Manager Human Resources Operations

Career Area: Human Resources Job Description: Your Work Shapes the World at Caterpillar Inc. When you join Caterpillar, you're joining a global team who cares not just about the work we do – but also about each other. We are the makers, problem solvers, and future world builders who are creating stronger, more sustainable communities. We don't just talk about progress and innovation here – we make it happen, with our customers, where we work and live. Together, we are building a better world, so we can all enjoy living in it. Role Definition : Lead a high-impact HR Operations team in Japan, which include managing pre-payroll operations, in-country HR Shared Services, and leading or contributing strategic country-level HR projects. Working within a manufacturing environment, you will partner with BU HR, Payroll, business leaders, and employee representatives to deliver operational excellence, strengthen employee experience, and drive meaningful change. This role offers a unique opportunity to influence the future of HR service delivery in Japan through process improvement, stakeholder engagement, and transformation initiatives. What You Will Do: Lead, coach and develop a team of 2-3 HR Operations professionals while fostering a high-performing and employee-focused culture. Oversee pre- payroll operations and partner closely with manufacturing sites and Payroll teams to ensure accurate employee data, timekeeping, and payroll inputs. Manage in-country HR Operations and Shared Services processes, including employee data management, benefits administration, absence management, time tracking, onboarding, and offboarding. Build and maintain strong partnerships with Payroll, Legal, Talent Acquisition, Talent Management, Total Rewards, HR Business Partners, manufacturing leaders, and employees to deliver effective HR solutions and an exceptional employee experience. Support employee relations activities and collaborate effectively within a unionized workforce environment while maintaining trusted stakeholder relationships and navigating complex workforce challenges. Lead or contribute country-level HR projects and transformation initiatives, including Time & Attendance programs, process standardization, system enhancements, automation, and continuous improvement efforts. Drive operational excellence through data-driven insights, change management, and the adoption of Workday and AI-enabled solutions to improve efficiency, service quality, compliance, and employee experience. What You Have: Business Process Improvement: Knowledge of business process improvement best practices and ability to use methods for identifying, evaluating, introducing and implementing more efficient approaches to performing business related activities. Service Excellence: Knowledge of customer service concepts and techniques; ability to meet or exceed customer needs and expectations and provide excellent service in a direct or indirect manner. HR: Policies, Standards and Procedures: Knowledge of human resource function; ability to uphold the organization's and industry's standards, procedures and policies regarding human resources management. Human Resources Consulting: Knowledge of HR approaches, tools and techniques; ability to inform, guide and advise managers in HR-related initiatives. Human Resources Operations: Knowledge of human resources (HR) policies, operational processes and considerations; ability to implement HR related tasks, processes, and projects to ensure that day-to-day operations run smoothly. Top Candidates will also have: Previous experience leading and executing projects across the country. Ability to implement Digitalization/AI to demonstrate automation. Previous experience/skills with Workday software. Strong bilingual communication skills in both Japanese and English, as well as strong prioritization skills Outstanding judgment and creative problem-solving skills. This position requires working onsite five days a week. Visa Sponsorship is not available for this position. Posting Dates: October 7, 2026 - October 16, 2026 Caterpillar is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Qualified applicants of any age are encouraged to apply Not ready to apply? Join our Talent Community .