Senior Manager, Program Management Office (PMO) – PMO Section, Corporate IT Infrastructure Department (CITID)

Job Description:

Business Overview

The Technology Management Division (TMD) provides Corporate IT and Cyber Security & Privacy Governance to Rakuten Group companies and delivers essential business management functions that enable innovation and strengthen the company's technology foundation.

Within TMD, the Corporate IT Supervisory Department (CITD) drives Rakuten Group's global corporate IT services and infrastructure. Our mission is to empower Rakuten through innovative, secure, and efficient IT solutions that enhance productivity and accelerate business growth .

Department Overview

The Corporate IT Infrastructure Department (CITID) provides the stable and reliable technology foundation that supports Rakuten's global business operations. The PMO Section serves as the strategic program management and business engagement function within CITID. The team drives portfolio governance, project management excellence, financial management, business relationship management, operational improvements, AI-driven transformation initiatives, and executive reporting across global infrastructure services.

The section works closely with business stakeholders, engineering teams, security organizations, finance teams, procurement, and executive leadership to ensure successful delivery of strategic initiatives and alignment between technology investments and business outcomes.

Position:

Why We Hire

As Rakuten continues to expand globally, CITID must accelerate the delivery of strategic infrastructure initiatives, AI-driven transformation programs, and business-focused technology services. We are seeking an experienced Senior Manager who can lead portfolio governance, strengthen stakeholder engagement, drive operational excellence, and maximize the value of technology investments across Rakuten Group.

Position Details

Project Portfolio Leadership

- Own and govern the overall CITID project portfolio.

- Drive prioritization, planning, and execution of strategic initiatives aligned with business and technology objectives.

- Ensure visibility of project status, risks, dependencies, and outcomes across the department.

PMO and Project Management Leadership

- Lead and mentor project managers within CITID.

- Establish project management standards, governance frameworks, and delivery best practices.

- Foster a culture of accountability, transparency, and execution excellence.

Executive Stakeholder Management

- Act as a trusted advisor to CITID leadership on project investments, priorities, and risks.

- Facilitate executive reviews and steering committees.

- Drive cross-functional alignment among business leaders, engineering managers, and corporate stakeholders.

Strategic Program Delivery

- Oversee complex, cross-functional programs spanning multiple infrastructure domains.

- Ensure successful delivery of key transformation initiatives, including infrastructure modernization, workplace technology, security, and AI/ automation programs.

- Remove organizational roadblocks and drive timely decision-making.

Mandatory Qualifications:

- 10+ years of experience in Program Management, PMO, or IT Project Management.

- 5+ years of people management experience leading project managers or PMO teams.

- Proven experience managing large-scale enterprise technology portfolios and strategic programs.

- Strong leadership, stakeholder management, and executive communication skills.

- Experience establishing governance frameworks and driving organizational change.

- Business-level English communication skills.

Desired Qualifications:

- Experience in Corporate IT Infrastructure, Digital Workplace, Cloud, or Enterprise Technology domains.

- Experience in multinational or global organizations.

- PMP, PgMP, PRINCE2, Agile, or equivalent certifications.

- Experience leading enterprise-wide transformation programs.

- Japanese language capability is a plus.

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