Join a leading global biopharmaceutical company in Tokyo as a Human Resources Business Partner (HRBP), working closely with business leaders to shape and execute talent strategy, organisational development, and people initiatives across Japan.
This role will serve as a strategic HR partner to senior stakeholders, translating Japan's business priorities into practical HR and talent strategies. You will advise leaders on organisational and talent challenges while driving initiatives across organisational transformation, culture, leadership development, talent management, and employee engagement.
The position offers the opportunity to operate as a true business partner rather than focusing solely on operational HR. You will collaborate with local, regional, and global leaders to develop the organisation, strengthen its talent pipeline, support critical hiring, and deliver people solutions that create meaningful business impact.
Key Responsibilities
- Develop a strong understanding of the Japan business strategy and key priorities, and lead the development and execution of the Japan talent strategy.
- Act as a strategic HR Business Partner to business leaders, identifying and addressing organisational, workforce, and talent-related challenges.
- Advise senior stakeholders on people strategies that support business objectives and organisational performance.
- Drive organisational transformation, culture development, and leadership development initiatives across the Japan business.
- Lead talent reviews and talent development planning to support the growth, engagement, development, and retention of key talent.
- Partner with Talent Acquisition and hiring managers to support recruitment and internal mobility for critical positions.
- Support the complete employee lifecycle, including onboarding, performance management, career development, and offboarding.
- Provide practical guidance on HR matters while proactively identifying and managing people-related risks in accordance with Japanese employment law and relevant regulations.
- Participate in global and local People initiatives and lead or support their successful implementation and adoption in Japan.
- Collaborate with regional and global HR stakeholders to ensure people strategies are aligned while addressing the specific needs of the Japanese business.
- Build strong partnerships with senior executives, managers, and other stakeholders to influence decisions and drive effective people solutions.
Required Skills and Qualifications
Experience:
- 8+ years of experience as an HR Business Partner or Talent Partner, supporting Commercial functions.
- Proven experience developing and executing HR and talent strategies from initial concept through implementation.
- Strong track record of delivering practical people solutions that support measurable business and organisational priorities.
- Deep knowledge of Japanese employment law, HR practices, and people policies.
- Experience partnering with a diverse range of internal and external stakeholders, including senior executives.
- Demonstrated ability to influence business leaders at multiple organisational levels.
- Experience supporting organisational development, talent management, leadership development, and broader people initiatives.
- Bachelor's degree or equivalent professional experience.
Soft Skills:
- Excellent communication, influencing, and stakeholder management capabilities.
- Ability to establish credibility and operate as a trusted strategic adviser to senior business leaders.
- Strong relationship-building skills across different functions, seniority levels, and cultural backgrounds.
- Ability to navigate complex organisational structures and stakeholder environments effectively.
- Proven ability to collaborate with multiple stakeholders in a global, multicultural, and matrixed organisation.
- Strategic mindset combined with the ability to translate business priorities into practical HR solutions.
- Ability to lead and support organisational change while gaining stakeholder alignment and adoption.
Language Requirements:
- Japanese: Fluent / Native level
- English: Business level, with strong spoken communication skills
Preferred Skills & Qualifications
- Previous HRBP experience within the pharmaceutical, biotechnology, medical device, or broader life sciences industry.
- Experience partnering with Commercial functions in a pharmaceutical or life sciences environment.
- Exposure to regional or global HR initiatives within an international organisation.
- Experience supporting significant organisational transformation or culture change.
- Strong background in talent strategy, talent reviews, succession or development planning, and leadership development.
About the Company
Our client is a leading global biopharmaceutical manufacturer with operations in Tokyo.
Operating within the highly specialised pharmaceutical and life sciences sector, the organisation combines global capabilities with a strong focus on its Japan business. Its international structure provides HR professionals with the opportunity to collaborate closely with local, regional, and global stakeholders.
This environment is particularly suited to an experienced HRBP who wants to combine strategic HR partnering, talent management, organisational development, and business transformation within a global biopharma organisation.
Why You'll Love Working Here
- Operate as a true strategic HR Business Partner rather than focusing solely on transactional HR activities.
- Work closely with global, regional, and Japan senior leaders to drive meaningful organisational and people-related change.
- Take ownership of Japan's talent strategy and contribute directly to key business priorities.
- Lead initiatives across talent management, organisational development, culture, and leadership development.
- Support the development, engagement, and retention of critical talent within a global biopharmaceutical organisation.
- Gain exposure to global and local People initiatives and play an active role in their successful implementation in Japan.
- Build your HRBP career within the pharmaceutical and life sciences industry.
- Benefit from a flexible working environment with strong work-life balance.
- Receive competitive compensation.
Don't Miss Out - Apply Now!
