Human Resources Manager, Japan
About Krystal Bio:
At Krystal Biotech, we bring together the brightest and most eager minds to relentlessly pursue the discovery, development, manufacturing, and commercialization of genetic medicines to treat diseases with high unmet medical needs.
Founded in 2016, Krystal is distinguished in three powerful ways: science and technology using our patented gene therapy platform, innovative manufacturing supported by our commercial scale facilities, and a unique commercialization model that focuses on the patient’s end to end experience.
Krystal received U.S. FDA approval for the first and only redosable gene therapy treatment, VYJUVEK®, for the treatment of Dystrophic Epidermolysis Bullosa (DEB). Krystal continues to leverage our proprietary platform to rapidly advance a robust pipeline of investigational genetic medicines in respiratory, oncology, dermatology, and ophthalmology.
Krystal is headquartered in Pittsburgh, PA which is home to our two state-of-the-art CGMP manufacturing facilities with teams around the world and satellite offices in Switzerland, Germany, and Tokyo, Japan. We are a company built and run by people who care, are fearless in the face of a challenge, love the work they do, and practice the highest level of scientific integrity. As we grow, we are seeking team members that embody these values.
Job Description Summary:
We are looking for a highly skilled Human Resources Manager to lead the HR function in our Japan office. You will be responsible for managing all HR-related activities, including creation of policies and procedures, talent acquisition, employee relations, performance management, compliance with labor laws, and supporting organizational growth. This is a key role for our expansion into Japan, requiring a hands-on approach to HR operations while contributing to the growth of our team in Japan.
Responsibilities will include, but are not limited to, the following:
- Create HR policies and procedures and ensure that they comply with Japanese labor laws and company standards. Stay up-to-date on changes in employment law and adjust company policies as necessary.
- Oversee all HR processes required for establishing operations in Japan and transitioning PEO employees to direct in-house employment.
- Work closely with global HR teams to align local HR initiatives with global objectives, ensuring consistency while adapting strategies to the Japanese market.
- Lead recruitment efforts to attract, select, and onboard top talent across various departments.
- Act as the main point of contact for all employee-related matters, promoting a positive work environment and addressing concerns in compliance with Japanese labor laws.
- Participate in implementation of payroll, benefits standardization and execution, and compensation programs, ensuring competitiveness within the industry and compliance with local regulations.
- Ensure that the company adheres to all applicable labor laws and regulations, including Japanese data protection and health and safety standards.
- Oversee the maintenance of country specific portions of the HRIS system to ensure accurate employee data management.
- Collaborate with global stakeholders on the implementation of performance evaluation processes, supporting managers in setting objectives and providing feedback.
- Develop and implement HR strategies aligned with the company's business goals, including workforce planning, talent management, and organizational development.
- Foster a company culture that aligns with the global mission while respecting local customs and values, promoting a diverse and inclusive workplace.
- Track and report on HR metrics, analyzing trends and providing insights to senior leadership for decision-making.
- Develop initiatives that enhance employee satisfaction, retention, and motivation, contributing to a thriving workplace environment.
Requirements and Preferred Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field.
- 7+ years of experience in HR, with at least 3 years in a managerial role, preferably within the pharmaceutical/biotech industry.
- Deep understanding of Japanese labor laws, employment practices, and regulatory requirements.
- Experience in a multinational or global company with knowledge of cross-cultural HR practices.
- Strong leadership and communication skills, with the ability to influence at all levels of the organization.
- Fluent in both Japanese and English, with excellent verbal and written communication skills.
- Proven experience in talent acquisition, performance management, and employee relations.
- Strong problem-solving skills with a proactive and hands-on approach to HR challenges.
- Ability to handle confidential and sensitive information with discretion.
What We Do
At Krystal Biotech, Inc., our mission is to make a meaningful difference in the lives of underserved patient populations suffering from debilitating skin diseases. We work to accomplish this goal through scientific innovation and operational excellence, believing that "nature operates in the shortest way possible" (Aristotle).
We are a clinical-stage gene therapy company using our proprietary, engineered virus vector platform to develop effective and innovative treatments for skin diseases. While we are initially developing topical and intradermal "off-the-shelf" novel therapies for rare and orphan dermatological indications, we are expanding the use of our pioneering gene technology to target and treat other rare diseases.
The diseases for which we develop therapies provide inspiration for our day-to-day activities. There is clarity in purpose, a collective empathy driving us forward. Krystal was named after this clarity — a simple realization that we can do better. In doing so, we extend gratitude to the patients, caregivers, advocates and physicians dedicated to the diseases which unite us in purpose.
Community Guidelines: http://bit.ly/KrystalCG
