HR Manager

Job type Permanent
Salary
Reference 54332

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.