--- title: 'HR Operation Manager at Fender' canonical: 'https://feeny.ai/job/hr-operation-manager-fender-tokyo-y947szyxc363' type: 'job' last_seen: '2026-09-09' --- # HR Operation Manager at Fender - **Company:** Fender - **Location:** Tokyo, Japan - **Posted:** 2026-02-18 - **Last confirmed live:** 2026-09-09 - **Apply:** https://boards.greenhouse.io/fender/jobs/7625981?gh_jid=7625981 ## Job description Fender Musical Instruments Corporation is a world famous brand with offices across the globe.An American icon, Fender was born in Southern California and has built a worldwide influence extending beyond the studio and the stage. A Fender is more than an instrument, it’s a cultural symbol that resonates globally. We are searching for an HR Operation Manager in APAC HR team based Tokyo.  This position holder will particularly focus on APAC HR operations including payroll and HR database upgrade and compensation and benefits by closely working with global HR team and business leaders in Japan, Australia, China and South Korea. Essential Functions: - Administer monthly payroll data, timesheet/leave tracking systems and sales commission data - Work closely with global HR team to upgrade HR database. - Plan and strategize simplifying HR processes to smoothly execute overall APAC HR operations. - Work with APAC HR director to plan and roll out competitive salary structure and benefits. - Provide user friendly HR processes and services for APAC team. - Work with business leaders in APAC to constantly review and update work rules in compliant with each jurisdiction and labour law. Qualifications: - Bachelors degree in business administration preferred, but, not mandatory. - Excellent communication skills. Strong verbal and written language proficiencies in Japanese and English. - Ability to maintain strict confidentiality and manage information with utmost integrity - Ability to establish rapport and credibility at all levels of the company - Organized and logical. Attention to details while being able to grasp big picture of long term company business growth. - Analytical Skills – the ability to use thinking and reasoning to solve a problem - Experience in HR system enhancement or HR process reviews is preferred. - A passion for music! About Fender Musical Instruments: Fender Musical Instruments Corporation (FMIC) is one of the world’s leading musical instrument manufacturers, marketers and distributors, whose portfolio of brands includes Fender®, Squier®, Presonus®, Gretsch®, Jackson®, EVH®, Charvel®, Bigsby®, and Groove Tubes®, among others. For more information, visit [www.fender.com](http://www.fender.com/). Fender Musical Instruments Corporation is an equal opportunity employer and considers qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, gender, age, color, religion, disability, veterans’ status, sexual orientation, or any other protected factor. ## About Fender ## Company Overview - **One-liner**: Fender designs and manufactures iconic electric guitars, basses, amplifiers, and audio gear, while also developing a digital ecosystem for music education and tone shaping. - **Entity Type**: Private (privately held, not publicly traded) - **Headquarters**: Hollywood, California, USA (with additional offices in Scottsdale, Arizona, and international satellites) - **Founded**: 1946 - **Founders**: Leo Fender (original collaboration with Doc Kaufmann in 1943 led to K&F Manufacturing Corp.) ## Core Business - **Primary industries**: Musical instrument manufacturing, pro audio, music education, digital music tools. - **Target customers**: B2C (musicians of all skill levels from beginners to professionals) and B2B (dealers and distributors). - **Mission / purpose**: “Inspire every player at every stage” [fender.com](https://fender.com/pages/about). ## Products & Services - **Fender® Guitars & Basses**: Iconic models including Stratocaster, Telecaster, Precision Bass, Jazz Bass, Jaguar, Jazzmaster, and Acoustasonic Telecaster. - **Fender® Amplifiers**: Classic tube amps (e.g., Twin Reverb, Deluxe Reverb) and modern Tone Master series using advanced modeling. - **Squier®**: Affordable entry-level guitars and basses. - **Other Brands**: Gretsch®, Jackson®, Charvel®, EVH®. - **Fender Digital** (launched 2015): - **Fender Play®**: Subscription-based app for learning guitar, bass, ukulele (song-based, step-by-step). - **Fender Tune™**: Tuner app for iOS/Android. - **Fender Tone™**: Amp and effects modeling app. - **Fender Pedals**: A line of guitar effect pedals introduced in 2018. - **Accessories & Pro Audio**: Cases, straps, strings, and professional audio equipment. ## Market Standing - **Valuation / Market Cap**: Not publicly disclosed (privately held). The company is widely regarded as the world’s largest guitar manufacturer. - **Key Metric**: Annual revenue – not publicly available; estimated headcount ~1,500 employees [builtin.com](https://builtin.com/company/fender). - **Notable Investors / Partners**: Owned by a private investor group that acquired the company from CBS in 1985. No current venture capital rounds are public. - **Growth Signals**: - Expansion into digital learning (Fender Play) and app ecosystem. - Launch of innovative products like the American Acoustasonic Telecaster and Tone Master amps. - Continued global presence with offices in England, France, Australia, Germany, Mexico, Sweden, and Japan. ## Competitive Advantages - **Unmatched brand heritage**: Over 75 years of history, legendary products that defined modern music (Stratocaster, Telecaster, Precision Bass). - **Vertical integration**: Own manufacturing facilities in Corona, California (flagship, US) and Ensenada, Mexico; Custom Shop for high-end bespoke instruments. - **Artist relationships**: Long-standing endorsements from icons like Jimi Hendrix, Eric Clapton, Jeff Beck, Jimmy Page, and Stevie Ray Vaughan. - **Digital innovation**: First-mover in connected guitar learning with Fender Play; combines hardware expertise with modern software. - **Portfolio breadth**: Multiple sub-brands (Squier, Gretsch, Jackson, Charvel, EVH) covering every price point and genre. ## Strategic Focus - **Digital ecosystem**: Continuing to invest in Fender Digital to attract new players and keep them engaged; app-based learning and tone customization. - **Inclusive outreach**: Making guitar, bass, and ukulele more accessible to beginners through Fender Play and affordable Squier models. - **Product innovation**: Evolving legacy designs with modern features (e.g., Acoustasonic series, Tone Master modeling amps). - **Global expansion**: Strengthening international sales and marketing, especially in Asia and emerging markets (see Sales Director – Greater China job posting). ## Why Work Here - **Culture**: Emphasizes passion, innovation, diversity, integrity, teamwork, and open communication [fender.com/careers](https://fender.com/pages/careers). Described as “not just a sound… a way of life.” - **Work model**: Mix of in-office and remote roles (e.g., some positions are fully remote, others require office presence) [builtin.com](https://builtin.com/company/fender). - **Benefits**: Comprehensive medical, dental, vision, life insurance, 401(k), flexible spending accounts, short/long-term disability, business travel insurance, legal assistance, and product discounts. - **Engineering culture**: Digital teams work from Hollywood headquarters, with opportunities to shape the intersection of music and technology. - **Diversity & inclusion**: FMIC is an equal opportunity employer and actively encourages a sense of belonging. ## Sources 1. [fender.com](https://fender.com/pages/about) – About Fender (history, products, mission) 2. [fender.com](https://fender.com/pages/careers) – Careers page (culture, benefits, values) 3. [linkedin.com](https://uk.linkedin.com/company/fender-musical-instruments) – LinkedIn company page (revenue note, headcount) 4. [builtin.com](https://builtin.com/company/fender) – Built In profile (headcount 1,500, remote/office mix, job listings) ## Other roles at Fender - [Financial Analyst](https://feeny.ai/job/financial-analyst-fender-corona-xw6s355gy2fs) — Corona, CA - [Sander, Body MIll](https://feeny.ai/job/sander-body-mill-fender-corona-s46xjhr1y80k) — Corona, CA - [Quality Assurance Receiving Inspector](https://feeny.ai/job/quality-assurance-receiving-inspector-fender-corona-9be7akgrnaj0) — Corona, CA - [Sourcing Specialist](https://feeny.ai/job/sourcing-specialist-fender-ensenada-rjjsb1gwf7kd) — Ensenada, Mexico - [Financial Analyst - 12 month FTC](https://feeny.ai/job/financial-analyst-12-month-ftc-fender-east-grinstead-2ej7a7amc2z8) — East Grinstead, United Kingdom - [Production Worker, Neck Mill](https://feeny.ai/job/production-worker-neck-mill-fender-corona-3g4t3bbqnmkn) — Corona, CA - [Warehouse Associate](https://feeny.ai/job/warehouse-associate-fender-corona-2p9pyn5d6h3q) — Corona, CA - [Director, Human Resources - Manufacturing](https://feeny.ai/job/director-human-resources-manufacturing-fender-corona-6kptt06fwps6) — Corona, CA - [Temp Guitar Packer](https://feeny.ai/job/temp-guitar-packer-fender-san-bernardino-wqa6jnbg7bpx) — San Bernardino, CA - [Content & Social Manager, EMEA](https://feeny.ai/job/content-social-manager-emea-fender-london-aazar8ph4gcg) — London, United Kingdom