We are currently supporting a strategic search for an Associate HR Director to join a premier global provider of clinical research and healthcare intelligence. This is an urgent, high-impact role designed for a sophisticated HR professional to lead the people strategy for a major business unit of approximately 2,500 employees. You will serve as a vital bridge between business goals and people solutions, directly influencing the future of healthcare through organizational excellence.

About the Role

Reporting directly to the Director of the Japan HR Partner team, you will act as a senior advisor and hands-on partner to business leaders. The primary goal of this position is to ensure high-quality HR delivery by balancing high-level planning with practical execution across the region.

In this role, you will be a "trusted advisor" who understands business challenges and provides clear guidance on team structure and talent. You will manage the people-related side of business changes, including company acquisitions and office transitions. You will also work closely with global HR teams to make sure international strategies work effectively in the Japanese market.

Responsibilities

Strategic Business Partnering & Leadership

• Serve as a trusted advisor to senior leaders, providing expert consultation on organizational design, leadership strategy, and complex talent management challenges.
• Lead and mentor a high-performing HR team, fostering a culture of engagement and professional excellence.
• Drive local organizational effectiveness by assessing and managing the people-impact of business initiatives and real estate transitions.

Talent & Organizational Development

• Architect and implement best practices for talent pipelines, succession planning, and leadership development programs.
• Partner with global and regional stakeholders to localize and execute HR strategies that align with specific Japanese business priorities.
• Execute end-to-end HR projects, taking full accountability for stakeholder management and tangible business outcomes.

Operational Excellence & Employee Relations

• Manage complex employee relations matters with discretion, ensuring all resolutions align with local Japan employment legislation and company policy.
• Direct HR due diligence and post-merger integration (PMI) workstreams for M&A activities.
• Collaborate with Shared Services to optimize HR processes, utilizing data-driven insights to improve operational efficiency and the overall employee journey.

Requirements

• Experience: Minimum of 10 years of HR experience, including a blend of generalist and specialist roles, with at least 4 years in a direct line management capacity operating alongside senior/executive teams.
• Education: Bachelor’s degree or equivalent professional training.
• Technical Expertise: Deep knowledge of Japan employment law and experience with Works Council liaison; prior experience navigating M&A (due diligence through integration) is highly preferred.
• Language & Tools: Proficiency in English and Japanese for complex negotiations; strong command of Microsoft Office and modern HRIS applications.
• Soft Skills: Exceptional influencing, coaching, and problem-solving skills within highly complex, fast-paced environments.

Why Apply?

• High Visibility & Influence: Direct access to senior executive management teams, acting as a critical architect of the organization’s people strategy.
• Global Impact: Play a pivotal role in a company that is reimagining healthcare and accelerating the development of innovative medical treatments worldwide.
• Complexity & Challenge: Lead sophisticated HR workstreams, including M&A and large-scale organizational design, within a dynamic 2,500-employee business unit.
• Collaborative Culture: Work within a "joined-up" HR model that values diverse expertise, from Global Centers of Excellence to local specialist teams.
• Professional Growth: Join a firm committed to ensuring you reach your career goals while contributing to meaningful, patient-centric results.