Executive Assistant (Japanese/English)
Location: Santa Cruz, CA
Job Type: Contract
Schedule: Monday through Friday, standard business hours
Work Arrangement: 100% Onsite
Company Overview
Our client is a global leader in advanced technology and innovation, committed to developing next-generation mobility solutions that improve the way people and goods move. With a strong focus on engineering excellence, collaboration, and continuous improvement, the organization is investing in emerging technologies that will help shape the future of transportation. Their teams work in a dynamic, fast-paced environment where innovation, cross-functional partnership, and operational excellence are at the core of every initiative.
Job Overview
We are seeking a highly organized, proactive, and bilingual Executive Assistant to provide executive-level administrative support within a fast-paced and collaborative business environment. This role will primarily support a senior executive while also providing shared administrative support to additional leadership team members. The ideal candidate is fluent in both English and Japanese, possesses exceptional organizational and communication skills, and is experienced in managing executive calendars, travel, meetings, and cross-cultural business interactions.
This position requires regular support across multiple office locations within the region. Candidates should reside within a reasonable commuting distance and be comfortable traveling between local offices as business needs require.
Key Responsibilities
- Provide proactive, dependable, and high-level administrative support to senior leadership.
- Serve as the primary Executive Assistant to a senior executive while supporting additional members of the leadership team.
- Manage complex calendars, coordinate meetings, and resolve scheduling conflicts across multiple stakeholders.
- Coordinate domestic travel arrangements, itineraries, accommodations, and related logistics.
- Organize meetings, conferences, and executive events, including venue coordination, communications, agendas, and presentation materials.
- Prepare and submit expense reports and maintain accurate administrative records.
- Act as a liaison between executives, internal teams, and external partners while maintaining professionalism and confidentiality.
- Support executive communications, correspondence, and day-to-day business operations.
- Navigate both Japanese and American business practices and communication styles to facilitate effective collaboration.
- Anticipate administrative needs, prioritize competing requests, and ensure leadership remains organized and informed.
Required Qualifications
- Fluency in both spoken and written English and Japanese.
- Experience as an Executive Assistant or Administrative Assistant, preferably supporting senior executives.
- Knowledge of Japanese and American business culture and professional etiquette.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, including Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Outlook, and Teams.
- Experience using collaboration and virtual meeting platforms such as Slack and Zoom.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
- Strong organizational, time management, and multitasking abilities.
- Exceptional attention to detail and ability to maintain confidentiality.
- Ability to work independently while supporting multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience supporting Japanese expatriates or internationally based executives.
- Certification as a Certified Bilingual Secretary (CBS).
- Advanced Japanese secretarial certification or equivalent credentials.
- Advanced English or Japanese language proficiency certifications.
- Experience supporting executive leadership within a multinational or global organization.
What We're Looking For
- A proactive, dependable professional who anticipates executive needs before they arise.
- Someone who excels at managing multiple priorities while maintaining exceptional accuracy and professionalism.
- Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to build relationships across diverse teams and cultures.
- A polished communicator who can confidently interact with executives, business partners, and stakeholders.
- A highly organized individual who thrives in a fast-paced environment and consistently delivers outstanding administrative support.