Human Resources Business Partner

Bilingual English & Japanese Required

Our client is a global leader in logistics and supply chain management, providing comprehensive solutions in sea freight, air freight, road logistics, and contract logistics. With a strong presence in over 100 countries and a history spanning more than 130 years, the company is renowned for its innovative technologies, customer-centric approach, and commitment to operational excellence. They are well established in Japan with approximately 1,000 staff. 

Role Summary:

As an HR Business Partner, you will serve as a strategic partner to business and functional unit leaders, championing best practices in HR activities and fostering a positive employee lifecycle experience. Your role is pivotal in shaping HR strategy, driving employee engagement, supporting organizational transformation, and ensuring compliance. Collaborating closely with the Centers of Excellence (COE) and managing HR-related projects, you will enable the organization to attract, retain, and develop top talent while optimizing HR processes. Fluency in Japanese is mandatory, as is a proactive and open communication style to effectively connect with stakeholders across cultural and organizational contexts.

Key Responsibilities:

Employee Lifecycle Management:

• Lead initiatives to ensure every stage of the employee lifecycle is a positive and productive experience.
• Design and implement strategies for employee engagement and retention.

Advisory and Compliance:

• Build effective partnerships with internal stakeholders to advise on people management, performance, and compliance issues.
• Address contractual and statutory compliance matters and manage sensitive issues such as disciplinary actions.

Organizational Transformation:

• Facilitate behavioral changes in leaders and employees to drive cultural and organizational transformation.
• Collaborate with stakeholders to implement performance management systems tied to career growth and remuneration.

Communication and Policy Development:

• Drive clear and consistent internal communication in both English and Japanese.
• Manage internal communication platforms and create/review HR policies and working instructions.

HR Process Optimization:

• Support the transfer of HR tasks to the Shared Service Team while driving continuous improvement in HR activities.
• Provide and analyze people-related data to inform decision-making and support business objectives.

Talent Acquisition and Development:

• Partner with the COE to deliver a seamless candidate experience and best-in-class onboarding process.
• Promote proactive workforce planning and career development opportunities to enhance talent retention.

Special Projects:

• Take a consultative approach to ensure compliance and best practices in employment processes for indirect labor (if assigned to Contract Logistics).

Success Factors:

To thrive in this role, you will need:

1. HR Expertise: A strong understanding of HR best practices, including employee lifecycle management, compliance, and workforce planning.
2. Fluency in Japanese: Native-level or business-level proficiency in Japanese is essential to navigate local regulations and connect effectively with stakeholders.
3. Strategic Mindset: The ability to align HR activities with business objectives and drive organizational transformation.
4. Proactive Communication Style: An open and proactive approach to communication to ensure clarity, collaboration, and alignment.
5. Data-Driven Approach: The capability to analyze HR data proactively and provide actionable insights.
6. Adaptability: A positive attitude, maturity, and self-driven mindset, with a readiness to lead in dynamic environments.
7. Collaboration: Strong interpersonal skills to build partnerships and work as part of a team.

Working with Us:

At our organization, you will play a vital role in shaping the employee experience, ultimately supporting our mission to be the best company to work for and with. Your contributions to workforce planning, employee engagement, and HR service delivery will ensure we attract, retain, and develop exceptional talent, fostering a workplace where everyone can thrive.