Senior Employee Relations Specialist - Tokyo

A leading European medical device manufacturer with global operations is seeking a Senior Employee Relations Specialist to oversee employee relations, labor relations, and HR compliance activities in Tokyo.

In this role, you will work closely with business leaders, managers, and HR stakeholders to manage complex employee relations (ER) cases, workplace investigations, performance management, and Japanese labor law compliance. You will provide practical HR guidance, resolve workplace issues, and support initiatives that strengthen employee engagement and organizational effectiveness.

This is an opportunity for an experienced HR professional to advance their career in Employee Relations, Labor Relations, HR Advisory, and Employment Compliance within a global medical technology company offering a highly flexible working environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee employee relations and labor relations activities, ensuring fair and consistent HR practices.
• Partner with managers and business leaders to address employee concerns, workplace conflicts, and employment-related matters.
• Manage employee relations cases, including investigations, documentation, resolution, and follow-up.
• Provide guidance on Japanese labor laws, employment regulations, and internal HR policies.
• Support labor compliance management and help ensure adherence to applicable employment requirements.
• Advise managers on employee performance management, workplace conduct, and performance improvement initiatives.
• Identify opportunities to improve HR processes, employee relations procedures, and the overall working environment.
• Collaborate with HR teams and business stakeholders to implement effective employee relations solutions.
• Maintain accurate and confidential records of employee relations cases and investigations.
• Build strong relationships with employees, managers, and senior leadership to promote trust and effective communication.
• Coordinate with overseas HR colleagues on employee relations matters and organizational initiatives.
• Support a positive, compliant, and productive workplace culture.

Required Skills and Qualifications

Experience:

• 6+ years of professional experience, preferably in Employee Relations, HR Advisory, Labor Relations, or related HR functions.
• Practical experience managing a variety of employee relations issues, workplace investigations, and employment-related cases.
• Strong working knowledge of Japanese labor laws and employment regulations.
• Experience advising managers or business stakeholders on employee relations and workplace matters.
• Demonstrated ability to identify opportunities for HR process improvement and implement practical solutions.
• Bachelor's degree.

Soft Skills:

• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to handle sensitive and confidential employee matters with professionalism and discretion.
• Excellent listening skills and the ability to build trust with employees and management.
• Strong problem-solving and conflict resolution capabilities.
• Ability to remain calm, objective, and resilient when managing challenging employee relations cases.
• Effective stakeholder management and relationship-building abilities.
• Proactive and improvement-oriented mindset.
• Ability to collaborate with both local and international HR teams.

Language Requirements:

• Japanese: Native
• English: Fluent

Preferred Skills & Qualifications

• Previous experience as a Senior Employee Relations Specialist, Employee Relations Manager, HR Business Partner, or HR Advisor.
• Experience working in a multinational or European-headquartered organization.
• Background in the medical devices, healthcare, life sciences, or pharmaceutical industry.
• Experience managing complex employee relations investigations and workplace disputes.
• Exposure to HR compliance, labor risk management, or employment policy development.
• Experience supporting performance management and workplace improvement initiatives.
• Experience collaborating with overseas HR teams and international business stakeholders.
• Familiarity with HR process improvement and employee relations best practices.

About the Company

A leading European medical device manufacturer with an established global presence.

The company develops and manufactures innovative medical technologies designed to support healthcare professionals and improve patient outcomes. Through its global operations, the organization contributes to the advancement of healthcare and the development of life-saving medical solutions.

Employees work in an international environment where collaboration, innovation, and social contribution are central to the company's mission.

Why You'll Love Working Here

• Join a leading European medical device company contributing to the development of life-saving technologies.
• Enjoy an excellent work-life balance with a nearly fully remote working arrangement.
• Benefit from flexible working hours (flextime).
• Collaborate with a global HR team, with frequent opportunities to coordinate with overseas colleagues.
• Develop expertise in Employee Relations, Japanese Labor Law, HR Compliance, and HR Advisory.
• Work closely with business leaders and managers on meaningful employee relations matters.
• Contribute to improving workplace culture, employee experience, and organizational effectiveness.
• Build your career within a globally established healthcare technology organization.
• Make a positive social impact by supporting a company developing technologies that help save lives.

Don't Miss Out - Apply Now!