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Global Software Brand - Human Resources Director, Japan
A mega software brand was faced with cultural gap issues between US headquarters and Japan and needed a HR Director who could bring the two organizations together.
The client was a world famous global brand and one of the best known and respected software companies in the personal and enterprise IT markets.
Even though the client’s history and operation in Japan was quite extensive, many business issues were still run directly from corporate headquarters. This sometimes caused confusion amongst Japanese employees and on occasion arose to loyalty issues amongst the team. It was important that a HR Director who could resolve misunderstandings between the Japanese domestic side and the US headquarters be brought on-board. Not only was the client looking for a candidate with the right experience and skill set, but someone who would be the right cultural fit.
The Optia Partners Professional Services Team approached the search by targeting candidates from global companies similar in size and culture. The candidate would need to understand the dynamics of working in a large global environment and also be sensitive to local team members. Several strong candidates were identified and introduced in the initial stages of the search; however none of them were selected for 2nd round interviews. After discussions with the client throughout the feedback process, it became apparent that the successful candidate needed to gel with the team in Japan on a personal level.
Eventually a candidate with the right personality was found. The candidate had previous experience working at a large Japanese trading company and also graduated with an MBA from Harvard. He had the right blend of local and international experience and strong communication skills in English and Japanese. The candidate met the Japanese HR team twice and his personality was the right type of match for the team. He was flown the USA to meet corporate headquarters and the feedback after the meeting was positive. The candidate was the right cultural fit for both sides.
Fortunately the salary negotiation process ran smoothly and there were no hitches in the resignation process. The candidate made the transfer as the new HR Director within 6 weeks of receiving the offer.
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