Head of HR & Administration
Company
Global Pharmaceutical / API Manufacturing Company
Location
Iwaki, Fukushima, Japan
Employment Type
Full-time
About the Company
A global pharmaceutical and API manufacturing company specializing in bile acid derivatives and related healthcare products is seeking a Head of HR & Administration for its Japan operation. Founded more than 60 years ago and headquartered in Europe, the company operates manufacturing, R&D, and commercial sites across Europe, Asia-Pacific, North America, and South America.
The organization is backed by a major global private equity investor and continues to expand through international growth initiatives and M&A activity. The Japan business plays an important role within the group’s global manufacturing network.
About the Role
The Head of HR & Administration will lead the HR function for the Japan business, acting as both a strategic HR Business Partner and operational HR leader. This role reports locally to the General Manager and functionally to the global Chief HR Officer.
The successful candidate will oversee generalist HR operations, organizational development, labor relations, compensation compliance, workforce planning, HR administration, and team leadership while supporting ongoing global HR initiatives and organizational transformation projects.
Key Responsibilities
Partner closely with business leaders and managers as a strategic HR advisor
Ensure compliance with labor laws, internal policies, and compensation practices
Manage recruitment activities, including collaboration with executive search firms and recruitment platforms
Support succession planning and employee development initiatives
Identify and implement technical and managerial training programs
Maintain accurate HR and administrative records
Support implementation of global HR policies, projects, and organizational processes
Ensure compliance with data privacy and protection requirements
Support labor cost analysis, budgeting, forecasting, and reporting activities
Assist with annual and quarterly personnel budgeting and workforce planning
Manage union communication and collective bargaining activities
Participate in the global HR network and cross-regional HR initiatives
Lead and manage the local HR administration team (2 direct reports)
Required Qualifications
Fluent Japanese and English communication skills
University degree required
Strong knowledge of Japanese labor law and HR regulations
Proven experience in HR leadership or senior HR generalist roles
Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving abilities
Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills
Ability to work proactively and independently in a multinational environment
Experience handling negotiations and labor relations matters
Preferred Qualifications
Master’s degree in Human Resources or related field
Experience within pharmaceutical, manufacturing, chemical, or industrial sectors
Experience working within multinational organizations
Experience supporting organizational transformation or post-M&A integration initiatives
Working Environment
Based at the Japan headquarters in Iwaki, Fukushima
International reporting structure with close collaboration across global offices
Opportunity to work within a growing multinational organization backed by private equity investment
Exposure to global HR projects and international business operations
Corporate Culture
The company promotes a culture built around:
Unity
Evolution
Achievement
The organization is committed to diversity, inclusion, and equal opportunity employment across all regions and business functions.