Sr. Program Manager

Are you a strategic orchestrator who thrives in complex, global environments? We are looking for a Senior Program Manager to join our Global Team Management and Inclusion (GTMI) team to lead high-impact initiatives that bridge the gap between complex business challenges and creative, scalable solutions. 

This isn't a role for someone who needs a roadmap; this is a role for someone who builds them. You will act as a change agent, driving global programs from inception to delivery, exercising sound judgment, and maintaining autonomy to steer stakeholders toward successful outcomes without needing a "safety net." 

Key Responsibilities:

You won’t just be maintaining programs; you will be evolving our organizational intelligence. You will serve as the primary architect and driver for several high-visibility pillars: 

• AI School Strategy & Governance: You will be at the forefront of our enterprise-wide AI transformation. This includes modernizing the AI School, scaling content, and launching targeted programs (including AI communication and the integration of our internal OptU site) to ensure our workforce remains ahead of the curve. 

• Global Udemy Rollout: You will act as the end-to-end program lead for the global deployment of Udemy Enterprise. This is a high-stakes initiative requiring you to synchronize stakeholders across multiple time zones and secure alignment from senior leadership on adoption strategies that drive real business value. 

• End-to-End New Hire Experience: As a core contributor to our global end-to-end new hire redesign (OnboardU), you will influence the future of how we bring talent into the company. You will ensure that learning priorities and GTMI standards are seamlessly woven into a world-class, global onboarding experience. 

• Portfolio Excellence & Innovation: You will own the evolution of our core training assets, partnering with cross-functional program managers to shape the soft-skill capabilities of our global organization. 

What You’ll Own 

• Global Strategic Partnership: Consult with business leaders worldwide to prioritize and solve complex, variable-factor problems. 

• Executive Presence & Facilitation: You are the face of your programs. You will own meetings with senior leadership, facilitate high-stakes discussions, and drive consensus. We value your ability to manage expectations, provide clear, concise communication, and follow through with a rigor that requires minimal oversight. 

• Change Leadership: As a catalyst for improvement, you will proactively identify issues, perform root-cause analyses, and implement solutions that evolve our business operations. 

What You Bring 

• Proven Track Record: 8+ years of experience (or equivalent combination of education and experience). You have a history of navigating complex organizational structures and resolving issues that require more than a "textbook" approach. 

• Communication Mastery: You possess the ability to distill complex data into actionable insights for leadership. You know when to seek input from senior stakeholders and when to lead with confidence. 

• Analytical Rigor: You are comfortable working on issues where variables are constantly shifting, and you have the critical judgment to select the right techniques to achieve success. 

• Global Mindset: You understand that one size rarely fits all. You apply global nuances to your strategies, ensuring our programs are effective, inclusive, and scalable. 

• Continuous Improvement: You are proactively identifying opportunities to improve programs, processes and ways of working. 

• Measurement and Impact: You define success measures, evaluate effectiveness, and use data/insights to continuously improve outcomes. 

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree plus 8 years of related experience; OR Master’s degree plus 6 years 

• Demonstrated experience in instructional design, needs assessment, root cause analysis, and proactive stakeholder management. 

• A "Team Lead" mindset—you possess the capability to coordinate personnel and influence outcomes without relying on next-level management for daily direction. 

• Knowledge and experience in implementing AI training and global deployment of Udemy/online training is a plus. 

Why This is a Career-Defining Opportunity 

• Innovation-First: You aren't just managing existing processes; you are designing the future of learning and AI capability at Rakuten. 

• Global Influence: You will facilitate decisions that impact employees across every region, acting as a key advisor to leadership on how we scale our culture and technical skills. 

• End-to-End Ownership: From vendor selection and strategic planning to global rollout and adoption, you will own the full lifecycle of these initiatives, providing you with a platform to showcase your leadership and strategic vision. 

If you are a builder who thrives on influencing global strategy and want to leave a lasting mark on Rakuten, we want to hear from you.

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