General Manager Online Retail

Redbrick Mill Ltd; Batley; On-site; GBP 35,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

A dynamic company specializing in Japanese tableware and homeware is seeking a General Manager to oversee operations and team coordination. You will be responsible for ensuring smooth business function, driving sales growth, and managing a dedicated team. This role offers ownership of processes and collaboration across all business areas, with a commitment to quality and excellence.

Benefits

Performance-based bonus

28 days holiday

Qualifications

• Experience leading operations and people in a small or growing business.
• Comfortable managing and developing a team.
• Self-motivated and honest.

Responsibilities

• Oversee daily warehouse operations and logistics.
• Lead and support a team across dispatch, customer service, and admin.
• Manage purchase cycles and supplier communication.

Skills

Commercial mindset

Sales experience

Organisational skills

Problem-solving skills

Job description

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 [e-mail]

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.