Senior Project Manager (Japanese)

SmartOSC is seeking a Senior Project Manager / Program Manager to lead the delivery of software projects and multi-project programs for our Japanese enterprise clients. You will be the primary owner of delivery quality, timeline, budget, and client relationship – working directly with Japanese stakeholders in Japanese while coordinating offshore engineering teams in Vietnam channels.

– Own end-to-end delivery of one or more software projects for Japanese clients, ensuring scope, schedule, cost, and quality targets are met.

– Serve as the main point of contact for Japanese client stakeholders — running meetings, reporting, and escalations directly in Japanese.

– Lead project planning, resource allocation, risk management, and change management across the project lifecycle.

– Manage and grow cross-functional offshore teams (BrSE, developers, QA, BA), setting clear expectations and removing blockers.

– Translate client business goals into clear delivery plans and coordinate alignment between client expectations and the offshore team.

– Track and report project health (progress, budget, risks, KPIs) to both clients and internal leadership.

– For program-level scope: standardize delivery practices, manage interdependencies across projects, and drive continuous improvement.

– Support pre-sales and account expansion where relevant (estimation, proposals, scoping).

– 6+ years in software project delivery, with at least 3 years in a PM/Program Manager role managing offshore or distributed teams.

– Proven track record delivering projects for Japanese clients.

– Business-level Japanese (JLPT N2 or above; N1 strongly preferred) — able to lead client meetings, negotiate, and report in Japanese.

– Strong command of project management methodologies (Agile/Scrum, Waterfall, or hybrid) and tools (e.g., Jira, Redmine, MS Project).

– Solid understanding of the software development lifecycle and the ability to engage credibly on technical trade-offs.

– Excellent stakeholder management, communication, and problem-solving skill.

– PMP, PRINCE2, or equivalent certification.

– Experience working or living in Japan.

– Background in [relevant domain – e.g., e-commerce, fintech, enterprise systems]

At SmartOSC, we offer the best to your values:

– Attractive salary package (up to 70M gross)

– Salary review twice a year

– Flexible working hours (between 7:30am – 7:30pm on staff’s preference)

– Premium health care

– Working in one of the largest digital transformation agencies in Asia – Professional English environment

– Firm’s Certified Qualifications Sponsorship for career development

– Annual company trip inside or outside Vietnam

– Other fun activities: happy hour, quarterly team building, football club, yoga club, swimming club, charity activities, etc.

– Free entertainment parties: Birthday party, Anniversary party, Sum-up Party, Year-End Party, etc

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