Senior Recruiter (12 month fixed-term)
Tokyo, Japan
Published
08/11/2025
Overview
Part of The Weber Shandwick Collective, we’re the earned-first global communications agency, led by world-class strategic thinkers and creative activators. We create shared and sustainable value for businesses, people, and society. We energise the right mix of talent, using the right platforms and latest technology to choreograph stories that make a real and meaningful impact for some of the world’s leading brands and businesses.
Our game-changing work is recognised by some of the most prestigious industry awards bodies, and we have won more than 135 Lions at the Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity. We’re also PRWeek’s 2024 Global Agency of the Year as well as being listed on the Ad Age A-List 2024 and Fast Company’s Most Innovative Companies 2024.
About the Opportunity
We are seeking a Senior Recruiter on a 12-month fixed term contract to support our hiring needs in Japan. This role is essential in managing end-to-end recruitment for key roles across the business, particularly within PR, communications, digital, and marketing functions. You will work closely with hiring managers to deliver a seamless and efficient recruitment experience, ensuring alignment with our team culture and talent needs.
Key Responsibilities
As a Senior Recruiter, your focus will be on delivering high-quality recruitment outcomes. Responsibilities include:
- Candidate Sourcing & Engagement
- Use a variety of sourcing methods (e.g., job boards, LinkedIn, referrals) to identify and engage talent for roles across the business.
- Build and maintain a pipeline of qualified candidates, with a focus on the Japanese market.
- Proactively approach and engage passive candidates, especially in communications and marketing industries.
- Recruitment Process Management
- Manage the full recruitment lifecycle, including:
- Drafting and posting job advertisements.
- Screening applications and conducting initial interviews.
- Coordinating interviews with hiring teams and collecting feedback.
- Supporting offer and onboarding processes.
- Ensure a positive and professional candidate experience throughout.
- Stakeholder Collaboration
- Work closely with hiring managers to understand role requirements and ideal candidate profiles.
- Provide timely updates on hiring progress and candidate pipelines.
- Offer market insights and advise on recruitment best practices where needed.
Qualifications & Skills
- Minimum 5 years of recruitment experience, ideally in communications, PR, marketing, or related industries.
- Strong track record of hiring in Japan and familiarity with local talent dynamics.
- Solid sourcing and headhunting skills, including use of social media and job platforms.
- Proficiency with applicant tracking systems and recruitment tools (e.g., LinkedIn Recruiter).
- Excellent interpersonal, communication, and stakeholder management skills.
- Ability to manage multiple open roles with efficiency and professionalism.
- Fluency in Japanese (native or business level) and English (professional working proficiency).
Why Work With Us?
- Be part of a globally recognized leader in communications and PR.
- Opportunity to support strategic growth during a key hiring period.
- Work in a collaborative, inclusive, and dynamic team environment.
- Flexible working arrangements available (remote or hybrid).
Note from the Team
Weber Shandwick is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to building an inclusive environment where every voice is respected. We welcome applications from all qualified candidates.
Personal data held by Weber Shandwick relating to employment applications will be used in accordance with our Privacy Statement, available on our website.
#LI-AW1
We make our careers website accessible to any and all users. If you need an accommodation to participate in the application process, please contact us at JobAppAccommodation@ipgdxtra.com. This email address is not for general employment inquiries or vendors; rather it is strictly for applicants who require special assistance accessing our employment website. Due to volume, messages sent to this email address that are not related to an accommodation cannot be answered.
Tokyo, Japan
Senior HR Business Partner (12 month fixed-term)
OVERVIEW
Part of The Weber Shandwick Collective, we’re the earned-first global communications agency, led by world-class strategic thinkers and creative activators. We create shared and sustainable value for businesses, people, and society. We energise the right mix of talent, using the right platforms and latest technology to choreograph stories that make a real and meaningful impact for some of the world’s leading brands and businesses.
Our game-changing work is recognised by some of the most prestigious industry awards bodies, and we have won more than 135 Lions at the Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity. We’re also PRWeek’s 2024 Global Agency of the Year as well as being listed on the Ad Age A-List 2024 and Fast Company’s Most Innovative Companies 2024.
About the opportunity:
We are looking for an experienced, passionate, and extremely people-focused HR practitioner who thrives in a fast-moving, highly energetic environment for this 12 month fixed term contract. This role demands a personality that is comfortable to engage and partner with leadership, and that can connect with employees across all levels of the business. The Senior HR Business Partner will have oversight of every aspect of our HR and Talent function – a role which demands both strong human resources acumen and a “change agent” mindset to continuously evolve and enhance existing HR processes and systems.
RESPONSIBILITIES
- Play a lead role in building and developing a solid Human Resources and Talent team and function in Japan by driving change through process improvement and a forward-thinking approach.
- Ensure full compliance of all HR policies, and legal requirements within Japan market regulations
- Partner closely with the business to ensure solid talent retention programs are in place, bringing an innovative approach to staff career development and incentive programs – integrating the activities with L&D to support development of career paths within the businesses
- Lead the Talent Acquisition function, driving an effective and efficient recruitment process, with the use of the Greenhouse ATS.
