HR Head

Job type Permanent
Salary
Reference 53675

Position: People & Culture Manager, Japan
Location: Tokyo, Japan

Overview

The People & Culture Manager will oversee all human resources activities in Japan, reporting directly to the People Director. Based in Tokyo, this role will partner closely with the Executive Officer, General Manager, and Regional Directors to support business goals while fostering a strong and inclusive company culture.

The position is both strategic and operational, requiring collaboration with leadership to implement HR initiatives that align with global and regional strategies. The ideal candidate will bring passion, creativity, agility, and strong organizational skills to help shape the company’s people experience in Japan.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic & Operational HR Management

  • Partner with the People Director to develop and execute HR strategies in line with global and regional business goals.

  • Support the General Manager and local teams in all HR functions including recruitment, employee relations, talent development, engagement, and compliance.

  • Drive initiatives aligned with key HR pillars — Attract, Support, Retain, and Develop — including onboarding, training, and development programs.

Employee Engagement & Culture

  • Promote company culture and values across all levels of the organization.

  • Foster employee engagement by sharing relevant content and updates through internal communication platforms.

  • Organize regional meetings, workshops, and focus groups to encourage collaboration and open communication.

Talent Development & Performance

  • Lead talent development programs and succession planning to support career growth and organizational capability.

  • Provide coaching and guidance to managers on employee performance, development, and relations.

  • Promote a culture of feedback, excellence, and continuous learning.

Compensation, Benefits & Wellbeing

  • Work with the CFO and central HR team to manage people budgets and forecasts.

  • Review and propose competitive compensation and reward strategies that align with market standards and company values.

  • Ensure the wellbeing and engagement of all employees by maintaining a positive and supportive work environment.

HR Operations & Compliance

  • Oversee partnerships with external service providers including payroll, insurance, and attendance systems.

  • Identify HR risks and opportunities for improvement, proposing solutions to enhance employee experience and efficiency.

  • Ensure compliance with local labor regulations and company policies.

Regional Collaboration

  • Coordinate with regional HR leaders and global HR teams to share best practices and ensure alignment across initiatives.

  • Visit store locations regularly to connect with retail employees and support their needs.

Qualifications and Experience

  • Proven experience in a generalist HR role, ideally within luxury retail, fashion, or a global organization.

  • Strong leadership and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build trust and credibility at all levels.

  • Excellent written and spoken communication skills in Japanese and English (TOEIC 700+ or equivalent).

  • Strategic thinker with hands-on operational capability.

  • Demonstrated success in developing and implementing HR strategies that drive engagement and performance.

  • Ability to work independently while collaborating with regional and global HR teams.

  • Willingness to travel domestically and regionally as required.