WPP | Head of People Engine, Japan

We are seeking an experienced People operations leader to oversee all aspects of people operations (“Engine”), including payroll processing, HRIS management, and general HR administration for WPP in Japan where we have about 1,300 team members collectively. This role requires a strategic and visionary leader who can manage complex operational processes while driving efficiency and continuous improvement initiatives and lead a team of professionals in the field. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in people operations management and a proven track record of leading teams to be high performing.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

Payroll Management:
•    Oversee all payroll processes ensuring accuracy, compliance, and timely execution
•    Manage end-to-end payroll operations for all company entities (domestic and international if applicable)
•    Lead payroll system optimization and automation initiatives, including AI chatbots.
•    Ensure compliance with all payroll tax regulations
•    Oversee year-end payroll processes
•    Develop and maintain payroll policies and procedures
•    Handle complex payroll inquiries including foreign equity income treatment and resolve payroll-related issues
•    Manage relationships with payroll vendors and service providers
•    Oversee global mobility transactions

HRIS Management:
•    Lead HRIS strategy, implementation, and optimization efforts
•    Manage HRIS data integrity, security, and compliance
•    Oversee system enhancements, upgrades, and integration projects
•    Lead HR analytics and reporting initiatives to provide business insights
•    Develop and maintain HRIS policies and procedures
•    Train HR team members and system users on HRIS functionality
•    Evaluate and recommend new HR technologies and systems
•    Ensure all HR systems comply with data privacy regulations

General HR Administration:
•    Oversee general HR administrative functions including employee records management.
•    Manage benefits administration, including company-leased housing and company cars and employee enrollment processes
•    Lead compliance efforts related to HR operations, including Stress Checks and Health and Safety Committee.
•    Develop and evolve HR operational policies and standard operating procedures
•    Ensure proper documentation and audit trail for all HR transactions
•    Manage vendor relationships for HR services and benefits providers
•    Oversee HR budget related to operations and systems
•    Lead process improvement initiatives to enhance operational efficiency

Team Leadership:
•    Lead, mentor, and develop the team members in Engine
•    Set performance objectives and conduct regular performance reviews
•    Foster a culture of continuous improvement and excellence
•    Manage team capacity and resource allocation
•    Promote cross-functional collaboration with other people teams and departments

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

•    Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or related field
•    7+ years of progressive HR operations experience
•    3+ years of people management experience
•    Japanese (native) and English (business level) profeciency
•    Strong knowledge of payroll processes, regulations, and best practices
•    Extensive experience with HRIS systems (Workday, SAP, Oracle, or similar)
•    Advanced Excel skills and experience with HR analytics
•    Knowledge of employment laws and regulations in Japan

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

•    Experience with global payroll operations
•    Project management certification
•    Change management experience
•    Experience with lean management or Six Sigma methodologies
•    CPP (Certified Payroll Professional) or SPHR/PHR certification preferred

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES:

•    Exceptional leadership and team management skills
•    Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities
•    Excellent project management skills
•    Outstanding attention to detail and accuracy
•    Advanced knowledge of or passion to explore HR technology and systems
•    Strong communication skills (written and verbal)
•    Ability to handle confidential information with discretion
•    Strategic thinking with operational execution capabilities
•    Experience driving process improvements and automation
•    Proficiency in data analysis and reporting