Candidate Experience Lead, Japan

Pfizer Pfizer · Pharma · Tokyo, Japan

This role is responsible for defining and executing the Candidate Experience (CX) strategy in Japan, ensuring a high-quality and scalable hiring process that aligns with global frameworks while addressing local market dynamics and regulatory requirements. The lead will partner with business leaders, HR, recruiters, and RPO partners to manage the end-to-end candidate journey, build capabilities, influence stakeholders, and drive continuous improvement. Key responsibilities include strategy governance, CX delivery across all hiring segments, stakeholder partnership, data analysis for insights, people leadership, and ensuring compliance with Japanese labor laws. Experience in recruitment, people management, and working in large multinational firms is required, with a preference for experience in matrix organizations or the pharma/healthcare industry. Fluency in Japanese and English is essential.

What you'd actually do

  1. Own and execute the Japan Candidate Experience strategy aligned with Global and APAC CX operating models
  2. Own end-to-end CX delivery across all hiring segments (Early Career, Mid-career, Executive)
  3. Partner with senior business leaders as a strategic advisor on talent acquisition and workforce planning
  4. Leverage CX and recruiting analytics to identify trends, risks, and improvement opportunities
  5. Lead, coach, and develop recruiters and RPO partners in Japan

Skills

Required

  • A minimum of 3 years experience with (online and in-person) interviews, candidate screening and evaluation
  • A minimum of 3 years experience in recruitment function(Midcareer, New grads, Handicapped) as a recruiting manager in a multi-national firm or in a recruitment agency
  • A minimum of 3 years experience in working in a big company (300+)
  • A minimum of 5 years experience in people management as manager
  • Fluency in both Japanese and English

Nice to have

  • Experience leading recruitment or CX operations in a matrix or regional HR operating model
  • Proven ability to influence senior stakeholders without direct authority
  • Experience in recruitment process design, standardization, and continuous improvement
  • Experience working with global or regional HR / CX teams
  • Experience in Pharma or Healthcare industry
  • Experience in working for a compny with matrix reporting system
  • Strong data literacy with the ability to translate metrics into business insights
  • TOEIC score above 850

What the JD emphasized

  • local market dynamics and regulatory requirements
  • compliance with global standards while incorporating local requirements
  • Japan labor legislation and advise business, recruiters, and regional CX teams on regulatory implications
  • Ensure hiring practices comply with local laws while maintaining alignment with global CX principles