Japanese/English Administrative Assistant

KOBELCO ALUMINUM AUTOMOTIVE PRODUCTS LLC; Bowling Green (KY); On-site; USD 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

KOBELCO ALUMINUM AUTOMOTIVE PRODUCTS LLC in Bowling Green, KY seeks a Japanese-English Administrative Specialist to provide translation and interpretation to support communication between local employees, expatriates, and headquarters.

The role also covers expatriate administration, compliance activities, and general office operations to ensure smooth daily workflow and organizational effectiveness. Reports to the Administrative General Manager; shift is M-F, in person.

Qualifications

• Japanese-English translation and interpretation experience preferred.
• Strong administrative and organizational skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications.

Responsibilities

• Translate and interpret Japanese-English in documents, meetings, and communications.
• Support compliance documentation, training coordination, and audits as needed.
• Assist expatriates with onboarding, housing, and daily administrative needs.
• Provide general administrative support for department activities and events.

Skills

Japanese-English bilingual proficiency

MS Office proficiency

Professional business communication

Strong organizational skills

Time management

Multitasking

Independent work capability

Valid driver’s license

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

Job description

Job Title:

Japanese-English Administrative Specialist

Classification:

Non-Exempt

Department:

Corporate

Reports to:

Administrative General Manager

Shift:

M-F In Person Role

Position Summary:

The Japanese-English Administrative Specialist provides professional Japanese-English translation and interpretation services to support effective communication between local employees, expatriates, and headquarters stakeholders. In addition to language support, this position plays a key role in supporting expatriate administration, compliance-related activities, and general office operations to ensure smooth daily operations and organizational effectiveness.

Key Responsibilities:

• Translation & Interpretation
  • Provide accurate and timely Japanese-English translation of business documents, emails, presentations, policies, procedures, and reports.
  • Deliver interpretation support during meetings, training sessions, audits, management discussions, and employee communications.
  • Facilitate clear communication between local employees, expatriates, and corporate stakeholders.
  • Review translated materials to ensure accuracy, consistency, and appropriate business terminology.
• Compliance & Administrative Support
  • Assist with maintaining compliance-related documentation and records.
  • Support scheduling and coordination of compliance training activities.
  • Provide translation and administrative support for compliance initiatives and audits as needed.
• Expatriate Support
  • Support Japanese expatriates and their families with administrative and day-to-day business needs.
  • Assist with onboarding, orientation, housing coordination, local service arrangements, and general relocation-related activities.
  • Accompany expatriates and/or their family members to medical appointments, schools, government agencies, and other local service providers as needed to provide language support and assistance.
  • Support travel arrangements and scheduling when required.
• General Administration
  • Provide administrative support for department activities, meetings, and special projects.
  • Coordinate company events, visitor arrangements, and other administrative activities.
  • Maintain confidential information with professionalism and discretion.
  • Perform other administrative and clerical duties as assigned.

Skills & Competencies:

• Japanese and English Proficiency (speaking, listening, reading, writing [handwriting not required]).
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (PowerPoint, Word, Excel, etc.).
• Ability to communicate professionally in both Japanese and English using proper business etiquette.
• Ability to follow instructions.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Strong time management skills and the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Ability to work with minimal supervision when required.
• Valid driver's license and ability to safely operate a motor vehicle.

Work Environment And Physical Requirements:

• This position requires occasional physical activity throughout shift (except breaks and lunch) such as walking, sitting, standing, bending, stooping, squatting, reaching, handling, near/far vision, pushing, pulling, carrying, and lifting objects weighing up to 50 lbs.
• Duties may include occasional entry into active manufacturing areas to support audits, inspections, meetings, or other business activities. These areas involve high noise levels, powered industrial equipment, and machinery with moving parts. Exposure to confined walkways and other industrial hazards is possible. Compliance with all safety procedures, PPE requirements, and training protocols in mandatory

Education & Experience:

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Japanese-English translation and interpretation experience in a professional environment preferred.
• Strong administrative and organizational skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications.