HR Operations & Analytics Lead (Japan)

Role Overview

This role is responsible for leading HR operations in Japan with a high degree of independence, ensuring accurate and efficient execution of HR processes while optimizing workflows within existing system constraints.

The role plays a key part in driving operational excellence through process improvement, data analysis, and automation, while enhancing HR process visibility and promoting a self-service model across the organization.

In addition, this position acts as a local center of expertise, partnering with HR Business Partners, Global HR (including Total Rewards), HSS, and Finance to provide data-driven insights and support workforce planning and personnel cost management, contributing to a lean and sustainable HR operating model.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Take full ownership of end-to-end HR operations, ensuring accurate and timely execution of employee lifecycle processes
• Operate independently to manage HR operational activities, proactively identifying issues and driving resolution without reliance on supervision
• Lead continuous improvement initiatives to enhance operational efficiency, reduce manual workload, and streamline processes under existing constraints
• Design and optimize workflows for manual and Excel-based processes, improving accuracy, consistency, and scalability
• Serve as the primary point of contact for HR operations, coordinating with internal stakeholders, HSS, and external vendors as required
• Manage payroll input processes and coordination with HSS, ensuring data accuracy and timely submission (focus on process efficiency rather than transactional complexity)
• Manage personnel cost planning, tracking, and analysis, working closely with Finance on budgeting and forecasting (plan vs actual)
• Provide insights on headcount cost, workforce trends, and financial impact to support decision-making by HR and business leaders
• Perform data analysis on workforce, compensation, and operational metrics to support decision-making and identify improvement opportunities
• Act as a local center of expertise (COE) by bridging Global Total Rewards, Japan HRBP, and local operational realities
• Translate global frameworks and policies into locally executable processes while providing feedback to Global functions based on Japan-specific insights
• Prepare and manage internal and external HR reports, ensuring data accuracy, consistency, and timely delivery
• Improve reporting processes by standardizing data structures, reducing manual work, and enhancing data governance
• Maintain high data integrity within HRIS and ensure reliable data flow across systems and stakeholders
• Enhance visibility of HR processes by documenting workflows, creating guidelines, and improving transparency
• Drive adoption of a self-service model by enabling employees and managers to complete standard HR processes independently
• Develop and support transition toward a lean HR operating model, including the evaluation and implementation of selective outsourcing (BPO) for transactional work
• Collaborate effectively with Global HR, HSS, and local stakeholders, balancing global alignment with local operational needs
• Leverage available tools, including automation and AI, to enhance efficiency and minimize manual work

Experience

• Minimum 5–7 years of experience in HR Operations, HR Generalist, or related HR roles
• Strong working knowledge of payroll processes and HR administration
• Experience in HRIS management, HR data handling, and reporting
• Experience in workforce planning and/or personnel cost management, including budgeting and forecasting
• Proven experience in process improvement, standardization, or operational optimization initiatives
• Experience in working with shared service models and/or global HR environments is preferred
• Exposure to data analysis, HR analytics, or reporting-related activities

Skills/Accreditations

• Strong analytical and data management skills (advanced Excel required; Power Query / automation tools are a plus)
• Ability to interpret data and provide actionable insights to stakeholders (HR, Finance, Business leaders)
• Process design, simplification, and standardization capability
• Ability to work independently and drive initiatives in a hands-on, resource-constrained environment
• Strong stakeholder management and communication skills, including collaboration with Global HR, HRBP, and Finance
• Ability to operate effectively within system and organizational constraints while driving improvements
• Japanese: Native level
• English: Business level (required for Global collaboration)

Academic Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience

Travel requirements

• No significant travel required
• Expected to work on-site at the Ukima-Funado R&D site approximately once per week (~20% of working time)
• Flexible working arrangements available, including up to 2 days per week remote work