AI-nization & Operations Transformation Program… at Rakuten · Tokyo

AI-nization & Operations Transformation Program Manager - AI & Data Division General Management Office (AIGMO) Location: Tokyo, Japan Job Description: Business Overview Rakuten's AI & Data Division (AIDD) develops and provides service platforms powered by AI and data, and drives data consulting services that help business units leverage AI and data at scale. The Division is responsible for defining and executing Rakuten Group's mid-to-long-term AI & Data strategy. Department Overview AI & Data Division General Management Office (AIGMO) is a cross-functional team of approximately 25 members based in Japan and India. We handle Division-wide strategy planning and operations across diverse areas including services, budget management, events, HR, and internal communications—acting as the central nerve of the Division. Position: Why We Hire To strengthen AI-nization initiatives and build a cross-functional operational transformation capability across the Division. Position Details We are looking for an AI-nization & Operations Transformation Program Manager who will work closely with the AIDD CAIO to strategically drive AI adoption and operational transformation across the Division. This is a high-impact, cross-functional role that goes beyond traditional project management. You will take ownership of KPI design, operational improvement cycles, and the trial and implementation of emerging technologies - working across organizational boundaries in close collaboration with Division department heads and section leaders. We are looking for someone who can work independently with strong ownership, and at the same time build collaborative structures across departments to drive things forward. Key Responsibilities are as follows. KPI Design & Management - Design and maintain the Division-wide KPI framework aligned with the CAIO's management principles - Establish and run regular KPI review cycles to drive continuous, data-driven improvement - Monitor KPIs across dimensions such as AI utilization, asset reuse, automation, and cost efficiency, and provide reporting and recommendations to leadership Operations Establishment & Improvement - Assess current backoffice and cross-division processes, identify issues, and establish continuous improvement cycles - Drive automation and standardization to build a more efficient and scalable operational structure - Embed AI/data-driven decision-making practices into day-to-day operations New Technology Trial & Implementation - Proactively test and validate the latest AI, generative AI tools, and automation solutions - Scale successful initiatives into Division-wide operations and lead horizontal deployment - Partner with the CAIO and department heads to design and drive the process from proof-of-concept to full-scale implementation Cross-Division Promotion & Stakeholder Management - Coordinate regularly with department heads and section leaders to align AI-nization and operational reform priorities - Visualize and report Division-wide progress to senior management on a regular basis - Build collaborative structures across departments and lead issue resolution and change-driving efforts English Usage - English is used on a daily basis across all aspects of this role, including written materials such as reports, planning documents, and meeting minutes. - Regular English communication with internal and external stakeholders through emails, meetings, and presentations is expected. Work Environment AI & Data Division General Management Office is a team of approximately 25 members, based across Japan and India. Mandatory Qualifications: - Over 5 years of experience in program/project management or operations transformation - Proven experience in KPI design, measurement, and building continuous improvement cycles - Strong stakeholder management skills with the ability to engage and collaborate with department heads and section leaders as an equal partner - Self-starter who can identify problems, define scope, and drive projects end-to-end with minimal supervision - Track record of building cross-departmental collaborative structures and driving organization-wide change - Business-level English and Japanese (reading, writing, and speaking) Desired Qualifications: - Experience working in an AI, generative AI, or data-driven organization - Familiarity with tools such as Cursor, Power Apps, SharePoint, JIRA, Confluence, or similar platforms - Experience in designing or implementing automation, RPA, or process standardization - Background in operations transformation at a consulting firm or tech company - Project management or process improvement certifications (e.g., PMP, Lean/Six Sigma, or equivalent) #business #strategyplanning #OperationalImprovement #AI #aianddatadiv Languages: English (Overall - 3 - Advanced), Japanese (Overall - 3 - Advanced)