HR Manager/ Business Partner

Position Overview

We are looking for an experienced HR Manager / HR Business Partner to support the continued growth of the Japan business.

This is a hands-on and commercially focused HR role, with recruitment as a key priority. The successful candidate will partner closely with the Country Head and Business Unit leaders to support organizational growth, while also overseeing HR operations, payroll, and employee-related matters.

The role will also have significant responsibility for the company's Hokkaido operations, including recruitment and on-site HRBP support. As a result, willingness and ability to travel regularly to Hokkaido is essential.

The successful candidate will also work closely with the company's international headquarters, making strong written and spoken English communication skills essential.

Key Responsibilities

1. Recruitment & Talent Acquisition

• Lead and manage end-to-end recruitment activities across the Japan business.
• Partner with the Country Head and Business Unit leaders to understand hiring needs and develop effective recruitment strategies.
• Manage recruitment for both corporate and operational positions, including roles supporting the Hokkaido business.
• Work with internal stakeholders and external recruitment agencies to identify and attract high-quality talent.
• Develop effective sourcing strategies and continuously improve the recruitment process and candidate experience.
• Support workforce planning and proactively identify future talent requirements.

2. HR Business Partnering

• Act as a trusted HR partner to the Country Head and Business Unit leaders.
• Provide HR guidance and support across the employee lifecycle, including organizational development, performance management, employee relations, and talent management.
• Partner with business leaders to understand business priorities and translate them into practical HR initiatives.
• Support organizational growth, change management, and employee engagement initiatives.
• Provide HR insights and recommendations to management based on business and people data.

3. Hokkaido HR Support

• Take responsibility for HR support for the Hokkaido operation, including recruitment, onboarding, employee relations, and general HR matters.
• Partner with local management to ensure effective workforce planning and staffing.
• Provide hands-on HRBP support to employees and managers on-site.
• Travel regularly to Hokkaido as required to support the operation and business leaders.

4. HR Operations & Payroll

• Oversee day-to-day HR operations for the Japan business.
• Manage and coordinate monthly payroll processes with internal and external stakeholders.
• Ensure accurate and timely HR administration and employee data management.
• Support employment contracts, onboarding/offboarding, benefits, attendance management, and other HR-related processes.
• Ensure HR policies and practices are appropriately implemented and aligned with Japanese regulations and company requirements.

5. International Collaboration

• Work closely with the international headquarters and regional HR teams.
• Communicate Japan HR matters, business needs, and people-related issues clearly to international stakeholders.
• Participate in global and regional HR initiatives and implement relevant programs locally.
• Prepare and communicate HR information and reports in English.

• 5+ years of HR experience, ideally combining HRBP, HR operations, and recruitment responsibilities.
• Strong hands-on recruitment experience with the ability to manage multiple hiring priorities.
• Experience partnering directly with senior business leaders and/or country management.
• Experience with payroll and general HR operations in Japan.
• Strong understanding of Japanese employment practices and HR processes.
• Excellent written and spoken English communication skills.
• Experience working with an international headquarters, regional HR team, or multinational organization.
• Strong stakeholder management and communication skills.
• A proactive, hands-on approach with the ability to operate independently in a growing business.