HR Business Partner - Japan & South Korea

MAISON POLENE

Established in 2016 by three siblings, the French maison Polène crafts a collection of leathergoods that blends minimalism and creative exploration to offer unique shapes and signatures achieved through excellent craftsmanship.

The leather, sourced exclusively from certified Italian and Spanish tanneries, is sculpted to create organic forms, folds, drapery effects, or weavings.

The manufacturing process is entrusted to our artisans in Ubrique, a city in Spain specializing in high-end leathergoods, which hosts all of Polène's production trades.

Since 2023, Polène has been expanding into a new realm of expression: jewelry. Thematic collections explore nature, from the undulations of the wind to the textures of rocks sculpted into the material.

Our documentary: “HORS CHAMP”

As we continue to grow, we are looking for a highly-collaborative and proactive Human Resources Business Partner, who will support our retail stores based in Japan and South Korea, managing the day-to day HR matters and local strategy and initiatives.

Reporting to the HQ HR Manager based in Paris, you will be based in our Tokyo office, with a presence in the retail locations. You will be the primary HR contact for our Japanese and South Korean store teams and play a key role in attracting top talent, supporting our existing boutiques as well as in the opening of our future boutiques in the area. Your responsibilities will be the following:

1/ Talent Acquisition
- Manage end-to-end recruitment processes for office and retail positions.
- Partner with HQ Talent Acquisition Manager and store leadership to understand hiring needs and identify candidates aligned with our brand values.
- Implement sourcing strategies to attract diverse and qualified talent.

 2/ Onboarding & Retention
- Oversee onboarding processes to ensure a smooth integration for new hires.
- Develop initiatives to enhance employee engagement and retention.

3/ Payroll Management and HR Administration
- Coordinate payroll processes with external payroll providers to ensure accuracy and compliance.
- Validate payroll data, including timesheets, bonuses, and deductions.
- Address payroll-related inquiries and resolve discrepancies in a timely manner.
- Manage employee records, ensuring accuracy and confidentiality of personal and professional information.
- Oversee employment documentation, including contracts, amendments, and terminations.
- Support visa and work authorization processes when required.

4/ HR Partnership
- Act as the primary HR point of contact for employees, providing guidance and support on HR policies, procedures, and employee relations.
- Collaborate with managers to foster a positive workplace culture and ensure alignment with company values.
- Address employee concerns and mediate conflicts as needed.

5/ Performance Management:
- Support managers in performance reviews, goal setting, and development plans.
- Provide coaching and feedback to managers on HR-related matters.

6/ Compliance & Reporting
- Ensure compliance with local labor laws and company policies.
- Maintain accurate HR records and generate reports as needed.

7/ Office Management & Events

- Oversee day-to-day office management and general services, ensuring a seamless and efficient working environment.
- Plan and execute events and initiatives to foster collaboration, celebrate milestones, and enhance the employee experience.

- You have at least 7 years of HR experience in Japan, an experience in the luxury/high-end retail sector is preferred
- You hold a Bachelor’s degree in human resources, business administration or other related field

- You understand payroll systems and external provider coordination
- You have a demonstrated knowledge of employment law, employee relations best-practices, presentation skills, and recruiting practices
- You are able to multi-task, work in ambiguity and adapt to competing priorities in a fast-paced environment.
- You have strong relationship-building skills, as well as analytical and problem-solving skills.
- You are OK with traveling domestically when needed.

- You are fluent in English and Japanese (Korean would be a plus!)