Job Description

Compliance, Governance & Risk

• Ensure full compliance with Japanese labour laws, including the Labour Standards Act, Industrial Safety and Health Act, and Minimum Wage Act.
• Maintain and update Work Rules (就業規則 / shūgyō kisoku) as required for companies with 10 or more employees; file updates with the Labour Standards Inspection Office.
• Supervise social insurance (社会保険), employment insurance (雇用保険), and workers’ compensation (労災保険) procedures.
• Implement and oversee overtime agreements (36協定 / saburoku kyōtei), ensuring compliance with recent caps and reporting obligations.
• Ensure proper handling of employment contracts, including future changes to work location or scope and renewal terms for fixed-term staff.
• Protect personal data in accordance with the Act on the Protection of Personal Information (APPI) and My Number Act.

Workforce Planning, Talent Acquisition & Onboarding

• Partner with business leaders to forecast headcount and skills requirements for expansion.
• Lead end-to-end recruitment, including sourcing, assessment, offers, and onboarding.
• Develop employer branding and candidate experience strategies to attract top talent.
• Ensure all hiring practices are non-discriminatory and merit-based, in line with Japanese law.

Performance, Development & Culture

• Implement a performance management system suitable for a scaling team, including goal-setting, feedback, and reviews.
• Coach managers on effective feedback, career development, and succession planning.
• Identify learning needs and coordinate relevant training programmes.
• Promote engagement and inclusion initiatives, incorporating Japanese workplace practices such as nemawashi (consensus-building) and kaizen (continuous improvement).

Total Rewards & People Operations

• Conduct market benchmarking to advise on competitive salary structures, allowances, and benefits.
• Ensure accurate and timely payroll, including year-end tax adjustments.
• Administer benefits and leave programmes, including annual paid leave and parental leave, in line with recent regulatory changes.
• Maintain accurate HRIS records and enhance data quality and privacy.

Business Partnering & Change Management

• Advise the Japan leadership team on people strategy, translating business objectives into HR plans.
• Localise APAC/global HR policies for Japan and escalate local needs to regional/global stakeholders.
• Lead change initiatives, including workstyle reforms and organisational design, with measurable outcomes.

Requirements

• Ability to communicate effectively, including talking and hearing, in both in-person and virtual settings.
• Frequent use of hands and fingers to operate a computer keyboard, mouse, and other office equipment.
• Prolonged periods of sitting at a workstation; occasional standing and walking may be required for meetings or office activities.
• Visual abilities required include close vision and the ability to adjust focus for computer work and document review.
• The company is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the role, in accordance with Japanese law and company policy.

1. Regulatory & Technical Expertise
• Deep understanding of Japanese labour law, social security regulations, and work-permit processes
• Hands-on experience with HRIS platforms, UKG Pro & One View, and advanced proficiency in MS Office.
• Demonstrated ability to conduct market benchmarking and design competitive remuneration and benefits structures

2. Communication & Interpersonal Skills
• Full professional proficiency in Japanese and English, both written and spoken
• Strong stakeholder management skills, with experience advising senior leadership
• Skilled in conflict resolution, employee counselling, and facilitating disciplinary procedures

3. Project Management & Analytical Abilities
• Exceptional organisational skills, with the ability to manage multiple HR initiatives and meet tight deadlines.
• Data-driven mindset: comfortable generating and analysing HR metrics, reports, and dashboards.
• Experience leading special projects such as employer branding, wellness programmes, or culture-building initiatives.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor’s degree in HR, Business, Psychology, or related field.
• 5+ years progressive HR experience in Japan, ideally in a multinational or scaling environment.
• Strong knowledge of Japanese labour law, APPI, My Number, and social insurance.
• Proven track record in recruitment, performance management, employee relations, and policy governance.
• Native-level Japanese (JLPT N1 or equivalent) and strong business English.
• HRIS proficiency and advanced Excel skills.
• Experience in logistics, operations, or industrial settings.
• Professional certifications (e.g., 社会保険労務士, JHRA, SHRM-CP/SCP, HRCI).
• Experience leading cross-border HR projects in APAC.Prior experience in logistics or operational environments within APAC markets