Head of HR & GA

We are seeking an experienced and strategic Head of Human Resources and General Administration (Japan) to lead people and administrative functions for a healthcare-focused wholesale and retail organization. This senior leadership role will partner closely with commercial, retail, and corporate teams to support sustainable growth, ensure regulatory compliance, and foster a high-performing, customer-centric culture within a highly regulated and evolving environment.

About the Role

As Head of Human Resources and General Administration, you will be responsible for shaping and executing the people and administrative strategy in Japan. You will oversee end-to-end HR operations while managing general administration functions across corporate offices and multiple retail locations. This role plays a critical part in talent development, workforce effectiveness, compliance readiness, and operational excellence, while acting as a trusted advisor to senior leadership and regional stakeholders.

Responsibilities

Human Resources Leadership

• Develop and execute mid-term HR strategies aligned with business growth, particularly in retail and sales operations.
• Lead full-cycle HR processes, including talent acquisition, onboarding, performance management, compensation and benefits, succession planning, and learning and development.
• Ensure full compliance with Japanese labor laws, Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare guidelines, and industry-specific employment and ethical regulations.
• Support regional and global HR initiatives and alignment.
• Coach and develop HR team members, including HR Business Partners supporting sales, marketing, and retail operations.
• Drive employee engagement, retention, and effective internal communication across retail sites and corporate functions.
• Utilize data analytics to assess HR effectiveness, workforce productivity, and talent gaps.
• Lead and support internal compliance investigations within Japan.

General Administration

• Oversee general affairs functions, including facilities management and health and safety.
• Ensure administrative and workplace operations are efficient, scalable, and cost-effective across multiple locations.
• Manage corporate filings, office licenses, and healthcare-related permits or certifications.
• Oversee safety, hygiene, and business continuity measures in collaboration with retail and operations leaders.
• Support internal audits and regulatory inspections, ensuring readiness for compliance reviews.
• Lead procurement and vendor management for corporate and operational services.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field; advanced degree preferred.
• Minimum of 10 years of HR experience, including at least 5 years in a senior leadership role in Japan.
• Experience in retail, manufacturing, healthcare, or regulated sales-driven environments is highly desirable.
• Strong knowledge of Japanese labor law, healthcare compliance, and HR practices in regulated industries.
• Proven experience managing geographically dispersed teams and retail or field-based workforces.
• Fluency in Japanese and business-level English.
• Demonstrated ability to influence senior leaders and partner effectively with commercial teams.
• Experience building scalable HR and general administration frameworks.
• Familiarity with regulatory bodies and guidelines related to healthcare is an advantage.
• Proficiency with HR systems, data reporting, and operational tools.
• Strong change management experience.



Why Apply

This is a unique opportunity to take on a high-impact leadership role within a purpose-driven healthcare organization. You will have the chance to shape people strategy, strengthen compliance and governance, and build a strong organizational foundation that directly supports patient outcomes and business growth. The role offers meaningful responsibility, cross-functional collaboration, and the opportunity to make a lasting impact in a growing and socially important sector.