Senior PMO, Portfolio Management Department (RMI Strategy & Product Office)

Job Description:

About Organization

The Strategy & Product Office (SPO) is at the forefront of driving strategic innovation maximizing revenue and enhancing customer value for Rakuten Mobile. We are seeking a highly motivated and experienced PMO Specialist to join our dynamic Portfolio Management Office. This critical role will be instrumental in ensuring the successful execution of strategic initiatives by effectively collaborating and aligning with a diverse range of internal Japanese stakeholders. This position requires driving projects forward by engaging numerous stakeholders including sales marketing shop/customer support development teams legal and other back-office staff.

Job Duties

The PMO Specialist will be a central figure in the Rakuten Mobile SPO responsible for the seamless execution of strategic initiatives the establishment of robust governance frameworks and transparent reporting to ensure business objectives are met. This role places significant emphasis on managing complex projects and programs coordinating with a wide array of Japanese internal stakeholders and effectively communicating progress and insights to executive management. The ideal candidate will provide strategic and executive leadership overseeing initiatives from inception to completion and strengthening the overall portfolio management and governance within the SPO.

Strategic Program & Project Management Leadership:
Lead and manage multiple strategic initiatives and programs from inception through successful completion ensuring objectives are met on time within scope and aligned with Rakuten Mobiles strategic priorities.
Drive the development and strengthening of 3rd party business partnerships and new business ideation within the SPO portfolio.

Portfolio Governance :
Lead the management of the SPO Portfolio ensuring strong alignment with overall business strategy and organizational goals.
Design establish and maintain robust internal and external governance frameworks for the SPO driving adherence continuous improvement and standardization in project and portfolio management practices.
Executive Reporting & Strategic Communication:
Prepare analyze and present clear concise and strategic project and portfolio updates status reports and performance insights to senior management and relevant executive forums (e.g. System Development Committee - SDM meetings).
Enable informed decision-making by providing timely and accurate data-driven analysis of portfolio health risks and opportunities.

Executive Forum Facilitation & Management:
Organize drive and manage critical executive forums ensuring productive discussions clear decision-making and diligent follow-through on action items.

Critical Stakeholder Engagement & Alignment:
Proactively streamline communication foster collaboration and ensure alignment with key Japanese stakeholders across various departments (e.g. Rakuten Shop Marketing CS Revenue Office Finance B2B/B2C GHR).
Navigate complex organizational structures and cultural nuances to build consensus and drive effective cross-functional cooperation.

Process Optimization & PMO Standards Enforcement:
Continuously support the establishment refinement and rigorous enforcement of PMO processes standards and governance frameworks to ensure consistent efficient and high-quality project and program delivery across the SPO.

Program-Level Risk Issue & Dependency Management:
Proactively identify track and manage program and portfolio-level risks issues and dependencies escalating critical items as necessary and developing effective mitigation strategies in collaboration with all relevant stakeholders.
Cultural Nuance & Strategic Bridging:

Leverage native level Japanese proficiency and deep cultural understanding to effectively navigate and adapt to Japanese business customs and communication styles building strong trust-based relationships and serving as a critical bridge between SPO and Japanese stakeholders.

Minimum Qualification

Languages Proficiency: Japanese (Native-Level) English (Business-Level).
Proven experience (10 years) in a Project Management Office (PMO) or Project/Program Management role within a complex organizational structure.
Demonstrated ability to successfully drive cross-functional initiatives to closure particularly in environments involving multiple internal business units.
Strong understanding of project management methodologies and tools.
Exceptional communication negotiation and interpersonal skills with a track record of building consensus and influencing stakeholders at all levels.
Ability to work independently and as part of a team in a fast-paced dynamic environment.

Preferred Qualification

Experience in the telecommunications or technology industry.
Consulting background particularly within the technology sector.
Experience working in a global company with diverse cultural teams.
Proven experience in managing strategic portfolios and driving portfolio optimization.
Certification in Project Management (e.g. PMP) or Program Management (e.g. PgMP).
Experience with advanced PMO tools and software for portfolio management and reporting.

Languages: