Take the lead in building and scaling the people strategy for a rapidly growing AI and technology company in Tokyo. As HR Director, you will partner directly with the CEO to develop the end-to-end HR infrastructure required to support significant business and headcount growth.
This is a hands-on leadership opportunity for an experienced bilingual Japanese-English HR professional who can combine strategic HR leadership with practical execution. You will shape compensation and incentive structures, talent development, performance management, employee retention and organisational design while helping bridge Japanese and Western workplace cultures.
Key Responsibilities
- Partner with Talent Acquisition to support 2-3x headcount growth while developing structured compensation and incentive frameworks.
- Build career ladders, performance review systems and talent development frameworks, while training managers to effectively develop their teams.
- Design HR policies and retention initiatives that engage and retain high-performing talent throughout rapid organisational growth.
- Manage sensitive employee relations and performance matters, including PIPs, disciplinary cases and terminations, with sound judgement and in accordance with Japanese labour law.
- Act as a trusted HR advisor, helping bridge Japanese and Western working styles while maintaining a strong company culture as headcount expands.
- Define reporting lines and organisational structures as new teams are established, while supporting office planning and company-wide events.
- Partner directly with the CEO on workforce strategy, organisational design and executive-level people decisions.
Required Skills and Qualifications
Experience:
- Over 6 years of relevant HR experience, including experience scaling an HR or People function through significant headcount growth.
- Proven experience working within a startup or scale-up environment, rather than solely within established corporate organisations.
- Hands-on experience designing and implementing HR frameworks from the ground up, including compensation models, performance evaluation systems and career ladders.
- Practical experience managing employee relations and sensitive performance matters, including PIPs, disciplinary cases and terminations, in compliance with Japanese labour regulations.
- Experience operating with a high level of autonomy and partnering directly with senior or executive leadership.
- Bachelor's degree.
Soft Skills:
- Exceptional emotional intelligence and the ability to build trust across a diverse, international workforce.
- Strong stakeholder management, communication and relationship-building skills.
- Ability to effectively bridge Japanese and Western workplace cultures and working styles.
- Strategic mindset combined with the ability to execute hands-on in a rapidly changing environment.
Language Requirements:
- Japanese: Fluent
- English: Fluent
- Strong written and verbal communication skills in both languages to effectively support a bilingual and international workforce.
Preferred Skills & Qualifications
- Background or strong interest in Learning & Development (L&D).
- Experience or interest in employee reskilling initiatives.
- Exposure to workforce transformation, talent management or organisational development programmes.
About the Company
Our client is a fast-growing Tokyo-based AI and technology company developing custom software and AI solutions that help major Japanese businesses modernise their operations.
Led by experienced technology professionals, the company brings business and engineering teams together to solve real-world challenges for major enterprise clients. Its international working environment combines Japanese and Western workplace cultures while using technology to support more efficient and sustainable business operations.
As the organisation continues to expand, this is an opportunity to help build the HR infrastructure, culture and talent strategy required for its next stage of growth.
Why You'll Love Working Here
- Direct CEO partnership: Gain a seat at the leadership table and influence workforce strategy, organisational design and company growth.
- High autonomy: Build and improve HR frameworks rather than simply maintaining established processes.
- Flexible working: Benefit from flexible hours, hybrid and remote working options that support work-life balance.
- International culture: Join a collaborative workplace combining Japanese and Western working styles.
- Professional growth: Take broad ownership of high-visibility initiatives across HR strategy, talent management, compensation, performance and organisational development.
- Technology-focused environment: Work alongside experienced technical leaders at a company developing AI and software solutions for major Japanese enterprises.
- Casual working environment: Enjoy a modern workplace with casual clothing and flexible working practices.
Don't Miss Out - Apply Now!
