Expatriate Relations Manager (Japanese Bilingual)

Location: Cypress, CA (On-site)

Work hours: M-F 8:30-17:30

Visa sponsorship is NOT available

Position Summary

Seeking an experienced Expatriate Relations Manager to oversee all aspects of expatriate administration and support while serving as a key liaison between the U.S. operation and headquarters in Japan. This position is responsible for managing immigration, expatriate services, payroll administration, recruitment, compliance, employee relations, and various HR initiatives.

The successful candidate will provide leadership for expatriate-related programs, ensure compliance with U.S. employment regulations, coordinate closely with HR teams in both the U.S. and Japan, and support executive-level projects. This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced HR professional who enjoys working in an international business environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage all immigration-related matters, including work visas, I-94 records, passport renewals, and other employment authorization processes in collaboration with outside immigration counsel.
• Coordinate the relocation, onboarding, and offboarding of expatriate employees and their families, working closely with HR teams in both the U.S. and Japan.
• Serve as the primary point of contact between headquarters, local management, and expatriate employees to ensure smooth communication and efficient personnel administration.
• Support international HR initiatives, employee development programs, overseas recruitment activities, safety initiatives, and other corporate projects.
• Oversee expatriate payroll administration, including expense reimbursements, workers' compensation, year-end payroll processing, W-2 reporting, tax coordination, equalization programs, and related payroll functions.
• Administer expatriate employee benefits, insurance programs, company vehicle programs, loans, tax-related matters, and other employment-related benefits.
• Recruit, screen, interview, and recommend qualified technical and professional candidates for positions in collaboration with hiring managers and headquarters.
• Prepare annual departmental budgets, monitor expenditures, and provide budget reporting.
• Maintain HR databases, personnel records, and reporting documentation while ensuring data accuracy and confidentiality.
• Ensure compliance with applicable U.S. labor laws, immigration regulations, and company policies related to international assignments.
• Coordinate safety, security, and travel support for expatriate employees and international business visitors.
• Plan and facilitate orientation programs, employee training sessions, on-the-job training reviews, and other HR-related meetings.
• Partner with local HR on employee benefits administration, health insurance, employment verification, I-9 compliance, immigration support, and other HR operations.
• Provide administrative and project support to executive leadership as needed.
• Perform additional duties and special projects as assigned.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Human Resources, International Relations, Communications, or a related field.
• Fluent in both Japanese and English, including speaking, reading, and writing.
• Minimum of 8 years of progressive experience in Human Resources, personnel administration, payroll, or related administrative functions.
• At least 5 years of supervisory or management experience leading HR and/or administrative teams.
• Strong knowledge of:
  • U.S. immigration processes and employment authorization
  • HR administration and employee relations
  • Payroll administration
  • Recruitment and talent acquisition
  • Employee training and development
  • U.S. labor laws and employment regulations
• Excellent organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Strong problem-solving abilities with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Experience supporting expatriate employees or working in a Japanese corporate environment is highly preferred.

Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

$111,200 – $152,900 annually

Actual compensation will be determined based on experience, skills, education, and market factors.

Comprehensive benefits include:

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• 401(k) retirement plan
• Paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays
• Parental leave
• Performance-based incentive opportunities
• Professional development and career growth opportunities

Additional Information

Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States at the time of hire.

This is an on-site position based in Cypress, California.

Employment is at-will in accordance with applicable state and federal laws.

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and are committed to creating an inclusive workplace. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, veteran status, or any other protected status under applicable law.