Associate Director

Company Description

We are a Digital Product Engineering company that is scaling in a big way! We build products, services, and experiences that inspire, excite, and delight. We work at scale — across all devices and digital mediums, and our people exist everywhere in the world (15000+ experts across 26 countries, to be exact). Our work culture is dynamic and non-hierarchical. We are looking for great new colleagues. That is where you come in!

Job Description

Job Summary

The Bilingual Program Manager for the Center of Excellence (CoE) is responsible for leading initiatives to drive business growth in Japan by building local capabilities and supporting global business units (GBUs) in expanding their presence. Acting as a bilingual leader fluent in Japanese and English, the Program Manager will coordinate between Japanese market needs and global objectives, creating a bridge that facilitates cross-cultural collaboration and optimizes the success of each business unit in Japan.

Key Responsibilities

1. CoE Program Planning and Strategy

• Define CoE program goals, objectives, and KPIs aligned with global business unit strategies for the Japanese market.
• Develop a strategic roadmap that fosters collaboration with GBUs, identifies local capability needs, and supports Japan-specific growth initiatives.

2. Global and Local Coordination

• Serve as the primary liaison between Japan's CoE and global business units, ensuring clear and continuous bilingual communication.
• Facilitate alignment on strategies, priorities, and deliverables across global teams, customizing global solutions for the Japanese market.

3. Market Enablement and Capability Building

• Collaborate with GBUs to identify capability gaps in Japan and develop tailored initiatives to build local competencies, skills, and resources.
• Lead programs focused on knowledge transfer, training, and resource development to empower the local team and support business unit growth in Japan.

4. Stakeholder Engagement and Reporting

• Engage with stakeholders across all levels—executives, department heads, and external partners—in both Japanese and English to communicate program progress and impact.
• Deliver regular bilingual reports and updates on CoE activities, including performance metrics, risk assessments, and business opportunities.

5. Resource Management and Optimization

• Oversee CoE resources, including budgeting, staffing, and tools, ensuring optimal allocation and utilization to support Japan-specific initiatives.
• Work closely with global resource managers to align on resourcing needs and secure support for CoE programs.

6. Risk Management and Issue Resolution

• Proactively identify and manage risks related to local market challenges, program execution, and cross-cultural communication.
• Facilitate issue resolution across global and local teams, ensuring swift and effective solutions that support business objectives.

7. Continuous Improvement and Best Practices

• Drive continuous improvement within the CoE by incorporating feedback, refining processes, and sharing best practices across GBUs.
• Implement and promote industry and internal best practices to enhance operational efficiency, scalability, and success in the Japanese market.

Qualifications

Education

• Bachelor's degree in Business, International Relations, Project Management, or a related field; a Master's degree is a plus.

Experience

• 5-10 years in program or project management, with specific experience in building local capabilities or leading CoE initiatives.

Certification

• PMP, PgMP, or similar project management certification is preferred.

Language Proficiency

• Native or fluent proficiency in both Japanese and English, with a demonstrated ability to work effectively in bilingual environments.

Key Skills and Competencies

• Bilingual Communication: Exceptional verbal and written skills in Japanese and English, fostering understanding and cooperation across languages and cultures.
• Market Insight: Knowledge of Japanese business practices, cultural norms, and market dynamics, adapting global strategies for local success.
• Cross-Cultural Leadership: Proven ability to lead cross-functional, multicultural teams, and navigate cultural nuances in decision-making.
• Project Management: Advanced program and project management skills (e.g., Agile, Waterfall), with experience in resource allocation and program oversight.
• Analytical and Strategic Thinking: Ability to analyze complex challenges, synthesize information, and develop innovative solutions tailored to the Japanese market.
• Adaptability and Problem-Solving: Strong problem-solving abilities with a flexible approach to managing dynamic and evolving business needs.

Must-Have Skills

• Japanese proficiency
• Expert communication and collaboration skills
• Coaching and mentoring