Become an Operations Manager at Okuma, Japan: A Premier Leadership Opportunity
Are you a hospitality and operations expert looking to make a meaningful impact? The Department of the Air Force is currently seeking a highly motivated Operations Manager to oversee critical recreational and business functions at the beautiful Okuma facility in Okinawa, Japan. This role is perfect for leaders with a passion for excellence in service and a talent for managing complex, multi-faceted business operations.
Job Responsibilities
As the full assistant to the Director of Okuma, you will be at the center of operations that generate over $4 million in annual revenue. Your key responsibilities will include:
- Operational Oversight: Managing daily activities across food and beverage, lodging, retail, and recreation.
- Financial Stewardship: Assisting in the preparation, analysis, and execution of operating and capital budgets.
- Strategic Planning: Implementing long-term facility improvement plans (20-year) and short-term operational goals (5-year).
- Leadership: Supervising a diverse workforce, ensuring staff training, and maintaining high customer service standards.
- Collaboration: Acting as a liaison between military leadership, local officials, and sister services to host base-wide events.
Requirements
To be considered for this role, you must meet the following criteria:
- Residency: Must be currently residing in Okinawa, Japan.
- Legal Status: U.S. Citizen or legal U.S. resident with a social security number (NATO citizens only for legal residents).
- Experience: Demonstrated background in managing retail, lodging, or food service operations.
- Skills: Knowledge of commercial business systems, budgeting, and effective oral and written presentation skills.
Comparison Table: Qualifications
| Feature | Requirement Status |
|---|---|
| Education | Bachelor's Degree Preferred |
| Residency | Required in Okinawa |
| Experience | Professional Ops Management |
| Budgeting | Essential (APF/NAF) |
Salary Overview
This position offers a competitive hourly wage, currently ranging from $30.00 to $41.00 per hour.
Benefits
Working with the Air Force NAF provides unique advantages, including:
- Post Allowance for qualifying employees.
- Access to a dynamic, international working environment.
- Direct deposit payroll.
- Support for MWR programs that directly impact service member morale.
Application Tips
- Tailor Your Resume: Clearly highlight your leadership experience in hospitality or retail.
- Documentation Matters: Have your residency proof and professional certifications ready for upload.
- Follow Directions: Ensure your questionnaire responses align perfectly with the experience detailed in your resume.
If you possess the leadership skills to guide a diverse team and the financial acumen to manage multi-million dollar operations, we invite you to apply. This is a rare opportunity to contribute to the mission of the Pacific Air Forces in one of the most stunning locations in the world.
Why This Operations Manager Job Matters
Take your management career to the Pacific: Lead high-impact recreation operations at the beautiful Okuma facility in Okinawa, Japan.
Operations Manager Job Overview
The Department of the Air Force is seeking a dedicated and dynamic Operations Manager to join our Pacific Air Forces team at Okuma, Okinawa. This Non-Appropriated Fund (NAF) role acts as the primary assistant to the Director of Okuma, overseeing diverse recreational activities, dining, lodging, and retail operations that generate over $4 million in annual revenue. You will be instrumental in executing strategic initiatives, managing financial performance, and ensuring a world-class experience for our service members and their families in this unique Pacific setting.
Requirements for Operations Manager
- Residency in Okinawa, Japan at the time of application.
- Must be a U.S. Citizen or a legal U.S. resident possessing a valid social security number.
- Legal U.S. residents must be citizens of a NATO country.
- Proven experience managing civilian or military retail, lodging, recreation, or food service operations.
- Proficiency in commercial business systems and financial management solutions.
- Ability to plan, analyze, and implement organizational budgets.
- Strong communication skills for presenting to diverse audiences and senior leadership.
- Demonstrated experience supervising, motivating, and directing a diverse workforce.
Preferred Qualifications for Operations Manager
- Bachelor's Degree in business, recreation, hospitality, or hotel management.
- Direct experience in developing, defending, and administering both APF and NAF budgets.
- Experience in long-term facility improvement planning and project oversight.
Federal Benefits & Perks
- âś“Post Allowance eligibility (for Regular Full-Time positions).
- âś“Contribution to Morale, Welfare, and Recreation (MWR) initiatives.
- âś“Direct deposit/electronic funds transfer for salary payments.
- âś“Professional development within the Air Force Services environment.
đź’ˇ How to Apply Operations Manager Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Operations Manager Job
- Create or log into your USAJobs account.
- Preview the online application requirements via the provided agency link.
- Complete the mandatory online questionnaire.
- Upload your resume, which must explicitly support your specialized experience.
- Submit all required supporting documentation (e.g., DD-214, transcripts, licenses, or marriage certificates if applicable).
- Verify that your application is complete, accurate, and submitted by the deadline.
đź’ˇ General Tips
- Ensure your resume clearly details both paid and volunteer experience.
- Sanitize sensitive personal information from supporting documents before uploading.
- List all relevant professional references with full contact details.
- Double-check your eligibility status; ensure you have proof of residency for Okinawa ready.
- Monitor your application status through your USAJobs portal after submission.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a NAF position?
NAF stands for Non-Appropriated Fund. These positions are primarily funded by the revenue generated by the facilities themselves—such as lodging, food, and recreation—rather than by congressionally appropriated tax dollars.
Is relocation assistance provided for this role?
No, payment of Permanent Change of Station (PCS) costs is not authorized for this position.
Who is eligible to apply for this vacancy?
The position is open to U.S. Citizens and legal U.S. residents currently residing in Okinawa, Japan, who possess a valid social security number.
Do I need a security clearance?
No, this position is designated as non-sensitive and does not require a security clearance.
Can I apply if I live in the US?
No, this position is strictly for those already residing in Okinawa, Japan.
Job from Pacific Air Forces
The Air Force Services Non-Appropriated Funds (NAF) organization is the backbone of Morale, Welfare, and Recreation (MWR) activities for the Air Force and Space Force. Operating primarily through self-generated revenue, NAF facilities provide essential support to service members and their families. Our teams, including the world-class units at Kadena Air Base, ensure that the "Keystone of the Pacific" remains a premier environment for military readiness and well-being.