Michael Kors Total Rewards and HR Operations Manager

Location
Employment Full-time
Seniority Manager
Posted Mar 19, 2026
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Michael Kors Total Rewards & HR Operations Manager in Tokyo — lead payroll, HR operations and benefits harmonisation for Japan.

Overview

Michael Kors is a global luxury fashion brand specialising in ready-to-wear, accessories and leather goods. The brand operates within the Capri Holdings group and offers an international, retail-driven environment with cross-border teams and a focus on commercial creativity and brand elevation.

Role & Responsibilities

  • Supervise monthly payroll operations in Japan, ensuring strict compliance with local labour law and company policy.
  • Oversee day-to-day HR operations to guarantee operational accuracy and efficiency (e.g., onboarding kits, creation of new-joiner profiles in HRIS).
  • Maintain exemplary record-keeping and ensure adherence to internal policies and statutory requirements.
  • Manage payroll-related change initiatives including attendance system implementation, payroll vendor relationships, and payroll system enhancements.
  • Analyse internal and external market data to develop Total Rewards recommendations aligned to global strategy and local market needs.
  • Design and implement benefits harmonisation across brands to ensure consistency, equity and cost-effectiveness.
  • Support ad hoc HR projects and deliverables as assigned by regional or global HR leadership.

Qualifications

  • Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources Management or a related discipline.
  • Minimum five years of progressive HR experience, ideally within a global or multinational organisation.
  • Demonstrable experience leading change initiatives using formal frameworks and influencing cross-functional teams.
  • Proven track record in payroll operations and vendor management, preferably with experience in Japan.
  • Exceptional attention to detail, strong analytical/problem-solving skills and the ability to provide strategic recommendations.
  • Ability to self-manage and collaborate effectively with remote managers and distributed teams.
  • Fluency in English and Japanese.

Skills

Payroll operations (Japan) Payroll vendor management Payroll system enhancements Attendance system implementation HRIS Benefits harmonisation Total Rewards strategy and market analysis Onboarding processes and HR record-keeping Change management frameworks Stakeholder influence and cross-cultural communication

Experience

At least five years of HR experience with demonstrable ownership of payroll and HR operations; prior exposure to multinational or global-matrix organisations and leading payroll/system change projects in Japan is strongly preferred.

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources Management or a related discipline.

Workplace

The role is situated in Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan. There are currently 183 open positions in Tokyo on Cerulean, with 2 added recently. Within Tokyo, Cerulean currently features 193 open roles, including 4 recent additions. Across Japan, Cerulean lists 236 open roles — 4 of them newly added.

Culture

The brand fosters a fast-paced, creative and commercially focused workplace typical of luxury fashion houses. Teams operate in a global matrix, valuing collaboration, high standards and agility while offering exposure to international HR practices and cross-border projects.

About Cerulean

Cerulean is the definitive career portal for the global luxury industry. We match exceptional professionals with exclusive opportunities at the world's most prestigious brands. From haute couture and fine watchmaking to prestige beauty, hospitality, and boutique retail, Cerulean centralises luxury employment to help you find the career for which you were destined.