HR Operations Lead - Payroll & HR Compliance | Tokyo

Are you an experienced HR Operations professional looking to advance your career in Japan's financial services industry? Join a global financial services firm in Tokyo and take the lead in managing local HR operations, payroll administration, employee relations, and regulatory compliance.

As the HR Operations Lead for Japan, you will oversee essential HR functions, including payroll processing, compensation and benefits administration, HR information systems (HRIS), and employee lifecycle management. Working closely with regional HR teams and business stakeholders, you will ensure efficient HR service delivery while maintaining compliance with Japanese labour laws and internal policies.

This opportunity is ideal for a bilingual HR professional with strong expertise in Japanese payroll, labour regulations, and HR operations, seeking a leadership role in an international financial services environment that offers hybrid working arrangements and excellent work-life balance.

Key Responsibilities

• HR Operations & Payroll Management: Oversee end-to-end payroll processing, tax administration, social insurance procedures, employee benefits, and HR documentation, ensuring accuracy, timely delivery, and compliance with Japanese regulations.
• HRIS & HR Reporting: Maintain accurate employee records and HR information systems, prepare management reports and HR analytics, and ensure data integrity, confidentiality, and effective information management.
• Employee Lifecycle Management: Manage onboarding and offboarding processes, employment contracts, work permits, background checks, and employee-related administrative procedures.
• Employee Relations & Labour Law Compliance: Serve as the primary contact for employee HR inquiries, provide guidance on Japanese employment legislation and HR policies, and ensure compliance with internal standards and regulatory requirements.
• Vendor & Stakeholder Management: Manage relationships with external HR service providers, monitor service quality and costs, and collaborate with regional HR teams and local business stakeholders.
• HR Process Improvement & Regional Projects: Review and optimize HR workflows, strengthen operational controls, and contribute to regional HR transformation initiatives and cross-functional projects.
• Recruitment & Learning and Development Support: Coordinate local recruitment administration and support employee training, professional development programs, and related HR activities.

Required Skills and Qualifications

Experience:

• Bachelor's degree or at least 5 years of relevant HR experience, ideally covering HR operations, payroll administration, and employee lifecycle management.
• Proven hands-on experience managing Japanese payroll processes, compensation and benefits administration, and HR operations.
• Strong working knowledge of Japanese employment law, labour regulations, income tax, and social insurance requirements.
• Experience maintaining HR documentation, employee records, and HR reporting processes while ensuring confidentiality and regulatory compliance.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, including Excel, Word, and PowerPoint, for HR reporting, data management, and administrative activities.

Soft Skills:

• Strong organizational and time management skills, with the ability to manage multiple HR responsibilities and competing priorities.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving abilities to identify operational challenges and implement effective solutions.
• Strong interpersonal and stakeholder management skills to collaborate with employees, management, external vendors, and regional HR teams.
• High level of professionalism, discretion, and integrity when handling confidential employee information and sensitive HR matters.
• Proactive and detail-oriented approach to HR service delivery, process improvement, and regulatory compliance.

Language Requirements:

• Japanese: Fluent proficiency, both written and spoken, for employee communications, payroll administration, and local HR compliance.
• English: Fluent proficiency, both written and spoken, for communication with international stakeholders and regional HR teams.

Preferred Skills & Qualifications

• Previous HR operations or payroll experience within the banking, financial services, or corporate banking industry.
• Experience using SAP, SAP SuccessFactors, or other HRIS and payroll management systems.
• Familiarity with regional HR processes, international HR reporting, and cross-border stakeholder coordination.
• Experience supporting HR process improvements, operational controls, or regional HR projects.
• Knowledge of compensation and benefits administration within a multinational organization.

About the Company

Our client is a global financial services firm with operations in an international business environment.

The organization offers an opportunity for experienced HR professionals to manage critical HR operations in Japan while collaborating with regional HR teams and business stakeholders.

With a focus on effective people management, regulatory compliance, and operational efficiency, the firm provides an environment where HR professionals can contribute to the smooth functioning of the business and support employees throughout their careers.

This is an opportunity to develop your career within the financial services sector, combining local Japanese HR expertise with exposure to international HR practices and regional collaboration.

Why You'll Love Working Here

• Competitive Compensation: Join an international financial services organization offering a competitive compensation package.
• Hybrid Working Arrangements: Benefit from a combination of office-based and remote working, providing greater flexibility in your working environment.
• Excellent Work-Life Balance: Enjoy a working environment with minimal overtime, supporting a healthier balance between professional and personal commitments.
• Global Exposure: Collaborate with international stakeholders and regional HR teams, gaining valuable experience in a multinational financial services environment.
• Broad HR Responsibilities: Take ownership of payroll, compensation and benefits, HR compliance, employee lifecycle management, and HR operations across Japan.
• Professional Development: Strengthen your expertise in Japanese labour law, payroll management, HRIS, and international HR operations while contributing to regional initiatives.
• Strategic Business Contribution: Play an important role in improving HR processes, strengthening operational controls, and ensuring compliant HR service delivery.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Work closely with employees, business leaders, external service providers, and regional HR professionals to support organizational effectiveness.

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