Our client is a global consumer health group with more than 50 years of history, operating in over 100 countries across FMCG and B2B industrial chemicals. A new leadership team is driving a full business transformation over the next five years and beyond.
This is a newly created position, and the first true HR Business Partner role in the Japan organisation — a rare chance to establish the HRBP function rather than inherit it.
The role
A senior individual contributor partnering the leadership of the Japan Consumer Business Unit (500+ employees). You will report locally to the Head of HR Japan & Asia, with functional reporting to a global HR lead.
- Act as the primary HR partner to Consumer Business Japan leadership, translating business strategy into people strategy, priorities and plans
- Lead organisational design and change management initiatives that support the transformation of the Consumer Business
- Drive talent management, succession planning and workforce planning, including talent reviews and high-potential development
- Champion performance management and pay-for-performance, coaching managers to hold quality performance and development conversations
- Lead employee engagement analysis and action planning
- Manage employee relations matters and investigations; ensure compliance with Japanese labour law and internal policy
- Partner with the global and regional HR community so that global strategy, policy and frameworks land properly in the local context
What we are looking for
- 8–12 years in HR Business Partnering, ideally within multinational consumer goods, healthcare or FMCG
- Proven track record in talent management, organisational design and change management
- Solid employee relations experience and working knowledge of Japanese employment law
- Strong stakeholder management; able to influence and coach senior leaders
- Experience in a global matrix organisation, balancing global alignment with local relevance
- Culturally sensitive and comfortable working across cultures
- Fluent Japanese and business-level English
- Hands-on, and energised by building something that does not yet exist
Location
Osaka. Hybrid working. Kansai-based candidates preferred and relocation is supported.
Candidates unable to relocate may be considered on the basis of 2–3 days per week in Osaka.