- Take ownership and manage the performance review process across the agency (with support of the team)
- Address staff performance issues across the businesses as required, minimizing terminations and legal exposure wherever possible
- Ensure relevant Japan market data on remuneration is systematically collected and used to build reliable compensation models for all levels of employees
- Collaborate on global and regional team activities in areas of recognition and reward strategies, and initiate motivational programs for employees
- Build and lead initiatives to enhance employee experience in collaboration with Japan leadership team
- You will be partnering with the Japan leadership team and have a strong voice in collaboration with other senior leaders, including the Managing Director and Finance Director, as well as all practice leaders
- You’ll partner closely with APAC regional HR and Talent Acquisition leads, with regards to global and regional initiatives, policies, procedures, and requirements
PERSON PROFILE
- Proven background in Human Resources in the Japanese market, with the ability to provide timely strategic counsel, while taking a long-term perspective.
- Able to dive in operationally as and when needed, including providing guidance on Japanese Labour Law
- Proven ability to hire and develop an on-the-ground strong team encompassing the full human resource employee cycle
- Willing and able to work closely with the MD and FD to align on business priorities and map back with HR strategies
- Ability to grasp issues and business realities quickly and establish a rapport with stakeholders at all levels, managing complex relationships diplomatically and consultatively
- Confident and clear communicator, native in Japanese with strong English language skills and the ability to work across markets as needed
- Ability to manage teams and individuals and provide them with the support that encourages and enables them to perform to their fullest potential
- You have exceptional communication and interpersonal skills, with a demonstrable record of building relationships internally with peers, team members and the wider business
- You’re able to prioritize and organize your workload effectively, within a deadline-driven and changing environment, using initiative to make decisions in complex situation
Note from the team
Weber Shandwick is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. Weber Shandwick is committed to building a culture where all employees are seen as equal, are respected and where all opinions are heard. We take pride in our inclusive hiring, as well as our diverse workforce and we welcome applications from all qualified candidates
#LI-LW1
We make our careers website accessible to any and all users. If you need an accommodation to participate in the application process, please contact us at JobAppAccommodation@ipgdxtra.com. This email address is not for general employment inquiries or vendors; rather it is strictly for applicants who require special assistance accessing our employment website. Due to volume, messages sent to this email address that are not related to an accommodation cannot be answered.
Tokyo, Japan
Freelance Trainer / Facilitator
OVERVIEW
Part of The Weber Shandwick Collective (TWSC), we’re the earned-first global communications agency, led by world-class strategic thinkers and creative activators. We create shared and sustainable value for businesses, people, and society. We energise the right mix of talent, using the right platforms and latest technology to choreograph stories that make a real and meaningful impact for some of the world’s leading brands and businesses.
Our game-changing work is recognised by some of the most prestigious industry awards bodies, and we have won more than 135 Lions at the Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity. We’re also PRWeek’s 2024 Global Agency of the Year as well as being listed on the Ad Age A-List 2024 and Fast Company’s Most Innovative Companies 2024.
About the role:
We are seeking an experienced freelance trainer to facilitate engaging and interactive virtual training sessions aimed at supporting people managers to effectively lead their teams through change and transformation.
Required Skills:
- Training Facilitation Experience: Proven ability to deliver effective and engaging virtual training sessions in Japanese language.
- Fluency in Japanese and English: Excellent written and verbal communication skills in both languages.
Desirable Skills and Credentials (not mandatory):
- Change Management Experience: Background in delivering training to support change management and large-scale transformation initiatives is highly advantageous.
Availability:
- Start Date: The candidate must be available to commence work from late August/ early September.
- Training Program Timeline: The expected training program is scheduled to run between September and November
- Weekly Hours: Availability for around 5 hours of briefing sessions in late August as well as around 50 hours training facilitation between September and November
About United Minds:
United Minds, part of The Weber Shandwick Collective, is a global management consultancy specializing in organizational transformation. With a multidisciplinary team of business strategists, organizational psychologists, and communications experts, United Minds offers a comprehensive suite of services including organizational design, governance, operating model optimization, strategic counsel for C-suite leaders, and transformation planning. United Minds operates globally, with offices in New York, Stockholm, Singapore, and other major cities, and is dedicated to fostering cultures of inclusion, curiosity, and impact within client organizations.
Note from the team
Weber Shandwick is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. Weber Shandwick is committed to building a culture where all employees are seen as equal, are respected and where all opinions are heard. We take pride in our inclusive hiring, as well as our diverse workforce and we welcome applications from all qualified candidates.
Personal data held by Weber Shandwick relating to employment applications will be used in accordance with our Privacy Statement, which is available on our website.
Due to the large number of applications received, we apologize if we are unable to provide a response or feedback on unsuccessful applications. We appreciate the time taken to apply for the role and your recent interest in Weber Shandwick.
#LI-LW1
We make our careers website accessible to any and all users. If you need an accommodation to participate in the application process, please contact us at JobAppAccommodation@ipgdxtra.com. This email address is not for general employment inquiries or vendors; rather it is strictly for applicants who require special assistance accessing our employment website. Due to volume, messages sent to this email address that are not related to an accommodation cannot be answered.
