Are you looking to grow your career in HR Operations, payroll, and compensation & benefits within a purpose-driven global brand? This is an exciting opportunity to join a company known for its strong culture, sustainability values, and people-first approach. As an HR Operations Specialist, you will lead end-to-end HR operational processes in Japan while collaborating closely with both local and global stakeholders in a supportive, high-trust environment.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead end-to-end HR Operations and Total Rewards activities in Japan, including outsourced payroll oversight, HR administration, and HRIS management.
- Ensure accurate, timely, and compliant payroll, benefits, and year-end processes such as salary reviews, bonuses, tax adjustments, and social insurance.
- Manage HRIS operations to ensure HR policies, work rules, and employee lifecycle processes are reflected correctly in system configurations.
- Monitor compliance with Japanese labor laws, including working hours management, paid leave utilization, and statutory HR programs.
- Serve as the main point of contact for employee inquiries related to payroll, benefits, attendance, and HR policies.
- Develop, update, and implement HR policies and compliance frameworks aligned with legal requirements and best practices.
- Support and lead HR-related projects at both local and regional levels, driving continuous improvement across HR systems and processes.
Required Skills and Qualifications
Experience:
- 3-7 years of HR experience with a strong focus on HR Operations, payroll, and/or compensation & benefits.
- Hands-on experience managing outsourced payroll processes and external vendors.
- Required experience using HRIS and payroll systems in a digital or automated environment.
- Solid understanding of Japanese labor laws, employment regulations, and HR compliance.
- Experience managing employee lifecycle processes including onboarding, transfers, leave management, and offboarding.
- High accuracy in handling payroll and compliance-related HR data.
Soft Skills:
- Strong ownership mindset with the ability to work independently while collaborating with stakeholders.
- Excellent communication skills to explain HR policies and compliance topics clearly and practically.
- Logical and analytical thinking with the ability to propose compliant, workable solutions.
- High execution ability in a fast-paced operational environment.
- High ethical standards and discretion when handling confidential information.
Language Requirements:
- Japanese: Fluent
- English: Business level (Intermediate to Business)
Preferred Skills & Qualifications
- Experience with enterprise-level HRIS platforms.
- Background in retail, wholesale, or FMCG environments.
- Knowledge of working hours compliance, labor-management agreements, and paid leave monitoring.
- Exposure to global or regional HR projects with overseas collaboration.
- Experience in small to mid-sized or growth-stage organizations.
- Interest in HR transformation, process redesign, and continuous improvement initiatives.
About the Company
Our client is a purpose-driven global brand with strong values around people, sustainability, and long-term impact. The Japan organization operates in a lean, hands-on structure while staying closely connected to global teams. The culture emphasizes collaboration, trust, autonomy, and individual ownership.
Why You'll Love Working Here
- Purpose-driven culture focused on people, sustainability, and social impact.
- High trust and autonomy with meaningful local influence.
- Collaborative, down-to-earth environment with engaged colleagues.
- Strong connection to global teams and regional HR initiatives.
- Commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.
- Support for learning, growth, and long-term career development with low turnover.
- Flexible and hybrid working style promoting work-life balance.
- Agile organization where individual contributions are highly visible.
Don't Miss Out - Apply Now!
