Job Title: HR Manager – Japan
Company: FranklinCovey Japan
Department: Human Resources
Location: Tokyo / Hybrid
Employment Type: Full-time

About FranklinCovey Japan
FranklinCovey is a global leader in organizational performance improvement, helping organizations achieve results that require lasting changes in human behavior. FranklinCovey Japan provides leadership, productivity, and organizational effectiveness solutions to clients across Japan, bringing global best practices to the local market.

With a team of under 50 employees in Japan, we offer a close-knit, collaborative environment where each person has a direct impact on our business and our clients.

Role Overview
The HR Manager – Japan will own the full spectrum of HR for FranklinCovey Japan, working in a lean setup (you + 1 HR contractor). This is a hands-on generalist role covering talent management, employee relations, performance management, organizational development, and HR operations.

You will ensure all HR processes in Japan—including onboarding, offboarding, payroll coordination, social insurance, and Work Rules management—comply with Japanese labor law and align with FranklinCovey’s global standards. You will communicate regularly with HQ and regional stakeholders in English to align corporate systems, workflows, and HR programs with local needs.

Key Responsibilities
HR Business Partnership & Employee Relations

• Act as the primary HR contact for all employees and managers in Japan.
• Provide guidance on employee relations, labor issues, and day-to-day people matters, ensuring compliance with Japanese labor law and internal policies.
• Coach managers on feedback, communication, and people management in line with FranklinCovey’s leadership principles.

Talent Management & Organizational Development

• Drive talent management initiatives including development planning, career paths, and succession for key roles.
• Identify training and development needs and coordinate learning solutions, leveraging FranklinCovey content and global resources.
• Support organizational design and change initiatives to strengthen engagement, culture, and performance in a sub-50 employee environment.

Performance Management

• Lead the performance management cycle in Japan (goal setting, mid-year and year-end reviews, calibrations).
• Partner with HQ/Regional HR to localize and implement global performance frameworks and tools.
• Support leaders in handling performance issues and building high-performing teams.

HR Operations & Compliance

• Manage end-to-end HR operations, including:
  • Onboarding and orientation for new hires
  • Employment contracts, renewals, and changes
  • HRIS and employee data maintenance
  • Offboarding, exit procedures, and exit interviews
• Maintain, update, and file Work Rules and related policies in line with Japanese labor law.
• Collaborate with external partners (e.g., payroll vendor, recruiters, etc.) and manage their performance.

Payroll, Social Insurance & Benefits

• Coordinate monthly payroll with Finance and/or payroll vendors to ensure accuracy and timeliness.
• Oversee social insurance and labor insurance enrollments, changes, and terminations.
• Manage various leaves and related procedures in compliance with regulations.
• Support the design and communication of Japan-specific benefits and perks.

HR Data, Reporting & Analytics

• Maintain accurate HR records and documentation for audits and compliance.
• Produce regular HR reports (headcount, turnover, hiring, engagement indicators, etc.) for Japan leadership and HQ.
• Use HR data to identify trends and recommend improvements in HR programs and processes.

Global Alignment & Systems

• Serve as the key liaison between FranklinCovey Japan and HQ HR teams.
• Align Japan HR practices, policies, and systems with global standards while ensuring local relevance and legal compliance.
• Implement global HR systems and workflows in Japan (e.g., HRIS, performance tools, engagement surveys), including communication, training, and change management.

Required Qualifications

• Several years of progressive HR experience in Japan, including solid hands-on generalist experience.
• Strong knowledge of Japanese labor law, social insurance, and HR compliance.
• Practical experience in HR operations (onboarding, offboarding, payroll coordination, social insurance procedures, Work Rules administration).
• Experience managing performance management processes and supporting employee relations issues.
• Proven ability to operate independently in a small organization or lean HR team.
• Native-level Japanese and business-level English (able to communicate with HQ and stakeholders in writing and in meetings).
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills; able to build trust with employees and leaders at all levels.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in a multinational company and/or working with global HR teams.
• Experience in professional services, consulting, education, or training industries.
• Familiarity with HRIS and basic HR analytics/reporting.
• Experience supporting organizational development, culture, or change initiatives.
• HR-related qualifications (e.g., SHRM, CIPD, etc.) are an advantage but not mandatory.

Skills & Competencies

• Broad, practical HR knowledge across the employee lifecycle.
• High attention to detail and accuracy, especially in payroll and compliance.
• Strong problem-solving skills and sound judgment, especially in sensitive matters.
• Ability to balance strategic thinking with hands-on execution.
• Strong organizational and time-management skills; comfortable managing multiple topics simultaneously.
• Continuous improvement mindset; proactive in proposing and implementing process enhancements.

What We Offer

• Competitive salary and performance-based bonus.
• Social insurance and statutory benefits in line with Japanese law.
• Transportation allowance.
• Paid vacation and company holidays.
• Opportunities for professional development, including exposure to FranklinCovey’s world-class content and programs.
• A collaborative, values-driven environment where your HR expertise has visible impact.

Reporting Line

• Reports to: Country Manager Japan
• Direct reports: 1 HR contractor (functional oversight/cooperation)

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