HR Manager Japan Project

As an integrated events group, GL events operates in three main segments : event organisation, venue management and the production and provision of services for trade shows, conferences and events.

The multiplicity of businesses, markets, geographic locations and a strong culture of customer service have led GL events to adopt an organisational structure based on profit centres on a human scale, favouring the professional development of each employee and a close relationship with customers. Autonomy and a sense of responsibility are two essential values in human resources management.

These are the main values on which GL events relies to drive the development of its business (€750 million in 2021 and €1.2 billion in sales in 2019) with the help of its 4,700 employees in more than 90 countries around the world.

We are looking for an internationally minded HR Lead to oversee both the daily HR operations and the overall HR coordination for a major international project based in Nagoya, Japan. This is a project-dedicated role that combines strategic oversight tailored to the project’s needs with hands-on execution.

You will serve as the single point of contact for all HR topics on the ground, working closely with local teams, global HR, external partners, and onboarding specialists. The role requires pragmatic leadership, strong operational HR experience, and the ability to adapt to a fast-paced, multicultural environment.

Key Responsibilities

HR Oversight for the Project

Lead and coordinate all HR functions required for the successful execution of the project in Japan.

Adapt and apply group HR policies to the local project context, ensuring compliance with Japanese labor law.

Act as the key liaison with global HR, project leadership, and functional teams.

Is part of the project management team.

Operational HR Management

Manage daily HR operations : employment contracts, employee relations, local policies, HR documentation, and compliance.

Oversee recruitment processes (internal and / or via agencies), onboarding, HR admin, payroll coordination, and visa / work permit management.

Work closely with the onboarding team to ensure a seamless integration of new staff.

Supervise and potentially build a small HR and / or recruitment support team depending on project evolution.

External and Internal Coordination

Coordinate with external recruitment partners and vendors (e.g. payroll providers, visa consultants, recruitment agencies).

Serve as the go-to HR contact for managers and employees throughout the project lifecycle.

Prepare reports and ensure data integrity.

What We’re Looking For

Solid experience in HR generalist or HR project roles, ideally in international or fast-paced environments.

Comfortable operating autonomously and setting up processes from scratch.

Fluent in English (spoken and written); able to work in a multicultural setting.

Willing and able to relocate to Nagoya, Japan for the duration of the project.

Hands-on, solutions-oriented, with excellent organizational and interpersonal skills.

Prior exposure to the Japanese labor market or working in Japan is preferred.

Familiarity with HR compliance, payroll, and recruitment processes in an international context.

Japanese language skills are a plus but not required.

Why Join Us

A dynamic HR leadership role at the heart of a large-scale, international project.

A position with broad responsibilities, real autonomy, and cross-functional exposure.

The opportunity to live and work in Japan with relocation support provided.

A mission-driven team in a multicultural environment.