HR Manager – Japan
Overview
The HR Manager will play a key role in driving people operations, compliance, and culture in Japan. This role combines strategic leadership with hands-on execution across all stages of the employee lifecycle — ensuring legal compliance, business alignment, and a supportive, inclusive workplace.
Key Responsibilities
Compliance & Governance
Ensure full adherence to Japanese labor laws and maintain up-to-date employment policies and work rules.
Manage labor-related agreements, employment contracts, and insurance procedures (social, employment, and workers’ compensation).
Safeguard employee data in accordance with privacy regulations.
Talent & Workforce Planning
Partner with business leaders to anticipate hiring needs and lead end-to-end recruitment and onboarding.
Promote fair, transparent, and compliant hiring practices while enhancing employer branding and candidate experience.
Performance & Development
Implement and manage performance review frameworks, goal setting, and feedback processes.
Coach managers on talent development and succession planning.
Drive training, engagement, and inclusion initiatives aligned with Japanese workplace culture.
Compensation & Operations
Conduct market benchmarking to maintain competitive pay and benefits programs.
Oversee accurate payroll, tax adjustments, and leave administration.
Maintain HR systems with strong data integrity and compliance standards.
HR Business Partnering
Advise leadership on people strategies and localize regional/global HR policies to Japan.
Lead organizational change, workstyle improvement, and culture transformation initiatives.
Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business, Psychology, or related discipline.
5+ years of progressive HR experience in Japan, ideally in a multinational or scaling environment.
Strong knowledge of Japanese labor law, employment regulations, and social insurance.
Native-level Japanese and strong business English communication skills.
HRIS and MS Office proficiency; advanced Excel preferred.
Preferred Skills & Certifications
Experience in logistics, operations, or similar business environments.
Recognized HR certifications
Proven record in cross-border HR projects and culture-building initiatives.