Global Project Manager in Japan - What it is, What they do, how to get hired

Are you ready to embark on a dynamic career in Japan with 株式会社SHIFT ?

As a Global Project Manager, you'll be at the forefront of exciting, international projects, bridging the East and the West.

It's not just a job; it's an adventure.

Let's dive into what this role involves, guided by insights from seasoned professionals in the field.

What is a Global Project Manager at SHIFT?

Imagine playing a pivotal role in a leading Japanese tech company, managing global e-commerce projects.

You'll be the key point of contact among major stakeholders: the internal team, customers, and the engineering crew.

Fluent in English and Japanese? That's essential here, as you'll be instrumental in the company's journey towards internationalization.

Global Project Manager Responsibilities

In this multifaceted role, expect to:

1. Lead Global Teams: You'll manage diverse groups, fostering an environment of inclusivity. Your team might range from 5 to 20 members, or even multiple teams simultaneously.
2. Quality Assurance and Improvement: Draft and implement quality plans, troubleshoot issues, and drive continuous improvements in product quality and usability.
3. Project Oversight and System Development: Your technical expertise will be vital in overseeing the project's progress and ensuring alignment with company goals.
4. Bilingual: Bridge the gap between Japanese internal teams and global clients through fluent, bilingual communication.
5. Client and Team Interaction: You'll interpret and communicate client needs to your engineering team, ensuring clear, effective interaction.

Global Project Manager Requirements

To thrive in this role, you should have:

1. Software Development Experience: Essential for understanding technical aspects and effective team communication.
2. Team Management Expertise: Proven experience in managing teams, particularly in software development.
3. Global Project Experience: Familiarity with the unique challenges and processes of international project management.
4. Bilingual Negotiation Skills: Proficiency in both English and Japanese for effective communication.
5. Technical Background: Engineering or quality assurance knowledge is highly desirable.
6. Cultural Sensitivity: The ability to navigate and respect diverse cultural environments.

Tips for Landing the Job at SHIFT Japan as a Global Project Manager

Gaining a Competitive Edge:

• SCRUM and Agile Experience: Holding a SCRUM Master certification or having experience in Agile methodologies is highly beneficial. These qualifications demonstrate your ability to manage projects efficiently in a dynamic, fast-paced environment.
• Involvement in Overseas Projects: Gaining experience in international projects can significantly bolster your application. It showcases your capability to handle the complexities of global project management and work with diverse teams.
• Experience with Multicultural Teams: Proven experience in working with multicultural teams is a valuable asset. It highlights your ability to navigate cultural differences and foster an inclusive work environment.

Crafting Your CV

Your CV is a crucial tool in your application. Here’s how you can optimize it:

1. Quantify Your Experience Project Scale and Scope: Clearly state the number of projects you've managed. Focus on those with a global scope or involving coordination across different cultures. Team Leadership: Specify the size of the teams you've led. This includes the number of teams and team members. Experience in managing larger teams or multiple teams concurrently is impressive. Stakeholder Interaction: Highlight your experience in communicating with a large number of stakeholders. The more extensive your interaction, especially with international stakeholders, the better.
2. Highlight Key ResponsibilitiesDetail Your Role: Beyond just the numbers, describe your role in these projects. What were your key responsibilities? How did you contribute to the project's success? Showcase Technical and Management Skills: Emphasize how you've applied technical skills in project management. Also, focus on your leadership and team management abilities.
3. Tailor Your CVRelevance to the Role: Ensure your CV is specifically tailored to highlight the skills and experiences most relevant to a Global Project Manager role. Focus on international and cross-cultural project management. Professional Presentation: Maintain a clean, professional layout for your CV, making it easy to read and comprehend.

Final Touches:

• Demonstrate Bilingual Proficiency: Articulate your proficiency in English and Japanese, as this is a critical requirement for the role.
• Adaptability and Cultural Awareness: Showcase examples of your adaptability and cultural sensitivity, especially in a global project context.

