The Role

Summary of the role - main purpose for the existence of the role

The People Partner is a key position within the Warner Bros. Studios Japan (WBSJ) People and Culture team. The position will support the People & Culture team as well as the business by providing solutions to employee-related matters, maintaining a balance between being a strategic business partner and employee champion. This position will continuously challenge the status quo and develop initiatives that ensure WBSJ remains an employer of choice. This position will be located in Tokyo with some anticipated travel.

The People & Culture Partner will be a positive self-starter who can think strategically about big picture business goals as well as tactically execute a full range of People & Culture initiatives. In this dynamic culture, the role will serve as the primary partner to the business and the liaison with the broader HR community of Warner Bros. Discovery. Candidates for this position should be innovative, solution-oriented, analytical, collaborative, and be able to engage with colleagues across level, location, and discipline. The role must effectively work in a fast-paced creative environment, bringing an energy and enthusiasm to the function, founded in sound strategy.

Responsibilities

Key elements and required results of the role.

In collaboration with the People & Culture team, manages and resolves HR issues in a high-volume environment including, but not limited to, employee relations, performance management, conflict management, coaching, development, staff retention, and compliance, working closely with Talent Leaders, People Solutions, People Relations, and Employment Legal as required. Works to resolve employee and organizational issues in a proactive and positive manner. Provides advice, coaching, counselling, and training to proactively create/maintain an inclusive, respectful, and safe work environment. Interprets and helps to implement P&C policies, practices and procedures for managers, teams and individual employees that further the mission, values, and strategic vision of the business. Develops strong working relationships with stakeholders including Talent Acquisition, Workforce Administration, COE partners, and Business Manager(s), in Japan as well as APAC, UK, US, etc. Aptitude and experience with data management, metrics, and visualization. Partner with Recruitment and Total Rewards on recruitment of permanent and temporary staffing as necessary. Create presentation decks, charts, graphs, and various materials, as needed. Manage special projects, as assigned.

Areas of Accountability

Where applicable, provide information about the size of the organization managed, operating budget, revenue accountability, number of employees or other quantitative data pertinent to this position.

The Warner Brothers Studios Japan LLC organization currently has 650 employees, of which approximately 65% are full-time permanent employees; the remainder are part-time employees. With the addition of two standalone retail shops and other organizational changes in 2025, the number of employees will grow to approximately 800.

Selection criteria

Essential:

• Experiences within Human Resources
• Experience with a wide range of HR, critical thinking, and business advisory skills
• Experience in employee relations and conflict resolution
• Knowledge regarding Japanese labour law, compliance, and employee relations practices
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced and challenging environment.
• Demonstrated flexibility and agility, with the ability to manage multiple initiatives and issues with minimal supervision.
• Strong in communicating with all level stakeholders, keen collaborator who builds strong relationships with employees.
• Good judgment and ability to balance the needs of the company and employees.
• Native-level Japanese proficiency, business-level English proficiency required.

Desirable:

• Previous experience working in a multinational company and complex global matrix organisation is highly advantageous.
• A Bachelor's degree, preferably in Business, Human Resources or a related field.
• Genuine curiosity and strong desire to continuously learn, grow, and develop.
• Strong organization and project management skills.
• Experience in working with a diverse workforce, including employees from different generations, employees from different cultures, employees with disabilities, etc.
• Experience in a retail or customer service environment with a relatively large workforce.

How We Get Things Done...

This last bit is probably the most important! Here at WBD, our guiding principles are the core values by which we operate and are central to how we get things done. You can find them at www.wbd.com/guiding-principles/ along with some insights from the team on what they mean and how they show up in their day to day. We hope they resonate with you and look forward to discussing them during your interview.

Championing Inclusion at WBD
Warner Bros. Discovery embraces the opportunity to build a workforce that reflects the diversity of our society and the world around us. Being an equal opportunity employer means that we take seriously our responsibility to consider qualified candidates on the basis of merit, regardless of sex, gender identity, ethnicity, age, sexual orientation, religion or belief, marital status, pregnancy, parenthood, disability or any other category protected by law.

If you're a qualified candidate with a disability and you require adjustments or accommodations during the job application and/or recruitment process, please visit our accessibility page for instructions to submit your request.