Position: Senior HR Director – Japan
Company: Confidential Global Consumer / Lifestyle Brand
Location: Japan (onsite)
Employment Type: Full-time
Overview
A globally recognized consumer brand with a strong heritage and premium positioning is seeking a Senior HR Director to lead its Japan HR function. The company is known for its focus on craftsmanship, innovation, and brand experience, with a long-standing presence in international markets.
This is a newly created leadership role designed to strengthen the people strategy in Japan, enhance organizational effectiveness, and support continued business growth.
Position Summary
The Senior HR Director will act as the primary strategic HR partner to the Japan leadership team, driving alignment between business objectives and people strategy. This role combines high-level strategic influence with hands-on execution across talent management, organizational development, and HR operations.
Key Responsibilities
Strategic HR Leadership
Partner with senior leadership to align HR strategy with business goals
Act as a trusted advisor on organizational and people-related matters
Drive a high-performance, values-driven culture
Talent Management & Succession Planning
Lead workforce planning and talent pipeline development
Design and implement succession planning frameworks
Oversee leadership development initiatives
Performance Management
Manage performance cycles and frameworks
Coach leaders to build a culture of accountability and continuous feedback
Employee Engagement & Culture
Drive employee engagement initiatives and cultural alignment
Promote diversity, equity, and inclusion across the organization
HR Operations & Compliance
Oversee HR operations, reporting, and HR systems
Ensure compliance with Japanese labor laws and internal policies
Compensation & Recruitment
Manage compensation structures and frameworks
Lead recruitment and onboarding for corporate and retail functions
Employee Relations & Governance
Lead employee relations activities including investigations and disciplinary actions
Ensure compliance with working hours regulations and labor agreements (e.g., Article 36)
Oversee harassment prevention and response frameworks
Support childcare and family-care leave compliance
Drive occupational health and employee wellbeing initiatives
Change Management
Lead organizational transformation initiatives
Support leaders through change with structured communication and coaching
Qualifications
Required
Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business, or related field
15+ years of progressive HR experience
Minimum 3+ years in a senior HR leadership or Director-level role
Strong experience partnering with senior leadership teams
Deep understanding of Japanese labor laws and HR best practices
Experience in multi-site environments (e.g., retail, consumer goods, or similar industries)
Strong communication skills in both Japanese and English
High level of attention to detail and organizational skills
Strong analytical mindset with experience using HR data and tools
Preferred
Postgraduate qualification in HR or related field
Experience in global or matrix organizations
Expertise in organizational development and change management
Experience in talent strategy and leadership development
Working Style & Environment
Onsite role in Japan
Collaborative environment with close interaction with leadership teams
Exposure to both local and global HR strategy
Team & Culture
Values-driven organization focused on quality, innovation, and teamwork
Emphasis on employee engagement and inclusive workplace culture
Strong brand identity with a legacy of craftsmanship and design
Career Path
Key leadership role shaping the Japan HR strategy
Potential to expand into regional HR leadership responsibilities
Opportunity to influence global HR initiatives and organizational direction