Creating a Future Beyond Imagination: Business Growth Starts with People, but Who is a Good Fit for the PayPay Group?

Welcome to our “Professionals” Series, where we get up close and personal with the outstanding professionals at PayPay Group.
This time, we interviewed five leaders from the Talent Acquisition Department (TA Department), which spearheads recruitment strategy and employer branding both internally and externally across the entire PayPay Group. We delved into their vision for the company’s culture and organizational structure, shaped through recruitment activities and internal and external communications.

HR Committed to Business Growth

What is the mission and role of the Talent Acquisition Department?

Daiki:
Business growth starts with people. Today, PayPay Group is a company with thousands of employees, but it is the individual commitment of each employee that drives it. Believing that people are the backbone of our business and organization, our mission is to successfully acquire talent and foster a company culture that contributes to business growth.

Grace:
Specifically, we create strategic hiring plans that align with the business structure and growth trajectory of the entire PayPay Group, including PayPay Card and PayPay Securities, and execute these plans to meet our annual targets. One of our features is that we recruit globally to bring in high-quality talent quickly, in line with global standards. Our TA Department itself is diverse, comprising members from various nationalities and backgrounds. We have seven functional teams that adapt flexibly to business needs, working as one team.

What are the specific roles of each team?

Grace:
Talent Acquisition Team 1 handles the recruitment of product engineers for the PayPay Group. Because we recruit globally, many applicants are from overseas and might not have heard of PayPay before. We strive daily to communicate our tech culture, global technical standards, and development methods to attract top talent.

Risa:
Talent Acquisition Team 2 is responsible for hiring business and corporate roles at PayPay, ranging from specialized financial positions to executive roles. We develop optimal recruitment strategies and recruit hundreds of people domestically and internationally each year.

Daiki:
Group Talent Growth Team 1 manages the recruitment strategy for PayPay Card. Our mission is to contribute to business growth by creating One Team with PayPay Card members.

Megumi:
Group Talent Growth Team 2 handles recruitment for PayPay Securities, collaborating closely with their team on a daily basis.

Misaki:
The Talent Communication Team is responsible for recruitment both internally and externally and employer branding across the group. Our mission is to cultivate the organization and culture through internal communication, and not just to attract.

Daiki:
In addition to these five teams, we have the TA Support Team, which manages interview scheduling and recruiter support across the group, allowing interviewers and recruiters to focus on their core duties. The TA Support Team consists of two sub-teams: TA Support 1, which provides global recruitment support, and TA Support 2, which handles domestic support.

Always Demanding 100%+ as Professionals

From a recruitment standpoint, what kind of company do you think PayPay is?

Daiki:
It’s a meritocratic organization where experts in their respective fields are constantly expected to produce results that contribute to business and organizational growth. The evaluation criteria are straightforward, focusing solely on contribution to business growth and the organization. Those who deliver results get more opportunities and interesting work. Many people have a mindset akin to professional athletes, focusing on results and genuinely engaging with the organization and business.

Megumi:
While it is meritocratic, it’s not a cutthroat environment where you’re left to struggle alone. It’s an organization where someone will always support you when you’re in need. We all share the same user-first perspective and value system, which creates a non-hierarchical structure with close relationships between employees, including management.

Misaki:
Besides the dedication to results, PayPay Group is characterized by its diversity. With a clear vision and a simple performance-focused evaluation system, it provides an environment where employees from over 50 countries can work towards the same goals. Despite different nationalities, perspectives, and personalities, there is a shared core ambition among PayPay employees.

What traits do people who continue to thrive at PayPay Group possess?

Grace:
The ability to work quickly is crucial. In recruitment, for example, we need to approach and move through the selection process faster than other companies. Although PayPay has grown, the speed expected of the company is still that of a startup.

Risa:
Speed means constant change. Business and goals continuously evolve, bringing new challenges. Our hiring targets can change mid-term, and team structures are updated as new members join. Those who embrace and enjoy these changes thrive here. Conversely, those who dislike change might find it challenging. PayPay is ideal for those who enjoy tackling immediate issues and continually imagining new values we could provide.

What do you emphasize during interviews?

Daiki:
As Risa-san mentioned, at PayPay, new initiatives can sometimes fail. We value candidates who can learn from failure and aren’t afraid to challenge themselves again. In PayPay’s selection process, we focus on cultural fit, especially past failure experiences. Sharing those experiences can reveal your career vision and core values. If your mindset aligns with PayPay, you’ll likely thrive here.

Creating a Future Beyond Imagination

What is PayPay Group’s future vision from an organizational perspective?

Daiki:
We don’t have a fixed MVV (Mission, Vision, Values) because defining our vision can limit us. Starting as a payment service, we were able to grow PayPay into a super app by not confining ourselves to a fixed mission. We cherish the concept of “OUR VISION IS UNLIMITED_” to create a future beyond anyone’s imagination. Through hiring and growing talent, I want to contribute to this business growth.

Megumi:
Currently, I’m part of an AI development project for recruitment support, something I never imagined I’d do when I joined. Many others are also engaged in jobs they never envisioned doing. I want PayPay to remain a place where such unexpected challenges are possible.

Misaki:
To create a future beyond imagination, we must fully engage with the task at hand. Rather than being anxious about the significance of our work, it’s better to believe wholeheartedly in the product and repeatedly take action. Watching PayPay grow and evolve naturally instills this belief.

What mindset should potential candidates have? Do you have a message for applicants?

Grace:
As professionals, we aim to create new value and contribute to the company, building a future beyond imagination. The foundation of our daring spirit is the values embodied in PayPay 5 Senses cherished by all employees. If you resonate with values like “Believes in our product & team” and “Speed is our bet on the market,” and seek meaningful work that justifies dedicating your life, PayPay Group is the place for you. We welcome applications from those with a high ambition to challenge themselves, make an impact, and grow.

*Job openings and employee affiliations are current as of the time of the interview.