Senior Manager Human Resources (m/f/d)

Otsuka Holdings Europe GmbH ("OHE") is a wholly owned subsidiary of Otsuka Holdings Co., Ltd ("OHD"), a publicly listed company in the Prime Market of Tokyo Stock Exchange.

OHD is a Japan-based company mainly engaged in medical, nutraceutical, consumer and other business activities in Japan and overseas. With an international network of 174 subsidiaries and 35,000 employees in 33 countries spread across Europe, Asia-pacific, America, Africa and the Middle East, Otsuka researches, develops, manufactures and markets innovative and original products under the corporate philosophy of "Otsuka-people creating new products for better health worldwide".

OHE supports OHD in enhancing corporate governance and improving management efficiency across Otsuka group of companies mainly in Europe. Our team is continuously growing and we are looking for experienced and ambitious colleagues to help us develop our company and to strengthen Otsuka's group presence in Europe and globally. For our office in Frankfurt am Main, we are recruiting a Senior Manager Human Resources (m/f/d).

Reporting to the Director Human Resources, you will manage and contribute to strategic and operational HR initiatives across Otsuka's European organisation. The role combines European HR governance, international employee mobility, cross-border HR compliance, process development, and project implementation. Working closely with HR and business stakeholders in Europe and Japan, you will help translate group objectives into practical and compliant HR solutions. You will also support the continued development of Otsuka's HR operating model, policies, processes, and infrastructure.

This position is particularly suited to an HR generalist who combines strong knowledge of employment law with international project experience, sound judgement and the ability to operate effectively across different organisations, cultures and regulatory environments.

Your responsibilities:

European HR governance and strategic projects

• Manage and contribute to European and group-wide HR projects in close cooperation with stakeholders in Europe and Japan.
• Translate strategic or corporate requirements into clear HR concepts, implementation plans, policies and operational processes.
• Support the continued development of European HR governance.
• Identify opportunities to strengthen collaboration across Otsuka's European HR functions such as development of European HR shared services, Centres of Expertise and scalable group-wide solutions.
• Prepare analyses, recommendations, decision papers and presentations for senior HR and business stakeholders.

International employee mobility and cross-border HR

• Support the continued development and operation of Otsuka's international employee mobility framework.
• Coordinate the assessment of cross-border employment and mobility cases. Provide legal, wage tax and social security advice where required.
• Develop, review and maintain mobility policies, processes, templates and guidance materials.
• Provide practical advice and training to HR stakeholders on mobility policies and cross-border HR requirements.
• Support the development of effective mobility systems, data, vendor arrangements and governance structures.

HR compliance, policies and processes

• Monitor relevant developments in German and European HR regulation and assess their implications for Otsuka.
• Support European initiatives relating to pay transparency, pay equity, HR sustainability reporting and other emerging HR compliance requirements.
• Draft and review HR policies, employment-related documents, process descriptions, governance frameworks and implementation guidance.
• Contribute to HR systems, data-quality and harmonisation initiatives, including the effective use of Workday.

Stakeholder partnership and operational HR

• Develop trusted working relationships with HR stakeholders in Europe, Japan and other relevant locations.
• Support the Senior Manager Human Resources in operational HR topics as required and act as the back-up.

Your profile:

Education

• Hold a degree in Law or a degree in Business Administration with profound legal expertise.

Experience

• At least 5 years of broad HR experience, preferably gained in an international organisation.
• Strong practical experience in HR generalist work, including several of the following areas: employee relations, recruitment, compensation, payroll, performance management, talent management, policy development, and organizational development.
• Demonstrated experience in supporting cross-functional HR projects and corporate projects.
• Experience in international employee mobility and cross-border employment.
• Experience within the pharmaceutical, life-sciences, or nutrition industry preferred.

Technical Skills

• Strong practical knowledge of German employment law; knowledge of employment law principles in other European jurisdictions is advantageous.
• Practical understanding on wage tax and social security management in an international context.
• Strong policy-drafting, analytical, and project management capabilities.
• Ability to convert complex requirements into practical solutions.
• Experience working with HR Systems, preferably Workday.
• Fluent written and spoken German and English; additional languages are welcome.

Personal attributes

• Confident working with stakeholders across different levels, functions, countries, and cultures.
• Able to operate independently and exercise sound judgement based on prior experience.
• Clear and persuasive communicator who can explain complex matters to non-specialists.
• Structured, analytical and attentive to detail, while maintaining sight of broader strategic objectives.
• Pragmatic and solution-oriented, with strong business acumen and high ethical standards.
• Comfortable managing multiple priorities in a dynamic international environment.
• Collaborative and relationship-oriented, with the confidence to constructively challenge where necessary.

We offer:

• Opportunities for global exposure, strategic influence, professional expertise, career advancement, and the fulfillment of shaping robust group governance systems in a dynamic, multinational environment
• A competitive compensation package
• Hybrid working with regular office days and remote working options
• A passionate team that is keen to further enhance Otsuka's governance globally

If your profile meets the aforementioned requirements and you are interested in applying for this exciting role, please send your application, with details of your earliest start date and your salary expectations via this channel.