Tokyo, Japan
VP, Employee Engagement & Transformation, APAC
OVERVIEW
Part of The Weber Shandwick Collective, we’re the earned-first global communications agency, led by world-class strategic thinkers and creative activators. We create shared and sustainable value for businesses, people, and society. We energise the right mix of talent, using the right platforms and latest technology to choreograph stories that make a real and meaningful impact for some of the world’s leading brands and businesses.
Our game-changing work is recognised by some of the most prestigious industry awards bodies, and we have won more than 135 Lions at the Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity. We’re also PRWeek’s 2024 Global Agency of the Year as well as being listed on the Ad Age A-List 2024 and Fast Company’s Most Innovative Companies 2024.
About the opportunity:
We are seeking an Employee Engagement & Transformation expert – Account Director or Vice President level – who can advise and counsel clients, generate new business, lead client consulting projects, and contribute to thought leadership in Japan and in the APAC region. Candidates must be fluent in both Japanese and English.
RESPONSIBILITIES
Working closely with the wider Weber Advisory Japan team and the regional United Minds lead, support the growth of Weber Shandwick’s Employee Engagement and Transformation offering in the Japan market
- Seek opportunities, support and play the role of Employee Engagement and Transformation expert in new business pitches and proposals, including the development of strategies, tactics, resource and time plans and budgets
- Lead client projects and provide senior counsel to clients in various areas of organizational transformation including, but not limited to, employee engagement, culture change, organization design, and leadership effectiveness
- Develop employee communications and engagement solutions that deliver the desired outcome for the client.
- Keep knowledge current through a combination of formal training, mentoring, coaching, networking and “on the job” development
- Coach and manage less-experienced colleagues in project-based teams to ensure client success, team success and commercial success of the projects you lead
- Collaborate with multi-disciplinary teams across Weber Shandwick and IPG who are solving complex client challenges, and provide high quality counsel as a key member of these teams
- Deliver exceptional client experience, take responsibility for building senior client relationships, and proactively address issues and concerns that might affect these relationships
- In partnership with United Minds and senior members of the Weber Shandwick teams across Asia Pacific, help build credibility and awareness for the Employee Engagement & Transformation offering internally and externally
- Actively contributing to growth of the practice, our offers, and our team
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE
- An inspirational and galvanizing leader with a proven track record of growing business and building effective teams
- Substantial experience working in organisational transformation, with a focus on change management, in large, complex, multinational organisations
- Strong consultative skills including project scoping, insight gathering, problem solving, strategy development, influencing, facilitation, intervention planning and excellent written and verbal communications
- Experience leading and managing multi-disciplinary teams to deliver exceptional work on time and budget
- Demonstrates a growth mindset with entrepreneurial thinking and balanced ambition, with a proven track record of winning business, often in collaboration with others
- Has the ability to build relationships with C-suite clients and leadership teams
- Has previous experience of integrating and influencing others across a network, and unlocking business opportunities from a broader client portfolio
- Change management certification such as Prosci is preferable
- Bi-lingual language capabilities in both Japanese and English is required for the role
About Weber Advisory:
Weber Advisory, a division of Weber Shandwick, specializes in providing trusted, agile counsel to C-suite leaders navigating today’s landscape of disruption and uncertainty. By combining deep expertise in brand and communications with cultural insights, Weber Advisory helps organizations accelerate stakeholder and business value. Weber Advisory’s services cover a broad range of areas, including corporate branding and positioning, innovation, reputation management, crisis and issues management, CEO advisory, financial communications, public affairs, and sustainability.
About United Minds:
United Minds, part of The Weber Shandwick Collective, is a global management consultancy specializing in organizational transformation. With a multidisciplinary team of business strategists, organizational psychologists, and communications experts, United Minds offers a comprehensive suite of services including organizational design, governance, operating model optimization, strategic counsel for C-suite leaders, and transformation planning. United Minds operates globally, with offices in New York, Stockholm, Singapore, and other major cities, and is dedicated to fostering cultures of inclusion, curiosity, and impact within client organizations.
Note from the team
Weber Shandwick is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. Weber Shandwick is committed to building a culture where all employees are seen as equal, are respected and where all opinions are heard. We take pride in our inclusive hiring, as well as our diverse workforce and we welcome applications from all qualified candidates.
Personal data held by Weber Shandwick relating to employment applications will be used in accordance with our Privacy Statement, which is available on our website.
Due to the large number of applications received, we apologize if we are unable to provide a response or feedback on unsuccessful applications. We appreciate the time taken to apply for the role and your recent interest in Weber Shandwick.
#LI-LW1
We make our careers website accessible to any and all users. If you need an accommodation to participate in the application process, please contact us at JobAppAccommodation@ipgdxtra.com. This email address is not for general employment inquiries or vendors; rather it is strictly for applicants who require special assistance accessing our employment website. Due to volume, messages sent to this email address that are not related to an accommodation cannot be answered.