Position Overview

The mission of this role, as HR & General Affairs Manager at the AI Robot Association (AIRoA), is to oversee and build out the HR and general affairs functions during our launch phase. You will lead the end-to-end HR and GA agenda, including recruitment strategy and execution, design and operation of grading, evaluation, and compensation schemes, labor management and policy development, support for board of directors operations, and all general affairs tasks such as contract, equipment, and office management. In close collaboration with board members and member companies, you will drive the development of our organizational foundation and the strengthening of governance to realize AIRoA's mission. You will also be responsible for planning HR initiatives based on people data, designing onboarding processes, and managing collaboration with external partners, while leading a small, high-performing team and taking ownership of both organizational and people management.

【What Makes the "HR & General Affairs Manager" Role at AIRoA Unique】

The AI Robot Association (AIRoA) runs projects aimed at advancing the robotics industry as a whole by developing and releasing open, cross-industry robot data ecosystems and foundation models. As HR & General Affairs Manager, you will support the people, organizations, and governance structures that underpin the future of the robotics industry—ranging from leading researchers and engineers to major corporate member organizations. You will have the opportunity to make key decisions yourself and, through制度 design and organization-building, directly contribute to accelerating the use of robots in solving social issues.

【The Appeal of Taking On This Challenge at AIRoA, Just as We Are Getting Started】

Established in December 2024 and entering full-scale operation in FY2025, AIRoA is right in the middle of the phase of "building the organization." Many core processes and systems are still to be defined, which means you can design policies, rules, and culture based on your own vision of an ideal organization as HR & General Affairs Manager. A major attraction of this role is the chance to build an organizational structure with future growth in mind, within a uniquely diverse ecosystem that brings together universities, research institutes, large enterprises, and startups.

【Other】

While remote work is possible, this role is primarily expected to be office-based.

Most of our engineers and researchers also work on-site, conducting research and development directly in front of the robots.

【About AIRoA】

AIRoA was established in December 2024 with two core objectives: "to revolutionize the technology of robot development through the fusion of robots and AI" and "to promote the use of robots in society." While AI is rapidly advancing worldwide, the shortage of data in robot development has become a critical issue.

To address this challenge, we are running a national flagship project funded by NEDO (New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization), with an investment of over JPY 20 billion.

●Recruitment Background

AIRoA is a rare platform where major corporations and startups participate as members, and researchers from universities and research institutes serve on the board. The organization is quite literally in the phase of being built. In this early stage, we need someone who can help design and establish our hiring, HR systems, and governance structure from scratch across both the HR and general affairs domains.

We are seeking an HR & General Affairs Manager who can play a central role in building the foundation of an AI robotics organization capable of competing on a global stage.

●Future Mission

Your immediate mission will be to establish HR systems and labor/general affairs operations, building a structure that enables smooth, reliable operation of the association. In the mid to long term, your role will expand into that of a "leader in HR and general affairs for the entire AI robot ecosystem."

You will be responsible for designing "future-proof" foundations for AIRoA: developing workforce plans and talent management policies aligned with each growth phase; designing systems that support hybrid work styles and diverse forms of engagement; and enhancing compliance and risk management with a view to global collaboration.

Requirements

Required Qualifications:

• 5+ years of experience in HR and/or general affairs (in-house at a business company, startup, etc.)
• Primary ownership experience in either HR system design (grading, evaluation, compensation) or labor management and employment regulation/policy development
• Experience in people management and/or leading projects
• Basic knowledge of labor laws and a strong sense of compliance

Preferred Qualifications:

• HR and/or general affairs experience at a startup, venture company, or research institution
• Experience building systems, policies, or evaluation processes from scratch
• Experience as an HRBP, working with business leaders to discuss and drive hiring and organizational strategies
• Business-level English proficiency
• Strong interest in AI and robotics

Benefits

●Our Office

We currently operate out of a spacious office and research facility of over 1,000 m² located in the Ryutsu Center area. In this space, our business teams and engineering teams work in close collaboration, advancing both day-to-day operations and R&D with AI robots always close at hand. The facility is frequently visited not only by members of the AI Robot Association, but also by engineers and researchers from partner companies and representatives from member companies. As a result, it serves as a hub where diverse experts at the forefront of AI and robotics gather and interact.

●Your Colleagues

Today, highly skilled engineers and researchers from around the world are part of our organization. Some members have even relocated from overseas to Japan to join our projects on site. We aim to build a globally open R&D organization where diverse talent, regardless of nationality or background, come together, inspire one another, and shape the future.

People & Talent Development Programs

●Training & Development

[On-the-job training (OJT)]

・Participation in external conferences, including overseas events

・Communication and management training

・Organizational development training

[Internal Programs]

・Performance reviews twice a year (every half year)

・In-house study sessions

・In-house library

・Support for external training programs

[Benefits]

・Support for book purchases

・Subsidies for lunch and light snacks

・Free drinks

・Commuting allowance (up to JPY 50,000 per month)

・Monthly company-wide events (AIRoA Circle, social gatherings)

・Family Day

・AIRoA-branded shirts and other items provided