Manager, Human Resources

The opportunity

Are you ready to make your mark as part of the Human Resources Manager in our Tokyo office? 

Our People team is responsible for managing and enhancing all aspects of human resources and employee experience. Our team oversees talent acquisition, including recruiting, interviewing and onboarding new hires, ensuring that the Firm attracts and retains top legal talent and business services professionals. We develop and implement HR policies, manage employee relations, and administer compensation and benefits programs to ensure a fair and supportive work environment.

Additionally, the People team focuses on training, professional development, work allocation, mobility and fostering a positive workplace culture. We also handle performance management, employee engagement, and compliance with labor laws and regulations. Through our comprehensive HR strategies and initiatives, the People team ensures that the Firm’s workforce around the world is motivated, skilled and mobilized to deliver on the Firm’s objectives.

At White & Case, we’ll support you, give you responsibility and welcome you as an integral member of our international team from day one. We foster a collegial working environment where partners are friendly and accessible, and colleagues always supportive and open to questions. 

Key Responsibilities

• Strategic HR Partnership: Provide strategic advice to Partners on culture, engagement, talent, and workplace relations; align local practices with global and regional HR strategies.
• Workplace Relations & Compliance: Support leaders with workplace relations cases; stay current on legislation and ensure compliance across processes and decisions.
• Collaboration with HR Centres of Excellence (COEs): Partner with global COEs on HR initiatives related to benefits, recruitment, global mobility, engagement & development
• Performance Management & Compensation: Lead annual evaluation and compensation processes; provide strategic guidance on compensation aligned with global and local priorities.
• Talent & Team Development: Support team development through coaching, feedback, and identifying talent and progression needs; develop HR team capabilities and foster engagement.
• Onboarding & Offboarding: Oversee processes for new joiners and leavers, ensuring compliance, support, and efficiency throughout transitions.
• HR Systems & Process Improvement: Drive adoption of HR systems (e.g., WorkDay); streamline HR processes and leverage the service centre for efficiency.
• HR Data Management & Ad Hoc Projects: Ensure accurate HR data maintenance; manage administrative tasks and contribute to special projects as needed.

The skills and attributes we are looking for

• Senior-Level HR Experience: Proven strategic and operational HR experience within international professional services environments.
• Employee Relations & Compliance Expertise: In-depth knowledge of Japanese labour law and extensive experience managing employee relations issues.
• Compensation & Benefits Proficiency: Skilled in market benchmarking, data-driven decision making, and influencing stakeholders on compensation matters.
• Strong Communication & Influencing Skills: High-level verbal and written communication skills; fluent in English and Japanese and able to engage effectively with employees and senior stakeholders.
• Business Acumen & Proactive Problem Solving: Ability to identify critical business issues and respond or escalate appropriately, even in ambiguous situations.
• Collaborative & Adaptable Mindset: Positive, team-oriented attitude with flexibility to work across different teams and adapt to change.
• Hands-On & Client-Focused Approach: Willing to manage day-to-day HR operations while focusing on solutions and improving administrative processes.
• Discretion & Professionalism: Maintains confidentiality and demonstrates sensitivity in handling private or complex HR matters.

What We Offer

When you join us, you’ll be working directly with partners, business leaders and many other inspiring colleagues across our global network of offices. We live by our values; to be pioneering, united and human, and we believe that you’ll experience them from your first day. We will give you the support and development opportunities that will help you achieve your potential.

We believe that consistent high performance merits reward and support. Our compensation package reflects your calibre as a Human Resources Manager, and our benefits are designed to support your changing needs and priorities across different life stages.

About White & Case

Established in 1987, we have grown into one of the largest law firms in Japan, drawing upon an international team of bengoshi and lawyers qualified internationally, who consistently deliver results for our clients. One of the critical elements of our success in Japan has been that we are a full-service law firm and able to advise on virtually all business matters, including corporate law, mergers and acquisitions, financial transactions and regulation, projects and energy, antitrust, intellectual property, and real estate.

How to apply 

Interested? Please apply by submitting your CV for further consideration.

White & Case is committed to creating a fair workplace. It is our Firm’s policy to recruit, employ, train, compensate, and promote without regard to race, religion, creed, national origin, age, gender, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, genetic information, or any other category protected by applicable law. If you require assistance and/or accommodation to participate in our application and/or interview process, please email the recruiting contact listed. We will be happy to work with you.

For further assistance or queries regarding this opportunity please reach out to Lauren Evans at [email protected]

Note to recruitment agencies: Our internal Recruitment team are responsible for all end-to-end lateral recruitment processes. All agencies must sign White & Case terms of business, which are office specific. Candidates submitted by an agency without terms of business agreed with the appropriate office, and/or outside of our online application tracking system, will not be considered a formal introduction.

Any applications and CVs sent directly to White & Case Partners and employees will not be accepted as formal introductions. If you have any questions, please contact the APAC Recruitment Team. When engaging with agencies, we are supported by our preferred suppliers.