Senior Program Manager - Data Platform | Tokyo

A major Japan-headquartered global technology company is seeking a Senior Program Manager - Data Platform to drive strategic initiatives across platform engineering, data governance, and Financial Operations (FinOps).

In this role, you will oversee complex, cross-functional programs supporting one of Japan's largest data ecosystems, which powers more than 70 digital services.

You will be responsible for program governance, project delivery, risk management, stakeholder coordination, resource planning, and executive reporting, ensuring that multiple technology workstreams remain aligned with business priorities.

This opportunity is ideal for a Japanese-speaking technology professional with a strong background in IT program management, Agile delivery, Jira, cloud infrastructure, and enterprise data platforms.

Key Responsibilities

• Program Management & Delivery: Lead cross-functional programs spanning platform engineering, data governance, and FinOps, maintaining integrated master schedules and coordinating project delivery across multiple workstreams.
• Program Governance: Establish and manage regular governance activities, including weekly stand-up meetings, monthly program reviews, and progress monitoring to ensure alignment with delivery objectives.
• Risk & Issue Management: Maintain RAID logs (Risks, Assumptions, Issues, and Dependencies), proactively identify delivery risks, and coordinate resolutions before issues affect project milestones.
• Pilot Program Coordination: Collaborate with relevant stakeholders to monitor pilot program progress, track stakeholder satisfaction, and support successful implementation.
• Resource & Recruitment Coordination: Partner with HR teams to monitor recruitment pipelines, coordinate interview schedules, and support resource planning for technology programs.
• Roles & Responsibilities Management: Maintain RACI matrices (Responsible, Accountable, Consulted, Informed) to clarify ownership, responsibilities, and decision-making across departments.
• Executive Reporting & Dashboards: Prepare regular executive-level status reports, management presentations, and dashboards highlighting project progress, risks, dependencies, and key performance indicators.
• Budget & FinOps Support: Assist with program budget monitoring, including technology tool procurement, platform operating expenses, and financial oversight of relevant initiatives.

Required Skills and Qualifications

Experience:

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Computer Science, Information Engineering or a related field (alternatively, 10+ years of relevant experience)
• 7+ years of cross-functional project management experience within the technology sector.
• 5+ years of hands-on Jira experience, including managing epics, roadmaps, and sprints.
• Stakeholder management experience across engineering, finance, and business functions.
• Experience managing RAID logs, program governance, and project risk mitigation.
• Experience preparing concise executive presentations and management reports.
• Proficiency with program management tools

Soft Skills:

• Strong leadership skills with the ability to align diverse stakeholders and drive complex, cross-functional initiatives toward successful outcomes.
• Excellent analytical thinking, problem-solving, and decision-making abilities when managing program risks, dependencies, and delivery challenges.
• Strong organizational and prioritization skills to coordinate multiple workstreams, milestones, and competing business requirements.
• Proactive approach to identifying issues, resolving conflicts, and maintaining accountability across teams.

Language Requirements:

• Japanese: Business-level (JLPT N1 or equivalent, with at least 3 years of professional Japanese-language communication experience)
• English: Business-level

Preferred Skills & Qualifications

• Project Management Professional (PMP) or Program Management Professional (PgMP) certification.
• 3+ years of experience delivering programs within a Center of Excellence (CoE) or shared services environment.
• Experience with program-level Agile delivery, enterprise Agile frameworks, or large-scale Agile implementation.
• Knowledge or experience of enterprise data platforms or cloud infrastructure environments such as Google Cloud Platform (GCP) or Microsoft Azure.

About the Company

Our client is one of Japan's leading internet services and technology companies, operating a diverse portfolio of more than 70 digital services.

The organization develops and operates one of Japan's largest data ecosystems, supporting a wide range of online businesses and digital platforms.

Its data platform division plays a central role in maintaining scalable infrastructure, strengthening data governance, and supporting efficient technology operations across the business.

Why You'll Love Working Here

• Large-Scale Data Platform Experience: Play a central role in supporting one of Japan's largest data infrastructures, serving more than 70 digital services.
• High-Impact Program Leadership: Take ownership of complex, cross-functional technology initiatives with significant responsibility and visibility.
• Global Working Environment: Collaborate with professionals from diverse international backgrounds and apply your bilingual Japanese and English skills.
• Executive-Level Exposure: Work closely with senior leadership through program reviews, executive reporting, and strategic stakeholder coordination.
• Cloud & Data Technology Development: Deepen your knowledge of data platforms, cloud infrastructure, data governance, and FinOps.
• Remote & Work-from-Home Options: Benefit from remote working arrangements that support flexibility.
• Work-Life Balance: Enjoy a working environment with minimal overtime.

Don't Miss Out - Apply Now!