Role Overview



As the People Partner for Japan, you will act as the primary People contact for all Japan employees and leaders. You will be responsible for a full spectrum of People team activities across the location, serving as both a hands-on operator, working in partnership with the Global People Partners and other Regional People Partners, benefits contact, and workplace support. This is a visible, relationship-driven role requiring deep expertise in Japanese employment law, Japanese benefits, a passion for culture and engagement, and the ability to resolve employee matters with discretion and integrity.




Key Responsibilities




HR for Japan:

• Serve as the primary People team resource for all Japan employees and leaders, providing HR support.


• Act as the main People Partner presence in the Japan office, ensuring timely, in-person support for employees and leaders, and bridging time zone gaps with global People Team colleagues.


• Build strong, trusted relationships with portfolio managers, senior leaders, and employees across the Japan office.


• Willingness to "roll up your sleeves" and handle all aspects of HR operations, from high-level strategy to hands-on problem-solving.


• Partner directly with business leaders, portfolio managers, and senior stakeholders to deliver both HR guidance and day-to-day operational support, including employee relations, performance management and benefits.


• Serve as the point of contact for complex and sensitive employee relations issues, conducting investigations and providing expert guidance on conflict resolution, disciplinary actions, and grievance processes in Japan.

• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of Japan employment laws and regulations, ensuring all HR and Benefits practices and policies are compliant with local requirements.


• Administer day-to-day employee benefits operations in Japan, including enrollments, terminations, employee changes, and routine employee support for statutory and company-sponsored benefit plans.


• Maintain required benefits documentation, tracking, and filings, and support compliance with local regulations, internal controls, and audit requirements.


• Respond to employee questions on benefits in Japan, communicate plan details clearly, and escalate complex compliance or legal issues as appropriate.

• Champion the firm's culture and values by leading local employee engagement initiatives, fostering a high-performance and inclusive environment, and supporting employee well-being. Proactively drive connectivity and collaboration across the Japan office and with global teams, ensuring employees feel valued, heard, and part of the broader firm community.


• Drive the delivery and continuous improvement of learning and development initiatives for Japan employees, identifying local training needs, partnering with global L&D teams, and ensuring alignment with both regulatory requirements and the firm's strategic objectives. Foster a culture of continuous learning and professional growth across all levels.

• Workplace Experience Services - Oversee reception services, ensuring professional and consistently welcoming experience for all guests, visitors, and staff. Act as the on-site point of contact for outsourced food, cleaning, and office service vendors, monitor performance against agreed KPIs and ensure day-to-day operations meet the firm's standards.


• Preventative Maintenance Oversight- Administer the preventative maintenance schedule for office appliances and facilities, liaising with vendors and building management to ensure repairs and routine servicing are completed on time.

• HR/People leadership experience in a fast-paced, high-performance environment, ideally within financial services or a similarly demanding sector.


• 8 to 10 years of experience within HR Business Partnering


• Deep knowledge of Japanese employment law and HR/Benefits best practices.


• Demonstrated experience handling sensitive employee relations matters with discretion and sound judgment.


• Proven ability to build relationships and influence senior leaders and stakeholders.


• Comfortable operating both strategically and tactically; not afraid to get hands dirty.


• Experience working in a global, matrixed organization and navigating time zone challenges.


• Exceptional communication, problem-solving, and organizational skills.


• Fluency in Japanese is required


• Degree in Human Resources, Business, Law, or related field; relevant certifications (e.g., CIPD) preferred.