This is a strategic and high-impact search for a People Services Lead to join a world-class firm known for its cutting-edge industrial innovation. Tasked with bridging the gap between high-level HR strategy and seamless operational execution, the successful candidate will serve as a vital pillar in the Japan People organization, ensuring the firm remains agile in a dynamic market.

About the Role

Reporting directly to the Japan People Head, you will manage a broad HR remit that balances sophisticated people partnership with the ownership of essential operational workflows. You will lead the delivery of HR services and solutions for the Japan employee base, acting as a key conduit between local business needs and global HR initiatives.

In this role, you will be expected to act as a trusted advisor to managers and employees alike. The "vibe" of the position is one of high autonomy and influence; you will navigate a demanding, international business environment where your ability to think proactively and drive process improvements is just as valued as your technical expertise in HR operations.

Responsibilities

Operational Excellence & Service Delivery

• Lead the full lifecycle of HR operational services, including onboarding, benefit program management, and the coordination of Japan-specific payroll processes.
• Manage and optimize relationships with external vendors (Payroll, DC/DB, and Social Security) to ensure high service standards and compliance.
• Oversee complex case management and workflow tracking, ensuring all employee and manager inquiries are resolved with a high degree of professionalism and efficiency.

Strategic HR Initiatives

• Partner with the Japan People Head to implement and execute both local and global HR initiatives focused on engagement, reward, and talent development.
• Drive continuous improvement projects to modernize HR processes, tooling, and systems (HRIS) to enhance the employee experience.
• Analyze HR data and organizational "signals" to identify trends, providing actionable insights for the regional leadership team.

Requirements

• Professional Experience: Extensive background in HR Operations, specifically within payroll administration (Expat payroll experience is highly preferred) and benefits program management.
• Legal & Technical Expertise: Deep knowledge of Japan Labor Law and social insurance regulations; proficiency in HRIS platforms (e.g., SAP, SuccessFactors, SmartHR) and MS Office suite.
• Industry Context: Proven experience working within a global/multinational corporate environment, demonstrating the ability to build relations across different levels and cultures.
• Soft Skills: Exceptional communication and negotiation skills; a pragmatic, result-driven approach with the ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously.
• Language Skills: Native-level Japanese and business-level English (both verbal and written) are essential for success in this regional role.

Why Apply?

• High Visibility & Influence: You will have a direct line to the Japan People Head and play a visible role in shaping the local HR culture.
• Balance of Strategy and Execution: This isn't just a "back-office" role; you are empowered to architect and improve the systems you manage.
• Global Exposure: Work within a highly international framework, collaborating with global teams to localize enterprise-wide people strategies.
• Career Trajectory: The firm is in a phase of sophisticated growth, offering long-term opportunities for career advancement within a manager-level (JG 17-18) capacity.
• Culture of Excellence: Join an organization that values "customer-oriented" HR—where employees are treated with the same care and innovation as the company’s world-leading products.