Meet DeepL

DeepL is a global communications platform powered by Language AI. Since 2017, we've been on a mission to break down language barriers. Our human-sounding translations and intelligent writing suggestions are designed with enterprise security in mind. Today, they enable over 100,000 businesses to transform communications, reach new markets, and improve productivity. And, empower millions of individuals worldwide to make sense of the world and express their ideas.

Our goal is to become the global leader in Language AI, building products that drive better communication, foster connections, and make a real-life impact. To achieve this, we need talented individuals like you to join our exciting journey. If you're ready to work with a dynamic team and build your career in the fast-moving AI space, DeepL is your next destination.

What sets us apart

What sets us apart is our blend of modern technology, competitive benefits, and an open, welcoming work culture that enables our people to thrive. When we share what it's like to work at DeepL, the reactions are overwhelmingly positive. This may be because of our products that have helped countless people worldwide or our shared mission to improve communication for individuals and businesses, bringing cultures closer together. What we know for sure is this: being part of DeepL means joining a team dedicated to innovation and employee well-being. Discover what our teams have to say about life at DeepL on LinkedIn, Instagram and our Blog.

Meet the team behind this journey

We are seeking an experienced and dedicated Regional People Partner to support all departments present within our Japan (APJ) region, including Go-To-Market (GTM), Technology, and Business Functions. GTM forms the majority of our employee presence in the region.

In this critical and hands-on role, you will be the primary People contact for all local leaders, managers, and employees in Japan, serving as a trusted advisor on all people-related matters. This position blends hands-on partnership and ownership of strategic projects as part of a team of People Business Partners who support areas across GTM—including Marketing and Revenue—as well as our dedicated regional roles in APJ

Key Responsibilities

• Build strong and trusted partnerships across the region: Work closely with leaders and managers across Japan, shaping the strategy, direction, and design of the organization.

• Localise and execute the People Strategy for Japan: Demonstrate a deep understanding of the business and its needs at a regional (Japan) level to influence the People Strategy and drive fit-for-purpose initiatives that deliver results, ensuring cultural relevance and compliance with Japanese statutory requirements. Support in running global People programmes, e.g., performance calibrations.

• Employee Lifecycle Management: Manage the full employee lifecycle for Japan-based employees, including local onboarding, probation, performance improvement plans (PIPs), off-boarding, and leave management, ensuring alignment with Japanese labour law and internal policies.

• Provide insights: Analyze and report on Japan-specific People data to provide managers with insights that inform local decision-making.

• Support organizational change: Guide Japan leaders through organizational change management, helping to shape structure, culture, and processes within the region.

• Succession planning: Assist in identifying and preparing future leaders within Japan to ensure continuity in key roles.

• Employee engagement: Drive action planning and initiatives tailored to Japan, aimed at improving engagement, satisfaction, and retention.

• Workforce planning and organisational design: Collaborate with finance and business leaders to anticipate future workforce needs across Japan.

• Employee relations: Oversee and manage complex ER cases in Japan, ensuring compliance with local employment law and best practices.

• Partner with our CoE teams: Provide proactive feedback to enhance the impact and delivery of our programs—engagement, absence, retention, internal development, recruitment, productivity—to continuously improve our operating model.

Qualities We Look For

• Strong experience as a People Business Partner supporting a multi-functional client group in a fast-paced, high-change, international scale-up environment in Japan.

• In-depth knowledge of Japanese employment legislation and regulatory compliance.

• Proven capability to independently manage and resolve complex, high-volume Employee Relations cases in Japan across different functions and management levels.

• Influential Business Partner with the ability to work closely with senior management and key stakeholders across the region to inspire, influence, and shape the future.

• Role models our Values with a strong appetite for developing company culture.

• Demonstrates commercial awareness and strong business acumen to maximize influence.

• Collaborative, able to partner with Centres of Excellence to develop and implement initiatives that build capability, talent identification, and culture.

• Strong decision-making skills and ability to lead projects and change programs at department and company level.

• Demonstrates the capability to self-prioritize and manage a complex and evolving workload while meeting varying deadlines.

• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and relationship-building skills.

What we offer

• Diverse and internationally distributed team: joining our team means becoming part of a large, global community with people of more than 90 nationalities. We're more than just colleagues; we're a group of professionals with a shared mission to connect diverse cultures. Our global presence is growing–we've doubled in size nearly every year, with our employees based in the UK, Germany, the Netherlands, Poland, the US, and Japan, and we continue to expand our network.

• Open communication, regular feedback: as a language-focused company, we value the importance of clear, honest communication. We value smooth collaboration, direct and actionable feedback, and believe that leading with empathy and growth mindset makes us better together.

• Hybrid work, flexible hours: we offer a hybrid work schedule, with team members coming into the office twice a week. This allows you to engage directly with your team and experience the unique energy of our workspace, while still enjoying the flexibility and comfort of working from home. With flexible working hours and trust in your productivity, we are in sync with your team's general locations and time zones to foster effective and seamless collaboration.

• Regular in-person team events: we bond over vibrant events that are as unique as our team, from local team and business unit gatherings, to new-joiner onboardings, to company-wide events that bring us all together–literally.

• Monthly full-day hacking sessions: every month, we have Hack Fridays, where you can spend your time diving into a project you're passionate about and get the opportunity to work with other teams–we value your initiatives, impact, and creativity.

• 20 days of annual leave: we value your peace of mind. With 20 days off (excluding public holidays) and access to mental health resources, we make sure you're as strong mentally as you are professionally.

• Competitive benefits: just as our team spans the globe, so does our benefits package. We've crafted it to reflect the diversity of our team and tailored it to align with your unique location, to ensure you feel supported every step of the way.

• Virtual Shares: An ownership mindset in every role. We believe everyone should share in our success, and that's why every employee receives Virtual Shares, linking your contribution directly to DeepL's growth and rewarding you with a stake in our future.

If this role and our mission resonate with you, but you're hesitant because you don't check all the boxes, don't let that hold you back. At DeepL, it's all about the value you bring and the growth we can foster together. Go ahead, apply—let's discover your potential together. We can't wait to meet you

We are an equal opportunity employer

You are welcome at DeepL for who you are—we appreciate authenticity here. Our product is for everyone, and so is our workplace. The more voices we have represented and amplified in our business, the more we will all succeed, contribute, and think forward So bring us your personal experience, your perspectives, and your background. It's in our diversity that we will find the power to break down language barriers in the world.