Associate Human Resources Business Partner

Job Description:

Here at Rakuten Kobo Inc. we offer a casual working start-up environment and a group of friendly and talented individuals. Our employees rank us highly in terms of commitment to work/life balance. We realize that for our people to be innovative, creative and passionate they need to feel valued and supported. We believe in rewarding all our employees with competitive salaries, performance based annual bonuses, stock options and training opportunities.

If you’re looking for a company that inspires passion, personal, and professional growth – join Kobo and come help us on our mission of making reading lives better .

The Role:

Rakuten Kobo Inc. is seeking a results-oriented HR Generalist to join our Employee Experience team and support our growing Taiwan office. This is a unique opportunity to be the sole HR point of contact in Taiwan, working independently while collaborating with a supportive global HR team.

Reporting to the Director, Global Human Resources (based in Canada), you will provide comprehensive HR support to the Taiwan team. This includes managing the annual performance review process, driving employee engagement initiatives, facilitating HR communications, supporting recruitment efforts, coordinating learning & development programs, and providing transactional HR support within a fast-paced, global organization.

Key Responsibilities:

• Serve as the primary HR contact for our Taiwan office, partnering closely with the Employee Experience team in Canada.
• Build strong, trust-based relationships with employees and managers in Taiwan, as well as stakeholders across our global organization.
• Provide day-to-day HR guidance to people managers on a variety of topics, including coaching, performance management, career development, disciplinary actions, and leaves of absence (LOAs).
• Conduct internal investigations of employee-related issues in partnership with HR and Legal.
• Collaborate with the Talent Management team to manage and support the annual Workday performance review process and identify learning and development opportunities.
• Manage and support employee engagement initiatives, including pulse surveys using platforms like Qualtrics and SurveyMonkey.
• Provide on-site support for various employee engagement events and activities in Taiwan.
• Support internal HR communications and local recruitment.
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of local employment laws and regulations to ensure HR compliance, manage risk, and support audits and reporting processes.
• Proactively collaborate with colleagues across our global HR team and Centers of Excellence (COEs) to ensure a coordinated approach to HR service delivery.
• Support other HR initiatives, including Diversity & Inclusion (D&I) programs, wellness programs, special projects, and transactional processes, as assigned.
• Participate in various committees, such as Health & Safety, Kobo Speaks, Social Committee, and D&I Committee (opportunity to contribute).

Qualifications:

• 2-4 years of HR experience, preferably in the tech industry.
• Post-secondary education in HR or a related field (preferred).
• Solid knowledge of HRIS systems, preferably Workday.
• Fluency in Mandarin Chinese & English (written and spoken). Japanese language skills an asset.
• Experience working in a global organization is an asset.
• Demonstrated ability to adapt quickly to changing priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Excellent interpersonal and relationship-building skills.
• Proven ability to work both independently and collaboratively within a team and across different time zones.
• Ability to maintain the confidentiality of sensitive information.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to work with a high sense of urgency.

About Rakuten Kobo Inc.
Owned by Tokyo-based Rakuten and headquartered in Toronto, Rakuten Kobo Inc. is one of the most advanced global ecommerce companies, with the world’s most innovative e-reading services offering more than 6 million eBooks and audiobooks to 30 million + customers in 190 countries. Kobo delivers the best digital reading experience through creative innovation, award-winning e-readers, and top-ranking mobile apps. Kobo is a part of the Rakuten group of companies.

Rakuten Kobo Inc. is an equal opportunity employer. Accessibility accommodations for candidates with disabilities participating in the selection process are available on request. Any information received related to accommodation needs of applicants will be addressed confidentially.

Rakuten Kobo would like to thank all applicants for their interest in this role however only qualified candidates will be shortlisted.

Beware of fraudulent job offers claiming to be from Rakuten. Rakuten does not send unsolicited job offers or request money during the recruitment process. Learn more:

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