Delivering a Smooth HR Manager Recruitment Process for Starkey Japan

Introduction

Starkey, a leading global hearing aid manufacture, faced a significant challenge in recruiting an HR Manager for its Japan operations. The role, based in Shin-Yokohama, Kanagawa, presented multiple hurdles.

Problems

• Location barrier: Shin-Yokohama, while accessible, is not as attractive to top HR talent compared to central Tokyo locations.
• Newly created position: Since this was a newly established role, there was no precedent within the organization, requiring a candidate with strong autonomy and the ability to build HR functions from scratch.
• Extended hiring timeline: The position has been open for over nine months, causing increasing strain on the existing team and business operations.
• Industry perception: The hearing aid industry is niche and not as immediately appealing as more high-profile sectors, limiting the candidate pool.
• Stand-alone role reluctance: Many HR professionals prefer working within large teams and structured environments, making it difficult to attract candidates to this independent position.

Approach

To address Starkey’s challenges, FocusCore developed a strategic and highly targeted recruitment plan.

• In-depth Stakeholder Engagement: We collaborated with Starkey’s leadership to refine the role’s expectations, highlighting the opportunity for the new HR Manager to shape policies and contribute directly to the company’s growth in Japan.
• Enhanced employer branding: We repositioned Starkey’s image to potential candidates, emphasizing its innovative technology, global presence, and positive impact on people’s lives.
• Strategic market mapping: We identified and engaged HR professionals who had experience in niche industries, independent roles, and starup-like environments where adaptability is key.
• Tailored candidate approach: By proactively addressing concerns about the stand-alone nature of the role, we highlighted the autonomy, decision-making authority, and career growth potential whiten the position.
• Location mapping: We ware able to map talent within Kanagawa prefecture and other talent with connections to, or within a commutable distance to their office.

Result

Within eight weeks of implementing our strategy, we successfully placed a highly qualified HR Manager who met all of Starkey’s requirements. The selected candidate had experience in a stand-alone HR role, a strong understanding of business partnering, and a track record of driving HR initiatives in mid-sized organizations, and strong HR operational skills.

Since the onboarding, the new HR Manager has significantly contributed to stramlining HR functions, improving employee engagement, and setting up foundational policies that support Starkey Japan’s long-term business objectives.

Lesson Learned

This successful placement underscores the importance of the below:

• Employer branding: Effectively positioning a company and role in a competitive talent market.
• Proactive talent engagement: Targeting professionals with relevant niche experience and adaptability.
• Strategic recruitment planning: Overcoming industry and location challenges through tailored approaches.

With this success, Starkey Japan has continued its collaboration with FocusCore for future recruitment needs, ensuring long-term HR stability and business growth.