Head of Japan Operation

QuEra is seeking an experienced and driven Head of Japan Operations to support and scale our activities in Japan. You will be responsible for managing large-scale programs, including a major NEDO government grant with multiple sub-projects, as well as coordinating day-to-day operations, compliance, and cross-functional alignment with both Japan and US teams in close partnership with Japan Country Manager.

This role is ideal for a strong operator who thrives in fast-paced environments, enjoys building processes from the ground up, and can work effectively with multiple stakeholders across industry, government, and research institutions.

• Program Management – Lead execution of key initiatives, including NEDO grant projects. Track budgets, milestones, deliverables, and reporting requirements to ensure on-time and compliant delivery.
• Financial Oversight – Work closely with Finance on budget planning, usage rules, and reporting. Ensure proper fund usage in line with Japanese and US regulations.
• Operational Processes – Build and improve workflows, governance structures, and reporting systems to support team growth and efficiency. Manage headcount planning and hiring pipeline.
• Coordination & Reporting – Act as a key bridge between US headquarters and Japan-based teams. Provide regular project updates, risk assessments, and recovery plans to leadership.
• Compliance & Contracts – Support contract management and ensure compliance with export control, partner agreements (e.g., AIST), and other regulatory requirements.
• Vendor & Logistics Management – Oversee purchasing, vendor relationships, and logistics to maintain smooth operations.
• Facility Support – Work with AIST/G-QuAT to ensure effective management of QuEra’s laboratory and quantum computer operations in Tsukuba.
• Incident Readiness – Establish and support incident response procedures for emergencies such as lab accidents or natural disasters.

• 7–10+ years of experience in operations, project/program management, or related roles in technology, R&D, or innovation sectors.
• Proven ability to manage complex projects with multiple stakeholders.
• Strong skills in budget management, financial reporting, and compliance.
• Hands-on experience with operational workflows, process improvement, and vendor management.
• Knowledge of contract management and regulatory compliance (export control experience is a plus).
• Excellent organizational, communication, and stakeholder management skills.
• High adaptability in dynamic, fast-moving environments.
• Project management certification (e.g., PMP) is a plus.
• Bilingual proficiency in Japanese and English required.

• Contribute to advancing quantum computing, a technology with transformative global impact.
• Play a critical role in building and scaling QuEra’s Japan operations.
• Collaborate with leading partners across government, research, and industry.
• Join a fast-growing team where your work directly supports innovation and success.

QuEra is committed to cultivating a diverse work environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We highly value diversity in our current and future employees and do not discriminate (including in our hiring and promotion practices) based on race, religion, color, national origin, gender, gender expression, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, disability status, or any other characteristic protected by law.