Job Description

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


2. Sales Growth (Retail & Wholesale)


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

38,000 - 42,000


Performance based bonus of up 10% of base salary


28 days holiday (including bank holidays)


Pension scheme


Generous staff discount

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 to philip@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.