HR Consultant
Microsoft
People & HR
Tokyo, Japan
Global HR Consulting Mission is to help managers and their teams navigate complex people matters with confidence and care through clear guidance, smart automation, and in‑the‑moment coaching, where human judgement matters most -- driving clarity, speed, and high‑performing teams at scale across Microsoft.
As an HR Consultant, you will provide daily consultation to managers and employees on a range of topics such as performance, retention, and team building/conflict. At the same time, you will leverage data & insights to design and improve processes related to manager capability, performance management, rewards and retention, onboarding, and more, thereby contributing to enhancing organizational capability. In this role, you will not only develop the essential capabilities required of an HR professional; such as labor relations, employee development, and organizational development -- but also gain unique capabilities through hands-on experience with advanced initiatives, including the use of technology such as data & insights, and AI.
Microsoft’s mission is to empower every person and every organization on the planet to achieve more. As employees we come together with a growth mindset, innovate to empower others, and collaborate to realize our shared goals. Each day we build on our values of respect, integrity, and accountability to create a culture of inclusion where everyone can thrive at work and beyond.
Responsibilities
- Lead analysis to identify capability gaps by creating structured analysis plans and using data insights to recommend targeted development solutions.
- Design and lead scalable capability-building programs in partnership with HR disciplines (e.g., HRBP, Talent Management, L&D), leveraging existing solutions to drive efficiency and consistency.
- Provide one-on-one coaching to business leaders and engage stakeholders in capability-building initiatives to strengthen leadership effectiveness and business outcomes.
- Lead and manage employee relations cases of moderate complexity, ensuring alignment with company policies, values, and a safe and professional work environment.
- Partner with investigation teams (e.g., WIT, BRI, GER) to support complex investigations, guide resolution approaches, and ensure appropriate documentation and remediation.
- Identify trends and systemic issues in employee relations and drive proactive, scalable solutions in collaboration with HR and business stakeholders.
- Lead the design and implementation of HR projects and programs tailored to business or regional needs, in partnership with Centers of Excellence (COE).
- Translate and customize COE strategies and communications for local implementation, while guiding and enabling stakeholders to effectively execute programs.
- Advocate Microsoft values and ensure compliance with HR policies by designing scalable compliance approaches, leading policy updates, and advising stakeholders while maintaining high standards of confidentiality and documentation.
Qualifications
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor’s Degree AND 5+ years experience in Human Resources with a strong track record of leading HR initiatives, HR consulting, HR processes or other related area.
- OR Master's Degree AND 3+ years experience in Human Resources with a strong track record of leading HR initiatives, HR consulting, HR processes or other related area.
- OR equivalent experience.
- Fluent Japanese and business-level fluency in English.
- Prior exposure and deep understanding of HR practices as HR business partner, employee relations and/or employment regulations in Japan.
Preferred Qualifications
- 8+ years experience in human resources, ideally in HR Consulting, Performance Management, HR Projects, etc.
- Strong collaboration, consulting and advisory skills, with the ability to influence and build strong relationships with stakeholders at all levels.
- Analytical and skilled in problem-solving, ability to use data to inform decision-making and drive continuous improvement.
- Effective communication and interpersonal skills to effectively manage complex employee issues.
This position will be open for a minimum of 5 days, with applications accepted on an ongoing basis until the position is filled.
Microsoft is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, ancestry, citizenship, color, family or medical care leave, gender identity or expression, genetic information, immigration status, marital status, medical condition, national origin, physical or mental disability, political affiliation, protected veteran or military status, race, ethnicity, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, or any other characteristic protected by applicable local laws, regulations and ordinances. If you need assistance with religious accommodations and/or a reasonable accommodation due to a disability during the application process, read more about requesting accommodations.