Head of Talent Acquisition

Location: Shinjuku, Tokyo, JapanCompany: Confidential AI StartupEmployment Type: Full-timeSalary: ¥9,000,000 - ¥16,000,000 annuallyIncludes base salary, fixed overtime (50 hours), and stock optionsAbout The CompanyThis confidential AI startup was founded in 2023 and is now in its third fiscal year. Backed by a publicly listed parent company, it is rapidly scaling with a strong focus on developing and delivering advanced AI technologies, including large language models and generative AI solutions.With a mission to "create a sustainable future society through AI," the company has developed proprietary AI products that have received high recognition in the Japanese market. It continues to invest in innovation and talent as it aims to become a top-tier leader in the domestic AI industry.Role OverviewAs Head of Talent Acquisition, you will lead the company's hiring strategy across all business units-Engineering, Business, and Corporate. This is a strategic and hands-on leadership role in a high-growth environment where the team plans to scale from 130 to over 1,000 employees.You will work closely with executive leadership and manage a blended team of in-house and contract recruiters. Your role is critical in building a world-class recruitment infrastructure and bringing in top-tier talent, both locally and globally.Key ResponsibilitiesStrategic HiringPlan and execute hiring strategies for all functions.Collaborate with business units and C-level stakeholders.Develop new sourcing channels and hiring funnels using internal and external resources.Executive & Global Talent AcquisitionLead executive-level hiring initiatives.Drive recruitment of international talent, especially technical experts.Attend industry events and build strategic hiring pipelines globally.Operational InfrastructureStandardize recruitment processes and continuously improve them.Build hiring dashboards and analytics tools for KPI tracking.Adapt hiring operations for remote, multilingual, and cross-border scenarios.Employer Branding & EventsBuild and implement employer brand strategy.Manage digital and offline hiring campaigns.Plan and host recruitment events including open houses, tech talks, and meetups.Innovative Recruitment TechniquesTest and introduce new technologies including AI-based hiring tools.Pilot advanced screening methods such as case studies, job simulations, or trial workdays.Develop strategies to engage passive talent pools.Team Structure (Corporate HQ - 13 Members)Corporate HQ DirectorHR ManagerHR Planning & Org DevelopmentLabor SpecialistPR TeamEngineer & Business Recruiters (internal/contractors)Recruiting OpsCorporate Strategy, Admin, Assistant StaffCandidate ProfileRequired (Group A Or Group B)Group A (High-Potential 30s)Age: 30-39Hired 10-20 engineers annuallyExperience with mid to senior hiring levelsManaged 3+ full-time HR/recruitersHands-on experience in agency/vendor management and budget planningGroup B (Experienced 40s)Age: 40-45Led 100+ hires annually across multiple departmentsExperience with executive search, hiring strategy, and employer brandingManaged 5+ HR staffAble to resolve complex recruiting challenges with clear solutionsPreferredBusiness-level EnglishEngineering background or technical hiring experienceExecutive search or headhunting experienceGlobal hiring experienceData-driven approach to recruitmentTalent marketing or employer branding experienceWhy JoinStrategic Ownership: Total control from strategy to executionHigh-Impact Role: Executive support and hiring-first cultureGlobal Reach: Opportunities to attract and engage top global talentInnovation-Driven: Encouraged to try unproven yet promising hiring modelsWork ArrangementPrimarily in-office at Tokyo HQRemote work allowed one day per week (subject to change)Hiring ProcessApplication ScreeningInterviews (3 rounds)Recruiters (external)HR & Corporate DirectorsFinal Interview with CEOSPI Test & Reference Checks (pre-offer)Other NotesHired under the parent company, with secondment to the AI subsidiarySame office location and working conditionsStock options available at offer stage