Description

SONNENGLAS® is a startup based in Japan, Germany, and South Africa which creates innovative consumer products and experiences that are in harmony with nature. Our mission is to create everyday consumer products that are beautifully designed, useful and run 100% on solar energy, while contributing solutions to social and environmental problems. Proudly made in South Africa our products have been sold over 3 million times worldwide in 11 countries. 

SONNENGLAS® team is looking for a FULL-TIME PROJECT MANAGER in Japan who is excited to join a small team to solve problems bigger than ourselves. Our product is manufactured according to FAIR TRADE standards in Johannesburg employing over 70 workers from the townships of Soweto and Alexandra. 

While at least half of your role will be related to activities in Japan, you will work closely with our marketing and product design team spread across the globe. Your main responsibility includes but is not limited to: business strategy, international logistics, marketing, content development for our website and social media, sales activities inside Japan and overseas markets, and e-commerce site management.  This position will play a major role in various aspects of our company.  We are looking for a person who empathizes with our mission and is passionate about making a positive impact towards sustainable society through business.  Once the current COVID-19 situation settles down, you will be expected to travel internationally and be responsible for running events and trade fairs in Japan that would require you to be on site for several days.

You will be responsible for: 

Project management, business strategy, international logistics, marketing, content development for our website and social media, sales activities inside Japan and overseas markets, e-commerce site management, etc.  

Taking a leading role in organizing events and trade fairs in the Tokyo area, which will require you to be on site for at least 4 days for two or three times a year.

Various international projects that require daily communication with our global team. Once the current COVID-19 crisis settles down, you will travel to Africa, Asia, EU and potentially other regions for over 2 weeks to expand our market and develop world-class products and customer experiences made in South Africa. You must be willing to travel.   

Syncing with Sonnenglas global team on a daily basis to generate solutions to complex problems.   
 

Mindset
- Start-up mindset. We are looking for an individual who enjoys an ambiguous situation in a fast-paced entrepreneurial environment with a small team.
- Understands from the past experience that creating something new requires continuous hard work, commitment, and a positive attitude towards the future.
- Has an ever-growing mindset.  Enjoys always working towards perfection and understands that there is always some room for improvement.
- Goal-oriented.  While your immediate main responsibility will be as listed above, you are expected to be the local resource for our ambitious effort to produce world-class products and experience in South Africa.   You will be excited that your role is not limited to what is listed above.
- A deep passion to solve social and environmental problems.

Skills
- Outstanding communication skills in both English and Japanese.  Must be at least business level. Ability to communicate concisely and persuasively in multiple formats, including email, written documents, digital presentations, and verbal conversations.  
- Proficient with digital tools.  We use Google Apps, Trello, Slack, Chatwork, etc. for internal communication.  Experience in managing social media such as Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, etc. would be a plus. 
- Project management skills.  Capable of leading projects, setting priorities, managing deadlines, and most importantly, asking for help from others.
- Multitasking. As you can see from this job description, this position will lead many projects at the same time.
- Excellent team skills.
- Strong problem-solving and analytical skills.

Where you work:

When you are not traveling, you will work from home.  

Working hours:

Flextime, 8 hours/day.  Core working hours: 10:00-12:00, 13:00-15:00

Salary and benefits:

Salary is competitive for the region.

You will work from home office at least once a week.

Your teammates across 6 countries have an exceptional balance of excellence, dedication and personality.

How to apply:

Submit your application from this link: https://bit.ly/2A6d2I1

We value the mindset and enthusiasm over the skills or work experience. On the application, please explain why you are the best candidate for this position by providing examples from your past experience.

We will get in touch if it seems like a good match!

Please understand that due to the high volume of applications we receive, we will not be able to individually respond to your application.

Application deadline: 

9:00AM JST, June 8th (Mon), 2020.