Grow-Out Manager – Atlantic Salmon RAS Operations

Job Description

Pure Salmon Japan is seeking an experienced Grow-Out Manager to lead end-to-end grow-out operations at our new land-based Atlantic salmon RAS facility in Mie, Japan.

Reporting to the Head of Operations, you will oversee approximately 50 employees and manage production across Post-Smolt, Pre Grow-Out, Grow-Out, Purge, fish transfers, grading, feeding, and harvest preparation.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead daily Grow-Out operations and execute the site Bioplan
• Manage fish growth, biomass, survival, density,ls, FCR, mortality, and welfare
• Oversee feeding strategy, feed performance, and inventory
• Coordinate fish transfers, grading, purging, and harvest activities
• Ensure stable 24/7 operations and effective emergency response
• Work closely with Water Treatment, Biofiltration, Fish Health, Maintenance, Automation, HSE, QA, and the Processing Plant
• Lead, organize, and develop supervisors and technicians
• Establish SOPs, work instructions, training programs, and operational standards
• Manage manpower, resources, budgets, KPIs, and production reporting
• Support commissioning, start-up, ramp-up, and continuous improvement

Requirements

• Proven experience in fish production, particularly the grow-out phase
• Practical experience in Recirculating Aquaculture Systems (RAS)
• Experience managing large biomass inventories and complex production operations
• Strong team leadership and operational management experience
• Knowledge of feeding, fish welfare, biosecurity, water quality, and production KPIs
• Ability to manage multidisciplinary teams in a 24/7 operational environment
• Business-level English
• Japanese is preferred but not required
• Willingness to relocate to Mie, Japan

Candidates without practical fish production and RAS experience will not be considered.

What We Offer

• A senior leadership role in a new 10,000-tonne Atlantic salmon RAS facility
• Opportunity to build and develop the Grow-Out organization from the start
• International and multicultural working environment
• Visa and relocation support for qualified overseas candidates
• Housing and mobility support depending on the final package
• Competitive compensation based on experience

Employment Type
Permanent, full-time employee
■Probationary period: 3 months

Expected Annual Salary
Based on experience and skill level

Work Schedule
Shift work: four consecutive 12-hour workdays followed by four consecutive days off.

Location
Mie Facility: 5000-2 Mori-cho, Tsu-shi, Mie Prefecture, Japan

■Daily attendance at the facility is required. Candidates who can live near the facility are welcome. Relocation assistance may be discussed separately.

Holidays and Leave
■Summer holidays, year-end and New Year holidays, childcare leave, Golden Week holidays, bereavement leave, and other leave.
■Annual paid leave:10–20 days. In the first year, 10–15 days are granted after six months of employment, depending on the joining month.

Benefits
■Health insurance, employee pension insurance, workers’ compensation insurance, and employment insurance.

Skills and Qualifications

• Extensive experience in fish production, particularly Atlantic salmon grow-out operations
• Hands-on experience with Recirculating Aquaculture Systems (RAS)
• Strong knowledge of biomass management, feeding strategies, FCR, fish welfare, biosecurity, and water quality
• Experience managing large-scale, 24/7 production operations and multidisciplinary teams
• Proven leadership experience managing supervisors, technicians, and operational personnel
• Ability to coordinate with Water Treatment, Biofiltration, Fish Health, Maintenance, Automation, HSE, and Processing teams
• Strong operational planning, problem-solving, and decision-making skills
• Experience with production KPIs, budgets, reporting, SOPs, and continuous improvement
• Business-level English is required
• Japanese language ability is preferred but not mandatory
• Willingness to relocate to Mie, Japan

Practical fish production and RAS experience are mandatory.