Operations Manager

About the role

We are seeking a motivated and experienced Operations Director or Manager to join our fast-growing APAC office in Seoul, South Korea. As a key member of our business operations team, you will report directly to the Global Head of Operations and partner with the Global Head of People. You will drive successful day-to-day operations in our Seoul office and ensure seamless execution and partnership with the team in the US. You will partner with various departments including engineering, product, research, and GTM teams to enhance cross-functional communication and collaboration while executing key business initiatives and people programs. If you enjoy a hyper-growth environment and have a strong 0-1 mentality (willing to be hands-on), this is an exciting opportunity to be part of a dynamic team and contribute to the growth and success of our AI-driven products. We’re looking for someone who has strong business and people judgment, can drive programs and projects independently, while partnering closely globally with both US and Korea teams.

In this role, you will be involved in

1. Business Operational Support

• Drive the success of daily operations and oversee key business initiatives, ensuring they align with global strategies and contribute to our overall mission.
• Proactively anticipate and address operational challenges related to day to day business operations, communication, and scaling quickly on a global scale.
• Collaborate with the U.S. headquarters to develop and maintain robust documentation and communications systems and processes. 
• Support the operations team by working with the legal and accounting internal teams and external partners on an as needed basis to ensure timely processing of invoices, compliance with vendor agreements, responding to due diligence requests, and other needs as they arise if and when needed. Research and implement new tools for the team to use to improve efficiency and scale. 

2. Recruitment & People Ops Support

• Collaborate with the APAC People Ops team to drive and report recruiting metrics and processes.
• Understand key hiring needs and oversee the onboarding process in South Korea
• Partner and support managers in important personnel decisions such as hiring, termination, and employee retention and engagement.
• Oversee implementation of strategic people ops programs (such as performance reviews, engagement surveys, etc) for South Korean employees by partnering with the APAC and HQ People Ops teams.

3. Cross-continental, Functional Partnership for Optimal Execution

• Act as a key liaison between the Seoul office and U.S. headquarters, coordinating on initiatives, sharing best practices, and driving joint projects to successful outcomes.
• Plan and organize team meetings for the US and Korea team members as necessary to align objectives, address challenges, and foster collaboration.
• Align on schedules and ensure important company tasks are completed on time and with the highest standards.

You may be a good fit if you have

• 7+ years of experience in start up operations, management, HRBP or a business operations & strategy role, preferably in an international setting.
• Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Management, or a related field. Ideally, an MBA.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to bridge cultural differences.
• Proven ability to effectively lead teams or team initiatives.
• Familiarity with local HR processes and performance management. Previous experience working with leadership and managers.
• Fluent proficiency in both Korean and English, both written and verbal.
• Excellent organizational and problem-solving abilities.
• Willingness to be hands-on is a must- while you’ll drive strategic projects and programs, you’ll also need to execute. Coordinating meetings is not beneath you.

Cross-cultural competence we're looking for

• Culturally fluent in Korea and the US and able to operate seamlessly in both countries.
• Experience in the tech industry is highly preferred, although not required. We prefer candidates with a tech background, but more importantly, individuals who are seasoned professionals with a skillset highly transferable between any operating environment.
• Someone who enjoys working in a fast-paced environment with a flat organizational structure. Our team does not adhere to traditional hierarchy structures, which restrict information access and decision-making ability based on age, seniority, or any other factors other than ensuring the success of the overall company.

Even if you don't meet every qualification listed, we encourage you to apply if you're a proactive learner and a collaborative team player eager to contribute to our mission. We champion diversity and are committed to equal opportunity employment, as we believe it strengthens our company and fosters innovation. Join us in pushing the boundaries of artificial intelligence and shaping how a start-up with offices in San Francisco and Seoul can create new practices and cultural norms to build a company globally from the beginning