Our client is an independent, family-owned luxury maison with a long heritage in French craftsmanship and premium leather goods. The company combines traditional expertise with a modern international outlook, creating products and experiences distinguished by authenticity, discretion and excellence.
Its culture is rooted in the preservation and transmission of savoir-faire, while remaining focused on high standards and lasting quality rather than short-lived trends. Employees join an ambitious, growing organisation where craftsmanship, heritage and customer experience are central to the business. This is an attractive opportunity for an HR leader who values integrity, cultural sensitivity and excellence, and who wishes to shape the employee experience within a distinctive luxury environment.
The HR Director will lead the full human resources agenda for the Japan organisation, based in Tokyo and supporting a multi-site retail operation. Working closely with the Japan President and Regional HR Director, the role will provide strategic advice while remaining hands-on in the delivery of effective HR operations.
Key responsibilities will include workforce planning, recruitment, onboarding, performance management, succession planning and employee development. The HR Director will also oversee payroll, benefits, administration and employee relations, including investigations and disciplinary processes, ensuring compliance with Japanese labour law and company policies.
The role will champion an inclusive, respectful and high-quality employee experience, strengthen engagement and support organisational change and new store openings. It will also involve leading, coaching and developing a small HR team.
Significant progressive experience in senior HR leadership, ideally within luxury retail, fashion, hospitality, beauty or another premium client-service environment.
Experience managing the complete HR agenda for a Japan-based organisation, including retail employees and multiple locations.
Strong working knowledge of Japanese labour law, employment practices, payroll, benefits and employee relations.
A proven ability to partner credibly with senior leaders and influence decision-making.
Experience across recruitment, talent management, employee engagement, organisational development and change initiatives.
Strong people leadership skills, including experience managing and developing HR teams.
Fluency in Japanese and business-level English.
High judgement, discretion, integrity, resilience and attention to detail.
A hands-on, practical and solutions-oriented approach.
Experience supporting new store openings and operating effectively in a fast-moving, growing business.
The ability to uphold values associated with luxury, heritage, craftsmanship and discretion.