Interview Tips for SHIFT Japan

Understanding the Process:

The interview process at SHIFT Japan is streamlined into three main steps. Each step is crucial and designed to assess different aspects of your skills and suitability for the role.

1. Document Screening Importance of a Strong Japanese Resume: Your journey starts with document screening, so having a well-crafted Japanese resume is essential. Make sure it highlights your relevant skills and experiences in a concise and impactful manner. If you're not familiar with Japanese resume formats, consider seeking advice or examples to ensure your resume meets expectations.
2. HR InterviewBilingual Language Assessment: The HR interview is a critical step where your English and Japanese language abilities will be assessed. For non-Japanese applicants, expect a balanced evaluation of both languages.Personal and Professional Fit: This is also your opportunity to showcase your personality and professional demeanor. Be prepared to discuss your motivations for applying and how your values align with SHIFT Japan's culture.
3. Final Interview with Global Projects Hiring ManagerFocus on Project Management Experience: The final interview is with a hiring manager from the Global Projects team. Here, you should be prepared to delve into your past experiences as a Project Manager. Discuss specific projects, the challenges you faced, and how you overcame them. While this conversation will focus on your experience, it won’t delve deeply into technical specifics. Demonstrating Problem-Solving Skills: Be ready to share instances that highlight your problem-solving and leadership skills within a project management context.

Aptitude Test:

• Understanding the Purpose: The aptitude test is a notable part of the process, encompassing QA (Quality Assurance) and mathematics/statistics. The test aims to gauge your understanding of the business and basic analytical skills.
• Perspective on Test Impact: While the company is aware that the test doesn’t have a huge impact on the final decision, it's important to take it seriously. The test primarily serves to ensure candidates have a basic understanding of what the company does.
• Universal Requirement: It’s interesting to note that even HR candidates undergo this test, highlighting its importance as a standard part of SHIFT Japan’s recruitment process.

General Tips:

• Prepare Thoroughly: Familiarize yourself with SHIFT Japan's projects and ethos. Understanding the company's mission and how your role fits into it can be a significant advantage.
• Showcase Your Adaptability and Cultural Awareness: As the role involves working in a global setting, demonstrating cultural sensitivity and adaptability is key.
• Practice for the Aptitude Test: Brush up on basic QA concepts and mathematical/statistical reasoning to feel more confident during the test.

FAQs

Q: Is the position open to international candidates?

A: Yes, SHIFT Japan welcomes international candidates, particularly those who are fluent in both English and Japanese. The company values diversity and inclusivity in its workforce.

Q: Are there opportunities for training and professional development?

A: Absolutely. SHIFT Japan places a strong emphasis on the continuous professional development of its employees. This includes various in-house training programs, workshops, and opportunities for gaining relevant certifications.

Q: Can I work remotely in this position?

A: Yes, there is a possibility for remote work at SHIFT Japan. However, depending on the specific project requirements, you might need to occasionally come to the office. This approach allows for flexibility while ensuring effective collaboration and project management.

Q: What is the company culture like at SHIFT Japan?

A: The company culture at SHIFT Japan is centered around innovation, collaboration, and diversity. They foster an environment that encourages creative problem-solving, teamwork, and values diverse perspectives.

Q: How is performance evaluated in this role?

A: Performance evaluation is based on several factors, including the success of the projects you manage, your effectiveness in team management, and your contribution to achieving strategic objectives. Regular reviews and feedback sessions form part of the evaluation process.

Q: What are the career advancement opportunities within this role?

A: There are significant opportunities for career advancement at SHIFT Japan. Successful candidates can progress to higher managerial positions, take on larger and more complex projects, or even advance to roles in program management or executive leadership.

Q: What kind of support is available for international candidates?

A: SHIFT Japan provides comprehensive support for international candidates. This includes assistance with relocation, cultural orientation, and language training to ensure a smooth transition into the company and life in Japan.

Q: Ready to apply?

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