Head of HR, Japan & Korea

Location:Takasaki, JP, 370-1202 Tokyo, Shinagawa-ku, JP, 141-0032

• We are currently looking for the right candidate to join our company as the Head of HR, Japan & Korea. We employ about 110 employees across Japan and Korea with the majority in Japan. The operations in Japan contain commercial and manufacturing activities. Meanwhile, Korea is limited to commercial business.
• The Head of HR will be responsible for the implementation and monitoring of the global HR Strategy, own the business processes, and provide advisory services – at the strategic, operational, and administrational levels in both countries. This role will successfully lead the change effort for how the organization as a whole delivers HR services. This role will also provide proactive business advisory and solutions-oriented HR business partner services for the local management team. The Head of HR is part of the leadership teams, i.e. the business and regional AMEA HR Team.

• Build a strong HR reputation by providing leadership and managing the implementation of best practice HR solutions, processes, and reports that are aligned with Barry Callebaut’s policies and processes, supporting the front-end business managers in their day-to-day activities
• Ensure communication and management of Global HR processes, such as performance management and annual compensation review, with a strong focus on compliance and local law and regulations
• Responsible for HR administration, payroll and benefits functions.
• Be a constructive challenger to peers to drive the overall people strategy, by designing and swiftly implementing people-oriented and organizational solutions
• Act as a partner and advisor for both employees and managers to deliver customized and forward-looking solutions, programs, and policies
• Responsible for engaging and coaching managers in applying company policies, ensuring alignment to rules and law aspects
• Act as the performance improvement driver to influence positive changes in the environment
• Act as the lead for HR to identify the operational and administrative services, inclusive of process mapping, organizational design, people
• transition strategy, costs, and other relevant areas
• Support talent management based on the global steering and guidance received, including annual events (performance, talent review, succession planning, compensation, engagement surveys, and more)
• Foster good employee relations and promote employee engagement as a way to retain highly valued talent. Drive action plans for the global function that will deliver an engaging high-performance workplace as a result of employee surveys
• Role model the right leadership behaviors and create an environment of trust and integrity
• Develop, implement and review local HR Policies following the Labour Relations Act and conduct regular training and information sessions for managers to ensure compliance with such policies.
• Facilitate disciplinary, grievance and dispute resolution processes
• Approx. 15%, travel between the locations

• Bachelor/Master’s degree in Business, HR / Economics / Project management or similar
• Minimum 10 years of experience in HR Operations, in Japan (thereof min. 5 years in a leadership role)
• Fluent in key languages English & Japanese - verbal and written
• Excellent leadership, people management and project management skills
• Has prior experience working in a multinational corporation
• In-depth knowledge of local employment law and industrial relations in the relevant countries
• Comprehensive skills related to operational excellence & service management & control
• Excellent interpersonal, communication, negotiation and influencing skills with the ability and confidence to operate at senior levels with internal and external stakeholders
• Ability to think strategically, ensuring that HR priorities are aligned with business objectives
• Proficiency in using HR systems (Success Factors/Workday), digital savvy and strong analytical skills
• Flexibility and ability to operate and deliver under pressure
• Proactive and decision-making skills
• Budget, cost & performance management
• Strong Ethics, Integrity and Compliance Mindset
• Strong customer-centric and delivery-focused mindset
• Excellent stakeholder management & customer service skills
• Leading by example and with emotional intelligence, able to drive courageous discussions
• Able to build relationships across a wide and diverse customer base, both internally and externally
• Strong cultural awareness and sensitivity