Japanese/English Administrative Assistant in Bowling Green, Kentucky at Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products

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.