HR Manager Japan

Company Overview

IMI is a world-leading engineering company dedicated to devising innovative solutions. We are curious problem-solvers partnering with customers to meet today's demands and prepare for future challenges. We prioritize innovation and impactful outcomes that benefit business, daily life, and the planet, delivering lasting value for all.

Our expertise spans highly engineered products in fluid and motion control, serving five main sectors: Industrial Automation, Process Automation, Climate Control, Life Science & Fluid Control, and Transport.

Role Summary

We seek an HR Manager for IMI Process Automation in Japan to collaborate closely with the Managing Director and leadership team, spearheading HR initiatives aligned with IMI’s global people strategy and culture. This role involves overseeing the entire employee lifecycle and implementing local HR strategies that support business development.

Key Responsibilities

• Collaborate with the Managing Director to define HR goals and update policies based on deep understanding of vertical and sector priorities.
• Serve as an internal communications ambassador, integrating company strategy into local HR policies and processes spanning organization and talent development, performance management, and employee relations.
• Develop and lead comprehensive training plans aligned with departmental skill matrices.
• Drive organizational development including grading system deployment, competency evaluations, and succession planning to ensure sustainable growth.
• Manage the Business Unit HR budget and oversee HR cost control.
• Administer compensation and benefits programs adhering to company policies and regulatory standards; participate in annual salary surveys through Mercer and local consultants to maintain market competitiveness.
• Champion inclusion and diversity initiatives to boost employee engagement.
• Oversee accurate maintenance and reporting of HR information systems ensuring alignment with financial data.
• Ensure compliance with Health, Safety, and Environmental (HSE) regulations and procedures; proactively report hazards, near-misses, or incidents; promote a safety culture and lead by example.

Candidate Profile

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Psychology, or a related discipline.
• Minimum of 5 years progressive HR experience, with at least 3 years in leadership or HR Business Partner roles.
• Extensive knowledge across HR fields including talent acquisition, organizational development, compensation and benefits, workforce planning, and employee engagement.
• Proven experience in business transformation, organizational change, and talent development projects.
• Previous exposure to working within international or matrix organizations is highly preferred.
• Fluent in Japanese (native level) and English (business professional), with excellent communication skills.

Leadership Qualities

• Strong business acumen with the ability to translate strategy into actionable people initiatives.
• Growth-focused mindset committed to continuous improvement.
• Credible and confident influencer, capable of constructive challenges to senior leadership.
• Excellent interpersonal and coaching skills across organizational levels.
• High emotional intelligence with cultural sensitivity and integrity.
• Adaptable and resilient in managing change and competing demands.
• Balanced approach combining hands-on execution with strategic thinking.
• Dedication to fostering an inclusive, collaborative, and high-performance workplace aligned with IMI’s values.

Critical Competencies

• Superior communication skills in Japanese and English, able to effectively engage all organizational layers.
• Trusted advisor to Managing Director with discretion, sound decisions, and effective delivery in fast-moving environments.
• Ensures right talent placement aligned with skills and behaviors for organizational success.
• Strong execution skills and strategic HR planning capabilities.
• Growth mindset and ongoing adaptability to evolving business needs.

Why Join IMI?

At IMI, innovation leads to engineering breakthroughs making the world safer, healthier, and more sustainable. As the HR Manager in Japan, you will influence both employee experience and business growth within a diverse, inclusive global company committed to continuous progress and innovation.

IMI prizes diversity and welcomes candidates from all backgrounds.