Global Head Talent Management, Flexible Location (JP)

Our client is a Japan-headquartered global organisation in the life sciences industry with operations across multiple international markets. The company is recognised as a leader within its sector and has been through a period of significant business transformation and modernisation. The Global Head Talent Management is a highly visible role within an international environment, working with stakeholders across regions and functions and can be based in any location across Japan.

The Global Head Talent Management will lead and develop a globally distributed team responsible for enterprise talent management and organisational development initiatives. The position will partner with senior leaders to design and implement talent strategies that support business objectives, including succession planning, talent reviews, career architecture, leadership development, and workforce capability building. The Global Head will drive the continuous improvement of global talent processes, governance, and supporting technologies, ensuring scalable, data-driven solutions across a complex, matrixed organisation. It will act as a trusted advisor to executive stakeholders, aligning talent strategy with business priorities while supporting organisational transformation and change initiatives. The role will ensure talent practices are effectively implemented within both global and Japanese business environments, while maintaining compliance with relevant governance and regulatory requirements.

You are an experienced talent management or organisational development leader with 10–15+ years of experience operating in global, matrixed organizations. You bring a strong strategic mindset, excellent business acumen, and a proven ability to translate future-focused talent strategies into practical business outcomes. You have extensive experience leading enterprise-wide talent programs, including succession planning, talent assessment, competency frameworks, career development, and executive talent management. You are comfortable partnering with senior executives, managing diverse international teams, and influencing across complex stakeholder groups. A strong people leader, you create highly engaged teams, develop talent, foster accountability, and adapt your leadership style to different situations and cultures. You combine sound judgment with decisiveness, maintain a strong customer focus, and demonstrate high levels of self-awareness and personal effectiveness. A bachelor's degree is required, with an advanced degree in HR, Organisational Development, Industrial Psychology, or a related discipline preferred. Experience with HR technology platforms such as SuccessFactors or Workday, as well as knowledge of Japanese corporate governance and regulatory frameworks, would be highly advantageous.

A highly visible global leadership role with the opportunity to shape talent strategy across a complex international organisation. This is an opportunity to join an organisation that places talent at the centre of its business strategy and is committed to best-in-class talent practices. It is a broad remit spanning talent management, succession, career architecture, leadership development, and organisational effectiveness.

This is a highly visible role operating in a complex global matrix, requiring exceptional stakeholder management and influencing skills across multiple regions and business units. The organisation has high expectations and a strong performance culture. Success will require resilience, sound judgment, and the ability to deliver results in a demanding environment. The scope is broad and enterprise-wide, covering multiple talent disciplines simultaneously. Candidates seeking a narrower specialist role may find the remit challenging.