Lead Specialist, Japan Learning & Talent Development

Work Flexibility: Hybrid or Onsite Position summary: As the Lead Specialist, Japan Learning & Talent Development, the role will be a Japan-based member of the APAC People & Organizational Development (POD) team, serving as the primary point of contact and program lead for learning and talent development initiatives across Japan. While operating as part of the APAC POD organization, this role primarily supports the Japan business and acts as the local owner and execution lead for learning and talent development programs, stakeholder engagement, and learner experiences within Japan. The majority of stakeholder interactions will be with Japan-based employees, managers, HR Business Partners, and business leaders to ensure learning solutions address local business and talent needs. The role is responsible for the end-to-end management and deployment of learning and talent development initiatives, including program planning, stakeholder alignment, communications, facilitation, localization, measurement, and continuous improvement. The individual will act as a trusted partner to HR and business leaders, helping drive employee growth, leadership effectiveness, and organizational capability development. In addition, this role will collaborate closely with APAC and Global POD colleagues to support the deployment of enterprise-wide learning initiatives, leadership programs, and talent development solutions. Responsibilities include participating in regional and global project teams, representing Japan's needs and perspectives, supporting localization efforts, and validating Japanese translations and learning materials to ensure cultural relevance and effectiveness. Consistent with Stryker's belief that employees achieve their greatest success by understanding and developing their natural talents, this role will help promote strengths-based development practices across the organization and support learning and coaching experiences that enable employees and leaders to maximize their potential. Essential duties & responsibilities: (detailed description) Program Management & Japan Stakeholder Leadership: Acts as Japan Learning & Development Program Lead for designated enterprise-wide and local development initiatives. Serves as the primary point of contact for learning and talent development programs across Japan. Leads end-to-end program management including planning, scheduling, stakeholder engagement, communications, logistics, vendor coordination, implementation, reporting, and evaluation. Partners closely with employees, people managers, HR Business Partners, and business leaders to identify development needs and deliver impactful learning solutions aligned with local business priorities. Facilitates and co-facilitates learning experiences including leadership development programs, workshops, onboarding programs, and other employee development initiatives, both virtually and in person. Drives strong learner engagement and effective communication strategies to maximize participation and program impact. Supports strengths-based development initiatives and, upon completion of required certification, leverages Clifton Strengths® methodologies to help employees and leaders better understand, develop, and apply their natural talents. Monitors program effectiveness through participant feedback, stakeholder insights, and learning metrics, driving continuous improvement and operational excellence. Manages multiple learning and talent initiatives simultaneously while ensuring a high-quality learner and stakeholder experience.   Global / APAC Collaboration Responsibilities: Collaborates with APAC and Global People & Organization Development (POD) teams to support the successful deployment of enterprise learning and talent development initiatives within Japan. Represents Japan business, cultural, and learner perspectives in regional and global project discussions. Partners with regional and global stakeholders to ensure learning solutions are