culture. We care about what we do, and we take pride in doing things properly. You won’t be a cog in a machine here—you’ll be at the centre of a growing, energetic business that values input, initiative, and people who get stuck in.
If you’re ready to take ownership, make improvements, and be part of something that’s genuinely special, we’d love to hear from you.
Please send your CV and a brief explanation of why you want to join the Made in Japan team tophilip@mij.co.uk
Please note that unfortunately we are unable to respond to unsuccessful candidates, however we would like to thank you for your interest in our company.
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