Head of HR, Japan & Korea

Introduction:

We are supporting a global financial services organisation in the search for a Head of HR, Japan & Korea. This is a senior HR leadership role responsible for leading the HR agenda in Japan and supporting Korea, acting as a strategic partner to business leaders while ensuring effective HR operations and compliance.

The role offers an opportunity to work in a multinational environment with strong regional collaboration, combining strategic HR leadership with hands-on execution.

About the Role:

The successful candidate will lead all HR activities across Japan and provide HR support for Korea, partnering with senior stakeholders to drive talent strategy, organisational effectiveness, and employee engagement.

This role requires a hands-on HR leader who can operate independently in a lean organisation while managing both strategic initiatives and day-to-day HR operations.

Responsibilities:

• Act as a trusted HR Business Partner to senior management and business leaders.
• Drive workforce planning, talent management, succession planning, and organisational development initiatives.
• Lead recruitment activities and ensure effective talent acquisition processes.
• Manage employee relations, performance management, compensation reviews, and HR policies.
• Ensure compliance with local employment regulations and internal governance.
• Oversee HR operations, payroll governance, HR systems, and reporting.
• Collaborate with regional HR teams on global and Asia Pacific HR initiatives.

Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in HR, Business Administration, Law, Psychology, or related field.
• 8–10+ years of HR experience, ideally within a multinational and regulated environment.
• Proven experience as an HR Business Partner, Country HR Manager, or similar senior HR role.
• Strong knowledge of Japanese employment law and HR practices.
• Experience across employee relations, recruitment, compensation, performance management, and HR operations.
• Experience in financial services, insurance, or another regulated industry is preferred.
• Japanese: Advanced / Native level
• English: Advanced / Business level
• Korean language capability is a plus.

Why Apply:

• Opportunity to lead the HR function for Japan and support Korea within a global organisation.
• High visibility role partnering with senior leadership and regional HR teams.
• Broad HR leadership scope covering both strategic and operational areas.
• Ideal opportunity for an experienced HR professional seeking a country-level HR leadership position in an international environment.