HR Advisor/ Generalist (English/Japanese)

HR Advisor/ Generalist  

Reports to: General Manager, Japan / APAC HR Manager  

About The Role  

We are seeking a proactive and hands-on HR Advisor to support our growing team in Japan. This role is ideal for someone with a strong foundation in HR operations, a solid understanding of Japanese employment regulations, and a passion for contributing to regional HR initiatives across APAC. 

As the HR Advisor, you will be the key HR contact for our Japan office, supporting a team of 18 employees. You’ll manage day-to-day HR operations, ensure compliance with local Labor laws, and act as a neutral and trusted partner to both employees and the management team. You’ll also collaborate with regional HR colleagues to support broader APAC HR programs and projects. 

This is a dynamic role that requires excellent communication skills, cultural sensitivity, and a problem-solving mindset to navigate relationships and workplace dynamics effectively. 

Key Responsibilities 

1. Japan HR Operations & Compliance 

• Own day-to-day HR operations including employee contracts, records, and payroll coordination. 
• Ensure full compliance with Japanese labour laws—working hours, overtime, and statutory benefits. 
• Maintain HR data accuracy and support reporting needs. 
• Track leave, attendance, and other employee metrics. 
• Deliver recruitment requirements, from job posting to interview coordination. 
• Deliver smooth onboarding and offboarding experiences with care for employees to receive an experience aligned with AVTEL values.  
• Advise managers on local employment practices and support internal audits. 
• Organise employee celebrations, team meals and bonding activities.  

2. Employee Relations & Office Support 

• Act as a neutral bridge between employees and management, fostering a positive and respectful workplace culture. 
• Support conflict resolution, grievances, and disciplinary processes with discretion and fairness. 
• Partner with the Operations Manager and General Manager to support employee engagement and retention. 

3. Office Administration 

• Oversee day-to-day office operations including supplies, equipment, and vendor management. 
• Coordinate with building management and service providers to ensure a safe and functional work environment. 
• Support travel arrangements, meeting logistics, and general administrative task when necessary. 
• Assist with budgeting and expense tracking for office-related costs. 

4. HR Team Collaboration 

• Participate in Global or APAC-wide HR programs and initiatives, contributing local insights and support. 
• Assist in implementing regional policies, performance management processes, and employee development programs. 

Why Join Us? 

• Be part of a forward-thinking HR team that values continuous learning, innovation, and cross-cultural collaboration.  
• Work closely with leadership and make a meaningful impact on the Japan office culture. 
• Gain exposure to regional HR projects and career development opportunities. 

Ideal Competencies, Skills & Experience  

Experience: 3–5 years in HR operations or advisory roles, ideally in a bilingual (English/Japanese) environment. 

Knowledge: Solid understanding of Japanese employment regulations, including working hours, overtime, dismissal procedures, and statutory benefits. Experience managing payroll and social insurance processes is essential.  

Skills:  

• Clear communicator in both English and Japanese with excellent interpersonal skills.  
• Strong organizational and problem-solving abilities. 
• Ability to manage sensitive situations with neutrality and professionalism. 

Mindset:  

• Thrives in a dynamic, fast-evolving environment and enjoys creating structure, processes, and solutions from the ground up.  
• Comfortable navigating ambiguity and driving continuous improvement.  
• Collaborative, culturally aware, and eager to contribute to regional/ global HR growth. 
• Open-minded and adaptable to forward thinking HR practices, with a willingness to support modern, globally aligned HR strategies and tools.