Job Listing

Purpose and Objective
A Program Manager, or Strategic Program Manager, oversees and coordinates different related projects to ensure they benefit one another and meet business goals. The main duties include organizing various programs and activities to improve company efficiencies, building long-term goals for company projects, and developing program and project budgets coordinating between Japan and North America (NAM).

Primary Responsibilities
Program Manager will oversee the various projects the Japan business implements to ensure they all align effectively with the organization’s mission and the program’s goals. The company’s leadership team will typically inform Program Managers of their strategic direction and the goals they would like the company to achieve. The Program Manager will then monitor the progress of several projects within the program to make sure they follow this direction and exceed these goals.

They are responsible for building a budget for the program and must ensure all projects stay within this budget. Most Program Managers create their own evaluation method to properly review and assess the strengths of their program and to determine any areas of improvement.

The Program Manager will be responsible for overseeing the development of programs that support the Japan organization’s main objectives. Some of the primary duties include:
• Organizing daily activities based on the goals of the organization
• Devising new programs that support the organization’s objectives
• Coming up with sustainable goals for the organization
• Working with other departments to develop budgets and plans for the programs
• Evaluating and assessing the programs’ strengths and weaknesses
• Monitoring projects and overseeing project managers to ensure goals are met
• Meeting with stakeholders to discuss program status and goals
• Working with the marketing team to improve strategies

Overall, provide support to deliver successfully, including being a hub for communications between Japan and North America (NAM). Lead overall NAM side program management by tracking the progress and manage issues of the projects by working with delivery team in Japan. Identify gaps to drive and obtain alignment between different teams. Be a cultural ambassador to foster cross cultural understandings. Mentor, educate, and orient new Japan members, process, and technologies.

Day-to-Day Activities
This role will work cross-functionally and collaborate with a variety of departments. Specifically, the Program Manager will lead overall planning and management of the program between Japan and North America (NAM). Day-to-day activities can include but are not limited to:
• Coordinate with the Japan team to clarify the asks / requirements
• Reach out to key stakeholders to start conversations
• Organize and attend meetings, including virtual, based on different time zones
• Allocate necessary resources to move activities forward
• Gather outcomes / results from working group members
• Coordinate with the Japan team to finalize reports / deliverables to customer
• Provide technical insights for material preparation support to drive customer discussions
• Compose or help compose proposal materials for bids
• Engage with ComOps in DTO process
• Orchestrate cost building activity and follow through until all costs are put together
• Engage in strategic discussions and decision making
• Escalate early for any issues which impacts the successful implementation of the programs.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Program Managers need to have certain skills to deliver quality results within set timeframes, including:
• High-level management and leadership skills
• Ability to schedule and manage tasks effectively
• Conflict resolution and problem-solving skills
• Risk management
• Written and verbal communication skills
• Cost control and budgeting skills
• Teamwork and motivational skills
• Organizational and multitasking skills
• Effective written and verbal communication skills, including experience in public speaking
• Organizational skills including prioritization, project management and resource deployment
• Ability to influence individuals and organizations not under a direct reporting relationship
• Proven leadership skills in mentoring and developing others
• Superior computer skills including Microsoft Office applications for word processing, spreadsheets, and presentations
• Cross cultural working skills and experience.
• Candidates must be fluent in both English and Japanese

Education and Experience
Experienced. 10-15 years of experience, depending on educational background.
Degree in relevant scientific field - business management, computer science, or engineering degree or similar.
Track record of working in global organizations with experience in sales and channel / alliances management, technical business development helpful. Certification in business management or project management a plus.