Program Manager (Bilingual Japanese/English)

Job description

Job responsibilities

• Independently manage ongoing programs with PlusAI’s Japanese customers, acting as the primary point of contact for program-level matters.
• Serve as the connective tissue between Japan-based partner teams and PlusAI’s cross-functional engineering, product, and operations organizations in the U.S., translating context and priorities accurately in both…
• Gather and integrate project performance and progress information from engineering, quality, and partner teams.
• Prepare and deliver detailed status reports — accomplishments, upcoming deliverables, project metrics, and risk analysis — for both PlusAI leadership and partner stakeholders, in English and Japanese as needed.
• Prepare and maintain detailed project plans, deliverable timelines, KPIs, and milestones across Japan programs.
• Identify dependencies and risks early, and drive mitigation plans across internal teams and partner organizations.
• Travel to Japan (~25%) to represent PlusAI in person at key partner reviews, program milestones, and testing activities.

Job requirements

• Fluent in Japanese and English, with the ability to work professionally in both languages — written, verbal, and in real-time discussion.
• Solid program management experience, with a proven track record of building and executing complex, cross-functional programs.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the judgment to adapt style and approach for different audiences and cultural contexts.
• Strong organizational and planning skills; a natural leader in providing structure, prioritization, and decisiveness.
• Willingness and ability to travel to Japan approximately 25% of the time.
• Prior professional experience living or working in Japan, with first-hand familiarity with Japanese business norms and communication style.
• Experience working with Japanese automotive OEMs or Tier 1 suppliers.
• Experience in the automotive, autonomous vehicle, or trucking industry.