GP Strategies Corporation

Compensation

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Job Description Role Summary - Program Manager Fluent in Japanese We are seeking a Program Manager for a role that is a hybrid role - both strategic and operational -to support our client, Microsoft. This resource will be responsible for end-to-end skilling strategy, program execution, stakeholder management, and Japan-specific localization across Microsoft's strategic Global Partners. This role spans global skilling leadership, program and event management, Japan market liaison, and cross-time-zone execution, supporting multi-year Strategic Alliance Agreements (SAAs) with aggressive certification and readiness targets. The role operates without dedicated administrative or PM support for key areas and serves as the primary point of contact for a wide range of Microsoft internal teams, partner stakeholders and Japan-based suppliers. Key Responsibilities Global Skilling Leadership • Lead global skilling strategy for a major Japanese partner across Japan and ROW. • Advise partner and Microsoft leaders, aligning skilling plans to PBPs and SAA objectives. • Manage a complex multi-entity partner structure with no single point of contact. • Deliver skilling plans, executive-ready materials, and readiness updates. • Collaborate with PDMs/SPDMs to support designations, specializations, and readiness needs. Stakeholder & Governance Management • Maintain a structured ROB across Japan and ROW time zones. • Serve as the primary escalation point for skilling inquiries. • Partner with global and Japan-based stakeholders, including Alliance leadership. • Support large, high-visibility skilling motions and 5,000+ attendee events. Events & Certification Management • Oversee planning and execution of private, surge, and certification events globally. • Coordinate with DEPR/WWL delivery teams. • Manage certification voucher processes, tracking, and KPI reporting. Budget Ownership • Manage partner-specific skilling budgets and IO setup. • Track spend, forecast utilization, and report budget status. Global Program Management • Act as primary PoC for a major Japan-based partner. • Execute large, multi-week, multi-time-zone surge events. • Support SAA execution and maintain event trackers. Japan-Focused Event Liaison • Serve as liaison between global and Japan-based stakeholders for event requirements. • Provide feedback, approvals, and out-of-hours support aligned to Japan expectations. Localization & Playbook Management • Lead Japanese localization of a 70+ page skilling playbook. • Manage translation suppliers, SOWs, and POs. • Ensure quality and alignment with Microsoft standards. Japan Partner Team (EPS) Collaboration • Partner with EPS leadership to communicate course availability and develop materials. • Respond to PDM inquiries and act as an escalation resource. Content Governance • Advise on localization priorities and Japan-specific readiness needs. • Act as a subject-matter advisor for Japanese localization across skilling content teams. Key Skills and Competencies • Global skilling strategy & complex stakeholder management • Large-scale, multi-time-zone program & event management • Japan market expertise and cultural fluency • Budget ownership and financial oversight • Executive communication, presentation, and cross-functional coordination • High-volume prioritization, triage, and independent self-management • Risk, dependency, and milestone management across regions • Partner engagement and relationship building with global & regional stakeholders • KPI tracking, data interpretation, and reporting proficiency (Excel, Power BI) • Operational excellence in complex, matrixed environments; strong ownership mindset Working Conditions • Extensive collaboration across all key time zones in the world • Regular off-hours availability to support Japan-based initiatives • High-stakes, time-sensitive deliverables tied to executive and partner commitments #LI-LJ1 #remote About Us GP Strategies Corporation is one of the world's leading talent transformation providers. By delivering award-winning learning and development solutions, we help organizations transform through their people and achieve meaningful change. GP Strategies has delivered our innovative consulting, learning services, and talent technology solutions to over 6,000 organizations globally. From our global experience working across thousands of projects and initiatives over the past 55 years, we've learned that relationships, business, work, innovation, strategy, and transformation are all about people. And, to put it simply, GP Strategies is about our people - an extensive global network of learning experts. Additional information can be found at www.gpstrategies.com. With more than 4000 employees in over 30 countries, diversity at GP Strategies is second nature! Beyond our locations, our culture focuses on performance and revolves around respect, fairness, and working collaboratively to achieve our goals. We support our People, no matter who they are or where they are from, because we all have valuable and unique perspectives and approaches. That's how great ideas are born, which enable us to work smarter. GP Strategies is committed and proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth and related conditions, sexual orientation, and gender identity), national origin, age, veteran status, disability, or any other federally protected class.