Program Director(Japanese and English Speaking)

The RELEX team in Japan is growing and is looking for a Program Director (Project Owner) whose main responsibilities will be owning and guiding a portfolio of software implementation projects, through all the phases of a project lifecycle in the field of retail merchandising and supply chain management. As a Programme Manager / Director, you will be responsible for ensuring the successful implementation of the RELEX software by building senior (Director, CX Suite) customer relationships, setting out the project strategy, negotiating, escalation regarding scope, resource and commercials, and ensuring projects meet the KPI expectations of both RELEX and the customer. Ensuring all timelines are met by overseeing project plans, budget and communication plans by the wider project team including senior stakeholders. From time to time, you will also support the sales team’s initiatives through providing insight on project timelines, resourcing requirements and approach. 

In addition, RELEX is building a strong partner network in APAC, who are supporting us in Sales Cases as well as Implementation Projects. As a Programme Manager / Director, you will also be responsible for working closely with the partners and their leadership teams to ensure a smooth collaboration.  

This is an ideal role for an entrepreneurial-minded individual who wants to be part of building a success story and to play a key role in our future growth. You are self-motivated and willing to take on new challenges. You will join an ambitious team of smart people; all committed to RELEX’s success. RELEX, in turn, does its very best to take good care of its people. 

Travel will be required to visit customers on a regular basis or occasionally to meet with the RELEX teams in our other offices. 

Key responsibilities and accountabilities:

1. Leading the implementation strategy of a portfolio of projects spanning different customer accounts. Participating in consultancy, and software implementation projects.

Tasks include:

o Accountable for project profitability and reporting

o Accountable for the project plan with the project team

o Guiding and agreeing the communication plan, including steering group meetings

o Responsible for creating and maintaining customer relationships with key stakeholders (Director and CX Suite level)

o Ensuring that all stakeholders are adequately informed of project progress internally & externally

o Accountable for project scope and project commercials

o Acting as an escalation point for key decisions or bottlenecks from the project team

o Acting as an escalation point for key internal strategic decisions such as resourcing

o Participating and supporting sales process to agree appropriate timelines, resource requirements, and project approach

o Negotiating commercial aspects of Professional Services for either in-flight or new projects

o First point of contact for RELEX partners in Japan to help enabling their RELEX journey as well as being the owner of contract documents between RELEX and the partners

o Attending suitable industry or RELEX events if needed

o Attending training and developing relevant knowledge and skills

Key requirements:

• Experience leading multiple successful IT system implementations within large Retail IT landscapes

• Experience of senior positions on governance or steering committees 

• Experience managing a complex network of internal and external senior stakeholders

• Experience presenting, consulting and convincing senior audiences on change management practices

• Effective leadership, interpersonal and communication skills

• Ability to interact confidently with customer stakeholders, influence and negotiate

• Strong risk analysis and risk management plans; being able to look ahead mitigating risk, and steering the strategic direction of projects appropriately

• Fluent in English language and ability to speak Japanese at native level to build strong relationship with Japanese speaking clients in Japan. 

What we consider a strong plus:

• Qualified to degree level OR sustained experience of working in the retail industry or leading IT systems implementations

• Entrepreneurial attitude with interest towards growing the business

• Supply Chain Industry knowledge

• Experience with a grocery / CPG / FMCG retailer or supplier

• Ability to understand SCM systems from both business and IT perspectives

• Any other Asian languages at a high level of competency 

• Any Project Management qualifications

• Experience working in Consultancy roles