HR Head, Owndays

Location:Tokyo, JapanWith occasional travel across Japan and coordination with global teamsDepartment:Human Resources (HR)Reports To:Country CEO – Owndays JapanMatrix reporting to Group CHRO – Lenskart (Global HQ)About Owndays (Lenskart Group):Owndays, one of Japan’s leading optical retail brands, is now part of the Lenskart Group – a global eyewear company transforming the way people buy eyewear through vertical integration, design innovation, and technology. Lenskart operates across India, the Middle East, Southeast Asia, and the US, with Owndays as its flagship brand in Japan and parts of Asia.We aim to build the most loved and people-first eyewear company in the world – and this journey starts with our team.Role Overview:We are seeking a strategic and execution-focused Head of HR to lead the people function for Owndays Japan. This role is pivotal in shaping a high-performance, values-driven culture while ensuring operational excellence across HR domains, including talent acquisition, employee engagement, compliance, development, and performance.You will be responsible for driving HR strategy that aligns with business goals, local labor regulations, and the broader global people vision of Lenskart Group.Key Responsibilities:1. HR Strategy & LeadershipDesign and execute the Japan HR strategy aligned with local market needs and global prioritiesAct as a key advisor to the leadership team on organizational design, talent planning, and people strategyDrive change management and culture building in a high-growth environment2. Talent Acquisition & Employer BrandLead recruitment efforts for both corporate and retail rolesDefine hiring strategies, processes, and candidate experiences that align with brand valuesBuild a strong employer brand and campus hiring pipeline in Japan3. Performance & CultureRoll out performance management systems that promote meritocracy and accountabilityDrive initiatives around employee engagement, values alignment, and workplace cultureChampion diversity, inclusion, and employee well-being programs4. HR Operations & ComplianceOversee payroll, policies, labor law compliance, and employment contractsEnsure accurate and timely HR processes, audits, and statutory adherenceLiaise with legal and finance teams to mitigate people-related risks5. Learning, Development & Capability BuildingIdentify skill gaps and build L&D roadmaps for store teams and corporate staffIntroduce leadership development and learning interventions in collaboration with Group L&DTrack training effectiveness and development metrics6. HR Technology & AnalyticsUtilize HR tools and systems for better process automation, tracking, and reportingCreate dashboards on headcount, attrition, hiring performance, and engagement trendsProvide data-driven recommendations to business stakeholders7. Global Alignment & Stakeholder ManagementCollaborate closely with the global HR leadership team on group-wide initiativesCustomize global frameworks to meet Japanese legal, cultural, and workforce expectationsCommunicate clearly with international stakeholders and contribute to group-level HR planningIdeal Candidate Profile:10 years of progressive HR experience, including HR leadership roles in JapanExperience in retail, consumer, or fast-growth service businesses is highly preferredDemonstrated expertise in scaling teams, designing HR policies, and supporting multi-site organizationsStrong understanding of Japanese labor laws, HR operations, and cultural nuancesTrack record of being both strategic and hands-onAbility to build trust across all levels of the organization—from retail floor to boardroomComfort working in matrixed, multicultural environments