IT Support Specialist

Reporting to the Vice President of IT, the IT Support Specialist is a hands-on IT professional responsible for end-user support, Microsoft 365 administration, IT operations, and global IT coordination.

Approximately 70% of the role focuses on IT support and day-to-day IT operations, while approximately 30% focuses on global IT coordination and professional communication with corporate headquarters in Japan and other international affiliates.

This position requires strong hands-on IT support experience combined with native-level Japanese and professional Japanese business communication skills. The successful candidate will support U.S. employees while also assisting the VP of IT with communication, coordination, and negotiation with Japanese headquarters.

This position is well suited for an IT support professional who wants to expand beyond traditional helpdesk responsibilities and develop experience in Microsoft cloud technologies, cybersecurity, global IT projects, and international IT coordination.

IT Support & Operations – Approximately 70%

·        Provide hands-on IT support for Windows devices, Microsoft 365 applications, user accounts, hardware, software, and other end-user technologies.

·        Troubleshoot technical issues involving PCs, Microsoft 365, identity and access, MFA, networking, Wi-Fi, VPN, and business applications.

·        Support Microsoft 365 and Entra ID administration, including user accounts, access, permissions, and related operational tasks.

·        Assist with endpoint deployment, configuration, maintenance, and IT asset management.

·        Support IT security operations, documentation, incident management, and other day-to-day IT activities.

·        Work with internal IT staff and vendors to resolve technical issues and improve IT services.

Global IT Coordination – Approximately 30%

·        Serve as an IT liaison between U.S. operations, corporate headquarters in Japan, and international affiliates.

·        Assist the VP of IT with Japanese-language communication, coordination, and negotiation with headquarters and other Japanese stakeholders.

·        Explain technical requirements, business needs, risks, and U.S. operational considerations clearly in both Japanese and English.

·        Support global IT, cybersecurity, AI, digital transformation, and other technology initiatives.

·        Help bridge differences in business practices, IT environments, governance, and decision-making between U.S. and Japanese organizations.

Bachelor's degree in Information Technology, Computer Science, Information Systems, or a related field, or equivalent practical experience.

Experience

·        Approximately 3–5 years of hands-on professional experience in IT helpdesk, desktop support, system administration, Microsoft 365 administration, or related IT operations.

·        Demonstrated ability to independently troubleshoot common end-user, account, application, and connectivity issues.

·        Experience working in a professional business environment requiring communication with both technical and non-technical users.

Technical Skills

·        Working knowledge of Windows desktop support, Microsoft 365, Entra ID, identity and access management, and end-user computing.

·        Working knowledge of basic networking concepts and troubleshooting, including TCP/IP, DNS, DHCP, Wi-Fi, and VPN.

·        Familiarity with IT security practices, MFA, endpoint security, and incident management.

·        Experience with one or more of the following is preferred: Microsoft Intune, Azure, SharePoint/OneDrive administration, PowerShell, Microsoft Defender, or Windows Server.

·        Microsoft certifications such as MS-900 (Microsoft 365 Fundamentals) or AZ-900 (Azure Fundamentals), or equivalent practical knowledge and hands-on experience, are preferred.

·        More advanced Microsoft certifications, such as AZ-104 (Azure Administrator), are considered a plus but are not required.

·        Relevant hands-on IT experience and demonstrated technical capability are valued more highly than certifications alone.

Japanese & Global Business Skills

·        Native-level Japanese proficiency with strong professional business communication skills, including appropriate verbal and written communication with corporate management and IT organizations in Japan.

·        Professional working proficiency in English with the ability to communicate effectively with U.S. employees, vendors, technical staff, and management.

·        Ability to explain technical and business issues clearly and facilitate discussions between Japanese and U.S. stakeholders.

·        Professional experience working in Japan, particularly in an IT role within a Japanese corporate environment, is strongly preferred.

·        Understanding of Japanese business culture, professional etiquette, and corporate communication practices is strongly preferred.

Skills/Knowledge/Abilities

·        Strong customer-service orientation and practical problem-solving skills.

·        Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively with IT team members and business users.

·        Ability to manage multiple priorities in a dynamic business environment.

·        Interest in developing broader skills in Microsoft cloud technologies, cybersecurity, global IT projects, and IT governance.

·        Willingness to travel internationally as business needs require.

Physical

·        Typical office environment with normal office temperature and noise levels.

·        Job may require extended sitting or standing and use of standard office equipment.

·        Ability to travel using different modes of transportation to corporate offices, plants, partners, vendors, etc.

·        Minimal lifting of less than 30 lbs.

A benefits summary can be found by clicking on the Osaka Gas USA Benefits Overview.

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