Director, People

About the opportunity:

We are looking for an experienced, passionate, and extremely people-focused HR practitioner who thrives in a fast-moving, highly energetic environment. This role demands a personality that is comfortable to engage and partner with leadership, and that can connect with employees across all levels of the business. The Human Resources Director will have oversight of every aspect of our HR and Talent function – a role which demands both strong human resources acumen and a “change agent” mindset to continuously evolve and enhance existing HR processes and systems.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Play a lead role in building and developing a solid Human Resources and Talent team and function in Japan by driving change through process improvement and a forward-thinking approach.

Ensure full compliance of all HR policies, and legal requirements within Japan market regulations

Partner closely with the business to ensure solid talent retention programs are in place, bringing an innovative approach to staff career development and incentive programs – integrating the activities with L&D to support development of career paths within the businesses

Lead the Talent Acquisition function, managing the TA Manager and supporting them in driving an effective and efficient recruitment process, with the use of the Greenhouse ATS.

Take ownership and manage the performance review process across the agency (with support of the team)

Address staff performance issues across the businesses as required, minimizing terminations and legal exposure wherever possible

Ensure relevant Japan market data on remuneration is systematically collected and used to build reliable compensation models for all levels of employees

Collaborate on global and regional team activities in areas of recognition and reward strategies, and initiate motivational programs for employees

Build and lead initiatives to enhance employee experience in collaboration with Japan leadership team

You will be part of the agency’s Senior Leadership Team, and have a strong voice in collaboration with other senior leaders, including the Managing Director and Finance Director, as well as all practice leaders

You'll partner closely with APAC regional HR and Talent Acquisition leads, with regards to global and regional initiatives, policies, procedures, and requirements

PERSON PROFILE

Proven background in Human Resources in the Japanese market, with the ability to provide timely strategic counsel, while taking a long-term perspective.

Able to dive in operationally as and when needed, including providing guidance on Japanese Labour Law

Proven ability to hire and develop an on-the-ground strong team encompassing the full human resource employee cycle

Willing and able to work closely with the MD and FD to align on business priorities and map back with HR strategies

Ability to grasp issues and business realities quickly and establish a rapport with stakeholders at all levels, managing complex relationships diplomatically and consultatively

Confident and clear communicator, fluent in Japanese with strong English language skills and the ability to work across markets as needed

Ability to manage teams and individuals and provide them with the support that encourages and enables them to perform to their fullest potential

You’re someone who thinks creatively and strategically and understands the importance of in-depth analytical skills within the People function

You have exceptional communication and interpersonal skills, with a demonstrable record of building relationships internally with peers, team members and the wider business

You’re able to prioritize and organize your workload effectively, within a deadline-driven and changing environment, using initiative to make decisions in complex situations

You have a desire to challenge the status quo and strive for continuous improvement

OVERVIEW

Part of The Weber Shandwick Collective, we’re the earned-first global communications agency, led by world-class strategic thinkers and creative activators. We create shared and sustainable value for businesses, people, and society. We energise the right mix of talent, using the right platforms and latest technology to choreograph stories that make a real and meaningful impact for some of the world’s leading brands and businesses.

Our game-changing work is recognised by some of the most prestigious industry awards bodies, and we have won more than 135 Lions at the Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity. We’re also PRWeek’s 2024 Global Agency of the Year as well as being listed on the Ad Age A-List 2024 and Fast Company's Most Innovative Companies 2024.

TWSC Values

Everything we do at TWSC is rooted in our core values of CURIOSITY, INCLUSION, COURAGE and IMPACT.

We believe that the world of work has changed, which is why we have developed a unique employee experience that reflects the world we’re living in. Here’s what we offer:

Flexible Working - We understand the need for flexible working and empower our employees to deliver impactful work wherever they are based.

Global Mobility –We unlock opportunities for our employees by utilising our powerful network, and through our mobility initiative Access All Areas, which includes policies on ‘Work from Anywhere’, ‘International Relocation’ and our global ‘Explorer Program’

Inclusive Culture - We look for qualified people from all backgrounds who are restless, curious and want to deliver impactful work in an environment where everyone can be their authentic selves. We strive every day to foster as inclusive a culture as possible.

Mental Health and Wellbeing - Helping our people stay happy, healthy, and productive is our number one priority, so we’ll support your day-to-day life with our bespoke Intellect wellbeing offering

Note from the team

Weber Shandwick is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. Weber Shandwick is committed to building a culture where all employees are seen as equal, are respected and where all opinions are heard. We take pride in our inclusive hiring, as well as our diverse workforce and we welcome applications from all qualified candidates

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