Senior HR Manager
Location: Japan
Reports to: Japan & Korea General Manager and Regional HR Leadership
Role Overview
This position serves as the lead HR partner for both Japan and Korea, working closely with local leadership and functional managers to provide strategic and operational HR support. The role covers organizational structure, people management, employee relations, recruitment, compensation administration, payroll and social insurance oversight, and office retail workplace safety.
The Senior HR Manager acts as a comprehensive HR generalist for corporate employees (and retail staff in the future) while ensuring compliance with corporate standards and local employment legislation.
Key Responsibilities
Partner with the General Manager to execute the people strategy, including talent development and organizational changes
Collaborate with department managers to plan and implement recruitment programs that attract qualified talent and ensure efficient hiring processes
Maintain accurate employee data and oversee payroll operations with external vendors to ensure timely and compliant payroll processing
Deliver global and regional HR initiatives, including performance management cycles, pay reviews, and employee engagement activities
Design and implement training and development programs aligned with corporate learning frameworks
Ensure all workplace safety protocols are followed at office and retail locations
Manage employee insurance enrollment and compliance with company policies
Provide insights to regional HR regarding local labor trends and required adjustments to HR programs
Develop, review, and maintain HR policies in alignment with legal requirements and corporate standards
Advise leadership and employees on HR policies, performance matters, and personnel issues
Coordinate with legal advisors and labor authorities in handling employee-related concerns
Oversee the full employee lifecycle, ensuring accurate documentation, contracts, and system updates for onboarding and exits
Support capability building by coaching HR staff and line managers on HR processes
Prepare monthly payroll data and manage transitions for new hires and departing employees
Success Measures
Effective execution of people plans and HR initiatives across Japan and Korea
Timely, compliant payroll processing and resolution of employee queries
Recruitment aligned with policy, budget, and hiring timelines
Positive workplace environment with strong health and safety standards
Employee policies and decisions aligned with compliance, legislation, and commercial needs
Reduced employee relations risks and effective case resolution
Smooth onboarding and offboarding experiences with complete documentation
Clear, accurate communication between local operations and regional HR
Qualifications
Strong expertise in HR operational processes, including recruiting, payroll, and compliance administration
Knowledge of HR systems (preferably SAP or similar platforms)
Solid understanding of local labor legislation in Japan
Experience supporting regional/global organizations and protecting sensitive HR data
Strong capability in managing employee relations and recruitment challenges
Business acumen and familiarity with commercial objectives and planning cycles
Fluent Japanese and business-level English communication skills
Ability to influence stakeholders and implement tactical plans
High level of proficiency in HR-related digital tools and reporting