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Full time

¥ 7,000,000 ~ ¥ 10,000,000

Japanese: Business
English: Business

Paid leave, seasonal holidays, and additional benefits

Hybrid work model (with required in-office days) Flexible working hours (full flex system, no core time)

Visa required

Company Overview (Confidential Client) Our client is a fast-growing AI startup originating from leading academic research in Japan, focused on developing advanced conversational AI technologies. The company is building a next-generation platform that enables natural, interactive communication between humans and AI, with initial applications in education and strong potential for expansion into broader industries. With a highly international and multidisciplinary team, the organization operates at the intersection of AI research and real-world product development. The business is currently in a rapid growth phase, having achieved early product-market fit and secured strong institutional backing, with ambitions to scale globally and become a category-defining platform in conversational AI. Job Description: HR Manager (Tokyo) We are currently supporting a confidential client in hiring an HR Manager to lead the build-out and execution of the company’s Human Resources function. This is a high-impact, hands-on role suited for someone who thrives in a startup environment and is excited by the opportunity to shape HR from the ground up. You will act as a player-coach, overseeing the full spectrum of HR activities while aligning people strategy with business growth. Role Overview As the HR Manager, you will be responsible for designing and executing HR strategies that support the company’s rapid scaling. Working closely with senior leadership, you will drive initiatives across recruitment, organizational development, performance management, and HR operations. This is a rare opportunity to build foundational HR systems and directly influence company culture and organizational effectiveness. Key Responsibilities ■ HR Strategy & Organizational Development

• Partner with leadership to design and implement HR strategies aligned with business goals
• Drive organizational development initiatives to enhance employee engagement and performance

■ Talent Acquisition

• Lead end-to-end recruitment strategy and execution across the organization
• Manage direct sourcing, agency relationships, and employer branding initiatives
• Build scalable hiring processes to attract top-tier talent

■ Learning & Development

• Design and implement training and development programs to support employee growth
• Measure effectiveness and continuously improve learning initiatives

■ Performance Management & Compensation

• Develop and manage performance evaluation systems and frameworks
• Support goal-setting processes and train managers on evaluation practices

■ HR Operations & Labor Management

• Oversee HR operations including attendance management, payroll coordination, and compliance
• Ensure alignment with Japanese labor laws (with external vendors as needed)

■ Culture & Engagement

• Lead initiatives to improve employee engagement and internal communication
• Strengthen collaboration across teams in a diverse, international environment

Qualifications & Experience

• Minimum 3+ years of experience across multiple HR functions (e.g., recruitment, L&D, performance management, labor relations)
• Experience in a leadership, team management, or project leadership capacity
• Strong ability to engage and influence stakeholders across all levels of the organization
• Analytical mindset with the ability to identify organizational challenges and implement solutions
• Business-level proficiency in both Japanese and English

Preferred Experience

• Experience building HR processes and systems from scratch in a startup or high-growth environment
• Experience designing and implementing HR systems or organizational frameworks
• Exposure to diverse, international teams or multicultural environments

Working Environment

• Hybrid work model (with required in-office days)
• Flexible working hours (full flex system, no core time)
• Collaborative, international team environment with English as a primary working language

Compensation & Benefits

• Competitive salary range (approx. ¥7M – ¥10M)
• Full social insurance coverage
• Transportation allowance
• Paid leave, seasonal holidays, and additional benefits

Why This Role? This is an opportunity to join a high-growth AI startup at a pivotal stage, where you will play a key role in shaping the organization’s people strategy and scaling a globally ambitious business. You will work closely with experienced leadership and contribute directly to building a world-class team and culture.