Role Overview

The People Business Partner is an individual contributor role responsible for executing people-related processes, programs, and local compliance activities in Japan with a high degree of reliability and judgment. Based in Tokyo, this role reports to the Principal People Business Partner (US) and partners closely with People Business Partners, Recruiting, People Operations, Tokyo office leadership, and external partners to support employees and managers across the employee lifecycle.

The role operates with limited day-to-day supervision, manages both routine and non-routine work, and is expected to identify issues, make recommendations, and continuously improve execution within established frameworks. This role plays a key part in enabling a compliant, safe, and engaging work environment in the Tokyo office while aligning with global people programs.

Key Responsibilities

Employee & Manager Support

• Support employees and managers across the employee lifecycle by providing guidance, clarity, and timely execution of people processes.
• Act as a first point of contact for employee and manager inquiries related to people processes, programs, and local practices, escalating complex issues to the Principal People Business Partner as appropriate.
• Support managers and employees on employee relations matters by providing guidance on process and next steps. Assist with documentation, fact gathering, and coordination for employee relations cases.
• Provide guidance and coaching to managers and employees regarding performance management, including navigating potential resolutions, which involves facilitating the performance improvement process.
• Identifies and escalates issues related to team morale and team dynamics, provides guidance and coaching to managers and employees on a positive and productive workplace. 
• Maintain confidentiality and professionalism in handling sensitive employee matters.

People Process Execution & Ownership

• Execute people-related processes in Workday, including organizational changes such as restructures, reporting line updates, and headcount adjustments, in coordination with People Business Partners and People Operations.
• Own assigned process areas end-to-end, ensuring accuracy, compliance, and timely execution. Identify risks, resolve issues, and recommend improvements to workflows and execution.
• Support business onboarding by coordinating role readiness, stakeholder alignment, and early-stage support to enable effective new-hire ramp and performance.

People Program Delivery

• Support execution of people programs, including engagement surveys and performance cycles.
• Manage timelines, communications, and operational readiness to ensure smooth delivery.
• Support follow-through on program outcomes and action planning with PBPs and business leaders.

Recruiting Support

• Partner with the US-based and Tokyo-based Recruiting team to facilitate the Tokyo hiring process, ensuring compliance with local Japanese labor laws and company policies.
• Plan and execute local employer branding initiatives including exposure to the external media and management of local version of corp site by working with Comms and Recruiting team. 
• Coordinate the local execution of the offer process and employee referral program and ensure timely communication with local employees, collaborating with the Recruiting team for administrative support.
• Act as the local People team resource for the US and Tokyo Recruiting team, and candidates on specific Tokyo-based compensation, benefits, and local work practices, escalating complex questions to PBPs or People Operations as needed.

Regional Collaboration & Employee Engagement

• Collaborate closely with Tokyo office leadership to support local people programs and employee engagement initiatives such as offsites, events, and team-building initiatives, aligned with company culture and global people programs.
• Support the local rollout of global initiatives and share feedback and insights with PBPs and Organizational Effectiveness team.
• Support regional DEI communities and initiatives by working with ERG Leads and DEI team.

Compliance & Labor Administration

• Support employment compliance in Japan by preparing and submitting required regulatory documents in partnership with Employment Counsel and external legal advisors.
• Track employee working hours and report to relevant stakeholders as required.
• Make sure dispatched workers and contractors programs are compliant with local law and Scopely policies by working with Legal and People Operations team.
• Respond to inquiries from government agencies via phone or written correspondence. Support applications and reporting to labor and health authorities as required.

Health & Safety

• Coordinate Industrial Doctor program management, including arranging ad-hoc medical interviews with employees.
• Manage the annual health check process and related policies. Track health check progress and submit required reports to government authorities.
• Review health check results and coordinate follow-ups with employees and managers based on Industrial Doctor recommendations.
• Organize and operate the annual Stress Check survey and follow-up processes with external vendors (e.g., ELIXIA).
• Maintain a healthy and safe work environment, including workplace appraisals.
• Support operation of the statutory monthly Health & Safety Committee.
• Coordinate on-site flu shot programs for the Tokyo office.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in people programs, HR operations, people analytics, program management, or a related role.
• Hands-on experience supporting people processes and programs across the employee lifecycle.
• Experience working with HR systems (e.g., Workday or similar) and managing data with a high level of accuracy and attention to detail.
• Strong program coordination skills, including managing timelines, dependencies, and stakeholder communications.
• Ability and curiosity to champion the responsible adoption of AI and automation within People practices to improve scalability, reduce administrative burden, and enable more strategic impact.
• Ability to work independently on routine and non-routine tasks with limited day-to-day supervision.
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to build trust and credibility with employees and managers.
• Knowledge of Japan labor law and statutory requirements, including employment contracts, working hours, and leave policies.
• Ability to apply sound judgment, handle sensitive matters with discretion, and escalate appropriately.
• Comfort working cross-functionally and across time zones.
• Business-level proficiency in both English and Japanese, with the ability to communicate effectively in written and verbal contexts.
• Ability to work in the office 3 days a week on Tue, Wed, and Thu, and commit to a positive and collaborative work environment.
• 5-10% of travel including international travels to the US and Spain.

Plus If…

• Experience supporting performance management cycles and/or engagement surveys.
• Prior experience partnering with recruiters on hiring initiatives or onboarding processes.
• Experience supporting employee engagement initiatives, such as off-sites, events, or team-building programs.
• Exposure to working with international teams, particularly with US-based stakeholders.
• Experience collaborating with global teams in a matrix organization, specifically with US-based partners.
• Experience documenting and improving processes to increase efficiency and scalability.
• Familiarity with the gaming/tech industry.
• Possession of a Health Supervisor license (衛生管理者) and/or qualification as a Labor and Social Security Attorney (社会保険労務士).