Learning and Development Manager - Japan

Job title: Learning and Development Manager - Japan

About the Role The Learning and Development Manager – Japan will own the end-to-end learning assessment and delivery for WD's Japan workforce, translating global priorities into locally resonant programs that build capability at every level. This role reports to the Director, Talent Development and Inclusion, Asia-Pacific, and collaborates with the global team to lead learning and development for all teams in Japan.

What You'll Do

• Partner with Japan business unit leaders to align local learning needs with WD's global priorities and transformation objectives.
• Work closely with HRBP, HR Experience Partner and Operation Partner to address challenges in Japan, ensuring programs are relevant to the Japan business context.
• Advise senior Japan stakeholders on training needed for workforce readiness, translating capability into practical learning recommendations that connect directly to business performance and competitive positioning.
• Analyze Japan-specific capability gaps (knowledge, skills and behaviors); develop a multi-year learning roadmap that supports both immediate needs and long-term business objectives.
• Design and deliver blended learning solutions — including in-person workshops, virtual instructor-led sessions, and self-directed digital content across Japan's employee populations at all levels.
• Facilitate learning experiences in both Japanese and English, adapting global curriculum to reflect Japan workplace norms, communication styles, and learner expectations.
• Measure learning effectiveness through defined metrics (completion rates, behavioral indicators and manager-reported capability change) and monitor progress in partnership with Japan HR.
• Coordinate with the global Talent Development and Inclusion team to localize enterprise learning frameworks, contribute Japan market insights to global program design while maintaining WD's global standards.
• Identify and manage external learning vendors or content partners, owning the quality and relevance of third-party learning content deployed in Japan.

What We're Looking For

• Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Organizational Development, Education, or a related field, or equivalent professional experience.
• 5–10 years of experience in Learning and Development, Talent Development, or a closely related HR function, with at least 3 years focused on program design and stakeholder advisory work.
• Demonstrated experience designing and delivering learning programs that address capability gaps at scale.
• Native or near-native Japanese language proficiency; business-level English proficiency sufficient for global collaboration and cross-functional communication with WD's global teams.
• Proven ability to build trusted working relationships with senior business leaders and translate business priorities into learning solutions.

Nice to Have

• Experience designing learning programs for technology adoption or digital transformation initiatives.
• Exposure to instructional design methodologies and adult learning principles applied to technical subject matter.
• Experience working in a global matrixed organization and coordinating with geographically distributed HR or L&D teams.
• Coaching or facilitation certification relevant to adult learning.
• Experience in a mid-to-large multinational technology or manufacturing company.