Talent Acquisition Lead Tokyo - Global Manufacturing

Are you an experienced Talent Acquisition Lead or Recruitment Manager looking to take ownership of recruitment strategy for a global manufacturing organisation in Japan?

Join a global leader in construction equipment and heavy machinery in Tokyo, where you will lead talent acquisition activities across the Japanese business. This position offers the opportunity to shape recruitment strategy, strengthen employer branding, and attract professionals who will support the company's continued growth.

As the Talent Acquisition Lead, you will oversee end-to-end recruitment, lead and support the recruitment team, and collaborate with hiring managers and international stakeholders to deliver effective hiring solutions.

This role is ideal for an experienced in-house recruiter, talent acquisition specialist, or recruitment team leader who enjoys combining strategic recruitment planning with hands-on candidate sourcing and stakeholder management.

Key Responsibilities

• Talent Acquisition Strategy: Develop and execute recruitment strategies aligned with business objectives, workforce requirements, and organisational growth plans in Japan.
• End-to-End Recruitment Management: Oversee recruitment activities across the Japanese business, from hiring needs assessment and candidate sourcing through selection and hiring.
• Direct Sourcing & Talent Identification: Identify and engage suitable candidates through proactive sourcing methods, talent mapping, and professional networks.
• Recruitment Team Leadership: Lead and support the recruitment team, providing guidance, coordination, and operational support to achieve hiring objectives.
• Stakeholder Management: Partner with hiring managers, HR colleagues, and business leaders to understand recruitment needs and develop effective hiring solutions.
• Global Collaboration: Work closely with international HR and talent acquisition teams to align local recruitment activities with global hiring priorities.
• Employer Branding: Develop and support employer branding initiatives to strengthen the company's visibility and attractiveness to potential candidates.
• Recruitment Planning & Prioritisation: Manage recruitment priorities, coordinate hiring projects, and allocate resources effectively to support business requirements.
• Recruitment Process Improvement: Identify opportunities to improve recruitment processes, candidate engagement, and hiring effectiveness.
• Business Growth Support: Contribute to the company's continued development by attracting talent with the technical and professional capabilities required for its operations.

Required Skills and Qualifications

Experience:

• Talent Acquisition Experience: At least 5 years of professional experience in mid-career recruitment, including sourcing, candidate assessment, and recruitment process management.
• Direct Sourcing Expertise: Proven ability to proactively identify, approach, and engage qualified candidates through direct sourcing and other recruitment channels.
• Recruitment Strategy: Experience planning and executing recruitment activities based on business needs and hiring priorities.
• End-to-End Recruitment: Practical experience managing recruitment processes, coordinating with hiring managers, and supporting successful hiring outcomes.
• Stakeholder Management: Experience working with hiring managers, HR teams, and business stakeholders to understand recruitment requirements and deliver hiring solutions.
• Recruitment Project Management: Ability to manage multiple recruitment activities, prioritise vacancies, and coordinate hiring processes effectively.
• Education: Bachelor's degree.

Soft Skills:

• Prioritisation & Organisation: Strong ability to prioritise recruitment requirements, manage competing deadlines, and maintain progress across multiple hiring projects.
• Problem-Solving: Ability to identify recruitment challenges, evaluate available options, and implement practical solutions.
• Communication Skills: Strong interpersonal and communication abilities to engage effectively with candidates, hiring managers, and internal stakeholders.
• Leadership & Collaboration: Ability to guide and support colleagues while working collaboratively with HR and business teams.
• Proactive Mindset: Self-motivated approach to identifying talent, improving recruitment processes, and driving hiring activities forward.
• Stakeholder Engagement: Ability to build productive relationships and influence stakeholders throughout the recruitment process.

Language Requirements:

• Japanese: Native-level proficiency for candidate communication, recruitment activities, and stakeholder engagement in Japan.
• English: Conversational to intermediate-level proficiency for communication and collaboration with international colleagues.

Preferred Skills & Qualifications

• Previous experience in talent acquisition, recruitment, or HR within manufacturing, construction equipment, heavy machinery, or industrial businesses.
• Experience working as an in-house recruiter, Talent Acquisition Lead, or Recruitment Team Leader within a multinational organisation.
• Experience leading or supporting recruitment teams and coordinating hiring activities across multiple business functions.
• Familiarity with sourcing technical, engineering, manufacturing, or other specialist professionals.
• Experience collaborating with global talent acquisition teams or international HR stakeholders.
• Knowledge of employer branding initiatives and candidate attraction strategies within competitive recruitment markets.
• Experience improving recruitment processes and supporting hiring initiatives during periods of business growth.

About the Company

Our client is a global leader in the manufacturing and distribution of construction equipment and heavy machinery, recognised for its strong brand reputation and established presence in the industrial sector.

The organisation operates in a highly technical industry, combining specialised products, engineering expertise, and professional services to support its customers and business partners.

With an international business environment and a strong focus on organisational development, the company recognises the importance of attracting skilled professionals to support its continued growth.

The Talent Acquisition Lead will play an important role in strengthening recruitment capabilities across Japan, working closely with local business leaders and global colleagues to secure the talent required for future business success.

Why You'll Love Working Here

• Globally Recognised Employer: Join a well-established international leader in construction equipment and heavy machinery with strong brand recognition.
• Recruitment Leadership Opportunity: Take responsibility for talent acquisition activities across Japan and contribute to the company's hiring strategy.
• Strategic Business Impact: Support organisational growth by identifying and attracting professionals who will strengthen the business.
• Ownership & Responsibility: Lead recruitment initiatives, manage hiring priorities, and influence recruitment decisions across the organisation.
• Team Leadership Experience: Guide and support the recruitment team while developing your leadership and stakeholder management capabilities.
• Global Collaboration: Work with international HR and talent acquisition colleagues, gaining exposure to recruitment practices within a multinational organisation.
• Employer Branding Opportunities: Help strengthen the company's reputation as an employer and improve its ability to attract specialist talent.
• Technical Industry Exposure: Develop a deeper understanding of manufacturing, construction machinery, heavy equipment, and specialist industrial recruitment.
• Professional Development: Expand your expertise in talent acquisition strategy, direct sourcing, recruitment operations, and HR leadership.
• Meaningful Contribution: Combine your recruitment expertise with a people-focused approach to help build the teams that support the company's future.

Don't Miss Out - Apply Now!