Introduction

We are currently supporting a search for an HR Manager (HR Business Partner) within the industrial manufacturing industry. Based in Saitama, this key leadership position oversees site-level human resources and general affairs while collaborating directly with both local and overseas business partners. The role offers a dynamic balance of hands-on operational leadership and strategic framework development.

About the Role

Operating as an HR leader within the industrial manufacturing industry, you will serve as a hands-on playing manager reporting directly to the General Manager of HR & General Affairs. In this role, you will take full ownership of day-to-day HR operations, labor relations, and site management. You will bridge local operational requirements with European parent group standards, acting as a trusted advisor to key stakeholders across Japan and global headquarters.

Responsibilities

Labor Relations & Compliance

• Lead site attendance tracking, labor dispute resolution, and employee relations strategies in full compliance with Japanese labor law.
• Maintain, review, and update company work rules (就業規則) to align with changing legal regulations and business needs.

Personnel Costing & Compensation Frameworks

• Oversee personnel cost planning, annual budgeting, and financial reporting while supervising local payroll workflows.
• Partner with leadership to refine, improve, and execute site performance evaluation frameworks and compensation structures.

Talent Acquisition & Development

• Drive local recruitment initiatives to secure qualified operational and technical talent for the site.
• Design and implement site-wide employee training and professional development activities to foster long-term retention.

General Affairs & Site Operations

• Direct site-level general affairs activities to ensure seamless operational continuity and facility management.

Requirements

• Minimum 5 years of practical HR and labor relations experience, including attendance management and work-rules compliance.
• Industry background within the industrial manufacturing industry or related engineering sectors.
• Language: Native-level Japanese and Business-level English for daily collaboration with local and overseas stakeholders.
• Core soft skills: Excellent cross-cultural communication, pragmatic problem-solving, and strong stakeholder management capabilities.

Why Apply

• Full-Cycle HR Scope: Own the entire HR and general affairs lifecycle for the site rather than being restricted to a single specialized function.
• Strategic Influence: Directly reshape and modernize site evaluation frameworks and compensation models to drive business success.
• Global Exposure: Engage in daily collaboration with European headquarters, gaining valuable international visibility without leaving the local site.
• Competitive Compensation: Receive an attractive annual package ranging between 10,000,000 JPY and 13,000,000 JPY, commensurate with experience.
• Leadership Impact: Serve as a core operational partner to site executive management and spearhead organizational culture.
• Regional Convenience: Access a rare, internationally connected executive HR management seat situated in Saitama.