Program manager- SAP / Applications

We are seeking an experienced Delivery Manager / Program Manager to lead SAP and enterprise application implementation and transformation programs, ensuring effective program governance, end-to-end delivery, budget management, risk mitigation, and stakeholder alignment.

Key Responsibilities

Define and manage overall program roadmaps, scope, governance structures, milestones, and delivery plans. Establish effective program governance and ensure alignment across multiple projects and workstreams. Track overall program performance and provide clear management reporting on delivery progress, risks, issues, and key decisions.

Lead end-to-end delivery of SAP and application implementation and transformation programs. Ensure projects and programs are delivered within agreed scope, schedule, budget, and quality expectations. Coordinate activities across project phases, including planning, design, build, testing, deployment, and implementation.

Manage multiple projects, workstreams, and dependencies to ensure successful delivery of overall program objectives. Apply appropriate delivery methodologies, including Agile, Waterfall, or hybrid approaches. Serve as a key interface between business stakeholders, IT teams, project teams, and senior management. Work closely with stakeholders to define program objectives, requirements, priorities, and expected outcomes.

Lead governance and Steering Committee meetings and provide clear executive-level program updates. Manage stakeholder expectations and ensure alignment between business objectives and delivery priorities. Manage program budgets, financial tracking, cost management, and resource forecasting. Monitor financial performance and ensure effective utilization of project resources.

Track project/program financials and delivery milestones. Identify and proactively manage Risks, Assumptions, Issues, and Dependencies (RAID) across the program. Manage program escalations and drive timely resolution of delivery issues. Proactively identify potential scope, schedule, resource, and delivery risks and establish appropriate mitigation plans.

Manage scope changes and ensure appropriate impact assessment and governance. Lead and coordinate cross-functional teams across business, functional, and technical areas. Manage and optimize resources across multiple projects and workstreams. Coordinate onsite and offshore/global delivery teams. Provide leadership, guidance, and support to project managers, functional leads, technical leads, and delivery teams.

Work with internal and external partners/vendors to ensure alignment with overall program objectives.

Requirements

Strong project and program management experience. Proven experience managing large-scale SAP and/or enterprise application implementation or transformation programs. Strong end-to-end program delivery experience. Experience in program strategy, planning, and governance. Experience managing scope, schedule, budget, and quality.

Experience in stakeholder and executive management. Experience in risk, issue, and dependency management. Experience in budget and resource management. Strong governance and reporting skills. Experience in cross-functional team leadership. Experience managing multiple projects/workstreams and globally distributed teams.

Strong customer-facing, communication, negotiation, and escalation management skills. Experience with Agile, Waterfall, or hybrid delivery methodologies. Bilingual proficiency in Japanese and English.

Preferred Qualifications

Experience managing SAP S/4HANA or other enterprise application transformation programs. Experience with SAP implementation methodologies such as SAP Activate. Experience managing global delivery models, including onsite and offshore teams. Experience managing third-party vendors and implementation partners. Experience with large-scale business and technology transformation programs.

PMP, PgMP, PRINCE2, or equivalent Project/Program Management certification is preferred.