Kao employees in a meeting

Global InnovationIndividual Inspiration

Explore our unique Culture

Our work is challenging and rewarding. We hire only the best. We strive to make an impact on the community. Our commitment to ethics and values is without question. Most of all, at Kao you will discover that our people can create change and make an impact. By joining our team, you will have the opportunity to:

John Frieda®, a signature Kao brand

Revolutionize the Market

Play a part in creating, marketing and selling new products that revolutionize the market and enrich the lives of our customers

Kao chemists in a lab

Industry Leaders

Collaborate with industry leaders and a team of trailblazers whose professionalism and high standards are inspiring

Kao employees in a team meeting

Cross-Functional Team

Work with an incredible cross-functional team of intelligent, motivated people who will support and stand behind you

Kao global operations

Global Operations

Broaden your reach as part of a truly international, multicultural organization with global operations and diverse portfolio of businesses

Kao employees at a computer

Small-Company Feel

Enjoy the resources of a large company, along with the small-company feel that allows each individual to make a difference

Kao employees attend a business seminar

Entrepreneurial Environment

Have the autonomy to make decisions and take ownership in an entrepreneurial environment that encourages fresh thinking

Kao employees in a board meeting

Diversity

Experience the respect we have for employees, for diversity and for the contributions of each individual

World’s Most Ethical Companies 2015 award

Ethical Company

Kao Corporation is recognized as one of WORLD’S MOST ETHICAL COMPANIES by Ethisphere Institute, a U.S. think tank. Since the award’s inception in 2007, Kao is the only Japanese company that has received this recognition for twelve straight years

Executive lobby of a Kao facility

Benefits designed for life

Your goals and life are important to us. We offer a variety of diverse options that address the issues of individuals and families and promote healthy lifestyles. While our benefits packages differ in locations around the world, we are committed to providing competitive offerings in areas that may include:

  • Insurance, health and wellness
  • Financial and retirement plans
  • Bonus and incentive programs
  • Work/life balance initiatives
  • Location-specific amenities
  • Vacation and paid time off
  • Various perks and discounts
Employee benefits at Kao

Learning and Development

Kao invests in our most valuable asset: our employees. We use the 70:20:10 model, where individuals obtain 70 percent of their knowledge from job-related experiences, 20 percent of development through relationships and 10 percent from organized training sessions. Our programs differ in locations around the world and may include:

  • An ongoing balance of on-the-job training and classroom learning
  • Capabilities training and best practices workshops to keep you sharp
  • Daily guidance and mentoring from some of the industry’s best people
  • One-on-one performance reviews to discuss future goals
  • Opportunities to attend leading industry conferences
  • Specialized workshops for management and leadership roles
Molton Brown® location in London, England

Stories from the Kao family

With global headquarters located in Tokyo, the Kao Group consists of a rich diversity of markets and employees. Kao’s operations throughout North America, Australia, Europe, the Middle East and Africa are incredibly varied, and include offices, salon training academies, manufacturing facilities and warehouse locations, as well as our Molton Brown® retail locations, all of which contribute to deliver products to enrich the lives of people across our regions.

Kao employee testimonial, Ben, Brand Management, United States
Ben
Kao employee testimonial, Bettina, Research & Development, Germany
Bettina
Kao employee testimonial, Chantelle, Education, United States
Chantelle
Kao employee testimonial, Mike, Sales, United Kingdom
Mike
Kao employee testimonial, Heather, Brand Management, United States
Heather
Kao employee testimonial, Charlotte, Brand Management, Sweden
Charlotte
Kao employee testimonial, Steffan, Brand Management, Germany
Steffan
Kao employee testimonial, Steve, Finance, United Kingdom
Steve
Kao employee testimonial, Duncan, Retail, United Kingdom
Duncan
Kao employee testimonial, Ben, Brand Management, United States

Ben

Brand Management, United States

As a marketer, there is nothing more quintessential than beauty care – I jumped at the chance to practice marketing in this industry. We’re smaller than our competitors, and leaner. We have to use teamwork to quickly extract the most value possible out of each member of the team. If you have a great idea here, chances are you can see the impact of your ideas and passion.

Kao employee testimonial, Bettina, Research & Development, Germany

Bettina

Research & Development, Germany

At Kao, it’s important to be really close to the consumer. We call this Genba. By intensively studying consumers and their behavior and needs, perfect solutions to improve life can be developed. By sharing the latest research findings between laboratories in Japan, the U.S. and EMEA, new values for stylists and consumers can be explored and areas of close collaboration are created.

Kao employee testimonial, Chantelle, Education, United States

Chantelle

Education, United States

The culture and the team are what drew me to Kao. I consider my group to be industry leaders and trailblazers. We genuinely enjoy each other and share the same work ethic, and that continues to attract top performers. The professionals here are known as industry leaders who strive for excellence every day. It’s an honor to stand by them and collaborate with them every day.

Kao employee testimonial, Mike, Sales, United Kingdom

Mike

Sales, United Kingdom

I was initially attracted by the brands, and following my first interview, it was energy and passion of the people I met that convinced me I wanted to work at Kao. Kao is different largely because of the amount of autonomy you are given at all levels of the business. If you have an idea and the passion to deliver it, you will be supported to make it happen.

Kao employee testimonial, Heather, Brand Management, United States

Heather

Brand Management, United States

I came to Kao to work on the John Frieda® brand and fell in love with the culture and people. What sets Kao apart is the level of empowerment we have in driving the business. We can run the business as if it were our own, with an entrepreneurial spirit. When we get our product to women, they can transform their hair and, ultimately, how they feel about themselves.

Kao employee testimonial, Charlotte, Brand Management, Sweden

Charlotte

Brand Management, Sweden

Thanks to Kao, I have been able to move from the salon division to Molton Brown®, which has given me many opportunities to grow professionally. You have a lot of freedom and possibilities to develop your brand in your market. And you work with 360 degrees of marketing, not just one aspect of it. There’s always something new to do!

Kao employee testimonial, Steffan, Brand Management, Germany

Steffan

Brand Management, Germany

As a passionate marketer, I love our dedication to R&D excellence – delivering breakthrough and meaningful innovation that enriches the lives of consumers. I can build strong marketing campaigns around even stronger innovation. We have a great mix of a performance orientation and a family atmosphere, filled with trust and respect. Being a marketer here is the best job in the world.

Kao employee testimonial, Steve, Finance, United Kingdom

Steve

Finance, United Kingdom

Kao is one of the global leaders in the consumer products industry, with operations across the world. This makes it attractive for individuals looking to accelerate their career by working internationally. In addition, we have a strong mission and values, focusing on integrity and enriching the lives of its people and consumers. Kao can provide you with a challenging and rewarding career.

Kao employee testimonial, Duncan, Retail, United Kingdom

Duncan

Retail, United Kingdom

I am an area manager for Molton Brown®, responsible for numerous retail locations. I get great pleasure out of coaching and developing a team, but am also inspired daily by the passion and drive of our people out in the stores. There are plenty of opportunities across Kao that can lead to career success. You don’t feel like just a number, but an individual with your own personality.

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Findyour beautiful future

At Kao, we believe that talent is beautiful, and your future can be, too. We’re passionate about ideas and determined to lead the way. We know that collaborating will keep us at the forefront. We are always eager to join forces with individuals who share our way of thinking – and working. We offer a variety of career opportunities across many functions, and invite you to begin your career search with us now.

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