Position: HR Manager – Japan
Function: Payroll Operations & HR Business Partner
Location: Tokyo, Japan
Reporting Line: Reports to Head of People (Japan) and collaborates closely with Global People & Culture teams
Role Purpose
This role is responsible for leading accurate and compliant payroll operations in Japan while serving as a strategic HR partner to local business leaders. The HR Manager will play a key role in shaping people practices, supporting talent initiatives and contributing to a positive employee experience aligned with global HR direction.
This newly created position offers a strong career pathway for HR professionals seeking to expand capabilities across both Payroll and HR Business Partnering in an international organization. The role includes regular collaboration with overseas HR teams.
Key Responsibilities
Payroll Operations
• Oversee full-cycle payroll for Japan employees including monthly pay, bonuses, overtime and allowances
• Validate employment and attendance data including hires, transfers, and terminations
• Maintain payroll systems and ensure data accuracy
• Handle statutory filings, tax reconciliations and year-end tax adjustments
• Coordinate with external providers such as payroll vendors, insurance providers, and timekeeping systems
Compliance & Audit
• Ensure adherence to local employment law, social insurance and tax requirements
• Support internal and external audit processes
• Maintain thorough documentation of payroll and related administrative records
Process Improvement
• Enhance payroll workflows to improve efficiency and accuracy
• Work with internal stakeholders to implement automation and system upgrades
• Maintain up-to-date payroll policies and procedures
Employee Support & Communication
• Act as the main contact for payroll questions and issue resolution
• Work with HR and Finance on headcount planning, cost management and benefits administration
Reporting & Analytics
• Prepare labor cost reporting and payroll performance metrics
• Support monthly closing activities, budgeting and forecasts
• Track and report payroll-related trends
HR Business Partner Responsibilities
• Partner with leadership on people strategies that support business goals
• Support recruitment, talent development, employee relations and engagement initiatives
• Promote brand values and culture throughout the organization
• Build trusted relationships with employees and act as a confidant for workplace concerns
• Provide guidance on performance, compensation, and workforce management
• Ensure consistency in HR policy applications and employee experience
• Conduct regular store or site visits to support frontline teams and employee well-being
Requirements
• 5+ years of payroll experience, including supervisory or managerial responsibility
• Knowledge of Japan labor law, payroll regulations and compliance standards
• Experience working with HRIS/ERP systems (e.g., Workday, SAP or similar)
• Strong numerical accuracy, confidentiality and analytical skills
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills across all organizational levels
• Ability to manage multiple deadlines with strong organizational capability
• Experience in global or multinational company environments is desirable
• Social Insurance and Labor Consultant (Sharoushi) certification is a plus
• High proficiency in Japanese and English (TOEIC 700+ or equivalent)
• Advanced skills in Excel and reporting tools