About this role
The HR Manager is responsible for leading and managing all human resources functions for Informa Markets Japan, ensuring alignment with both local business needs and global Informa HR strategies. This role serves as a strategic business partner to senior leadership while overseeing talent acquisition, employee relations, performance management, compensation and benefits, compliance, and organizational development initiatives to support business growth and employee engagement.
Key Responsibilities
Strategic HR Leadership
HR Strategy Development: Develop and implement HR strategies that align with Informa Markets Japan's business objectives and global HR frameworkBusiness Partnership: Serve as a trusted advisor to senior leadership and business heads on organizational design, talent management, and people-related mattersWorkforce Planning: Lead workforce planning initiatives to ensure optimal organizational structure and resource allocationChange Management: Drive organizational change initiatives, restructuring, and transformation programsHR Metrics & Analytics: Analyze HR data and metrics to provide insights and recommendations for business decision-makingBudget Management: Develop and manage HR department budget, ensuring cost-effective delivery of HR servicesTalent Acquisition & Management
Recruitment Strategy: Develop and execute recruitment strategies to attract top talent across all levels and functionsHiring Process: Oversee end-to-end recruitment process including job postings, candidate screening, interviews, and offer negotiationsEmployer Branding: Enhance employer brand and employee value proposition in the Japanese marketOnboarding: Design and implement comprehensive onboarding programs to ensure successful integration of new hiresTalent Pipeline: Build talent pipelines for critical roles and succession planningAgency Management: Manage relationships with recruitment agencies and external hiring partnersPerformance Management & Development
Performance Systems: Implement and manage performance management processes aligned with Informa's global frameworkGoal Setting: Facilitate objective setting, mid-year reviews, and annual performance evaluationsTalent Development: Design and deliver learning and development programs to enhance employee capabilitiesCareer Development: Implement career development frameworks and internal mobility programsLeadership Development: Create and execute leadership development initiatives for managers and high-potential employeesSuccession Planning: Develop succession plans for key positions and critical rolesEmployee Relations & Engagement
Employee Relations: Manage employee relations issues including grievances, disciplinary matters, and conflict resolutionEngagement Initiatives: Design and implement employee engagement programs and initiativesEmployee Surveys: Conduct regular employee engagement surveys and develop action plans based on feedbackInternal Communications: Partner with communications team on HR-related internal communicationsCulture Building: Foster positive workplace culture aligned with Informa's values and behaviorsDiversity & Inclusion: Champion diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives within the organizationCompensation & Benefits
Compensation Strategy: Develop and manage competitive compensation structures aligned with market benchmarksSalary Reviews: Lead annual salary review processes including budget allocation and merit increasesBenefits Administration: Oversee employee benefits programs including health insurance, pension, and other statutory and voluntary benefitsJob Evaluation: Conduct job evaluations and maintain internal equity in compensationIncentive Programs: Design and manage bonus and incentive programsMarket Analysis: Conduct regular market surveys to ensure competitive positioningHR Compliance & Administration
Legal Compliance: Ensure full compliance with Japanese labor laws, regulations, and statutory requirementsHR Policies: Develop, implement, and maintain HR policies and procedures in accordance with local laws and global standardsEmployment Contracts: Oversee preparation and management of employment contracts and related documentationLabor Relations: Manage relationships with labor authorities and handle labor-related inquiriesHR Systems: Manage HRIS (Human Resources Information System) and ensure data accuracy and integrityReporting: Prepare regular HR reports for local management and global HR teamAudit & Risk Management: Conduct HR audits and implement risk mitigation strategiesOrganizational Development
Organization Design: Lead organizational design initiatives to optimize structure and effectivenessChange Leadership: Support business transformation through effective change management practicesCulture Transformation: Drive cultural initiatives to enhance organizational effectivenessEmployee Wellbeing: Implement health, safety, and wellbeing programsExit Management: Manage employee exits including resignations, retirements, and restructuring with sensitivity and complianceGlobal HR Collaboration
Global Alignment: Ensure alignment with Informa's global HR policies, programs, and initiativesRegional Coordination: Collaborate with Asia-Pacific HR team and global HR centers of excellenceBest Practice Sharing: Participate in global HR forums and share best practicesGlobal Projects: Contribute to and implement global HR projects and initiativesReporting: Provide regular updates to regional and global HR leadership Education & Experience
Education: Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Psychology, or related field; Master's degree or MBA preferredExperience: Minimum 8-10 years of progressive HR experience with at least 3-5 years in an HR management roleIndustry Experience: Experience in events, media, publishing, or B2B services industry preferredGeneralist Background: Broad HR generalist experience across all HR functionsManagement Experience: Proven experience managing HR teams and leading HR initiativesProfessional Qualifications
Labor Law Knowledge: Deep understanding of Japanese labor laws and employment regulationsGlobal Experience: Experience working in multinational organizations with matrix structuresSkills & Competencies
Strategic HR Skills:
Strategic thinking and ability to translate business needs into HR solutionsStrong business acumen and understanding of commercial driversExperience in organizational design and workforce planningChange management expertiseData-driven decision-making capabilitiesLeadership & Management:
Proven leadership skills with ability to influence at all levelsStrong coaching and mentoring abilitiesTeam management and development experienceAbility to build and maintain effective relationshipsConflict resolution and negotiation skillsCommunication Skills:
Excellent verbal and written communication skills in Japanese (native level)Business-level English proficiency (required for regional collaboration)Strong presentation and facilitation skillsAbility to communicate complex HR concepts clearlyDiplomatic and tactful communication styleTechnical Skills:
Proficiency in HRIS systems (Workday, SAP SuccessFactors, or similar)Advanced Microsoft Office skills (Excel, PowerPoint, Word)Experience with HR analytics and reporting toolsFunctional Expertise:
Comprehensive knowledge of all HR disciplinesExpertise in Japanese employment law and complianceStrong understanding of compensation and benefits practicesPerformance management system implementationTalent acquisition and retention strategiesEmployee relations and conflict resolutionPersonal Attributes:
High integrity and ability to maintain confidentialityStrong ethical standards and professional judgmentProactive and solution-oriented mindsetResilient and able to handle sensitive situationsCulturally aware and sensitiveAdaptable and comfortable with ambiguityService-oriented with customer-focused approachDetail-oriented with strong organizational skillsPreferred Qualifications
Experience managing HR in organizations with 200+ employeesExperience with mergers, acquisitions, or organizational restructuringKnowledge of regional HR practices across Asia-PacificExperience implementing global HR systems and processesBilingual proficiency in Japanese and EnglishExperience with employee engagement and culture transformation initiativesJapanese proficiency at a level equivalent to JLPT N1 is required for this role. Candidate must, at the time of application, hold a residence status that permits a full-time employment in Japan.