Senior Manager, IT - Japan (Remote - West Coast or HI preferred)

Cole Haan•Fullerton, CA

46d•Remote

About The Position

This role will be based based in the United States or Canada, with a strong preference for candidates located on the West Coast or in Hawaii to align with time zones and provide optimal support for the Japan market. The Senior Manager, Information Technology - Japan will be responsible for ensuring the reliable, secure, and efficient operation of all IT systems, infrastructure, and applications within Cole Haan Japan. The Senior Manager of IT will work closely with local business stakeholders, Cole Haan Japan's leadership team, and the global IT organization to align IT initiatives with business objectives and leverage global IT standards and resources. In addition, this position requires a strong understanding of the Japanese retail market, excellent leadership and communication skills, and a proven ability to manage IT teams and projects in a complex, matrixed environment.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, Finance, Business Administration, or a related field
Minimum of 8-10 years of progressive IT experience, with at least 5 years in a management role within a retail environment
Proven experience managing IT operations and projects in Japan
Strong understanding of retail business processes and technologies
Experience with enterprise-level systems, preferably SAP S/4HANA
Knowledge of IT infrastructure components (network, servers, storage, cloud technologies)
Solid understanding of IT security principles and best practices, with a focus on financial data security and compliance
Excellent leadership, communication (written and verbal in both Japanese and English), and interpersonal skills, with the ability to communicate technical information clearly to financial users
Proven ability to work effectively in a matrixed organization and collaborate with global teams
Strong problem-solving and analytical skills, with the ability to analyze financial and wholesale data and identify IT solutions to business challenges
Ability to manage budgets and vendors effectively
Experience with ITIL or other relevant IT service management frameworks
Strong understanding of Japanese business culture and etiquette

Nice To Haves

IT certifications (e.g., PMP, ITIL).
Experience with e-commerce platforms and digital retail technologies
Familiarity with local Japanese IT vendors and service providers

Responsibilities

IT Leadership & Strategy (Local Focus, Global Alignment):
Develop and implement the local IT strategy and roadmap in alignment with the Cole Haan Japan's business goals and the global IT direction.
Provide leadership and direction to the local IT team, fostering a high-performance, collaborative, and customer-focused culture.
Manage the local IT budget, ensuring cost-effectiveness and maximizing ROI on IT investments.
Stay abreast of emerging technologies and trends relevant to the Japanese retail market and the global IT landscape.
IT Operations & Infrastructure Management:
Oversee the day-to-day operations of all IT infrastructure, including network, servers, storage, telecommunications, and end-user computing within Japan.
Ensure the reliability, security, and performance of all IT systems and services, adhering to global Cole Haan IT standards and policies, with a focus on the stability and security of all system.
Manage local IT vendors and service providers, ensuring service levels are met and costs are optimized.
Coordinate with the global IT infrastructure teams for shared services and support.
Application Management & Support (Local & Global Systems):
Manage local retail-specific applications including Retail POS
Provide technical support for Digital storefront, OMS, and Warehouse
Ensure the above systems' seamless integration with global enterprise systems (e.g., SAP S/4HANA).
Collaborate with global application teams on deployments, upgrades, and support of shared applications.
Ensure effective local end-user support, managing a local help desk team and coordinating with a global support organization.
Oversee data management and reporting ensuring data integrity and compliance.
Solution Architecture and Design:
Support Digital, Finance, Wholesale, and Retail in their business goals by devising technical solutions based on their requirements.
Devise solutions and technical designs that adhere to the Cole Haan Global Architecture patterns and security and compliance needs.
Project Management & Implementation:
Lead and manage local IT projects, ensuring they are delivered on time, within budget, and to the required quality standards.
Collaborate with global IT project teams on the implementation of global initiatives within Cole Haan Japan.
Ensure proper change management processes are followed for all IT deployments and modifications.
Lead and manage projects related to Retail, Wholesale, and Finance systems implementations, upgrades, or enhancements, including system integrations and reporting solutions.
Security & Compliance (Global Framework, Local Adaptation):
Implement and enforce global IT security policies and procedures within Cole Haan Japan.
Ensure compliance with local Japanese IT regulations and data privacy laws.
Coordinate with the global security team on security audits and incident response.
Stakeholder Management & Communication:
Build and maintain strong relationships with local business stakeholders, understanding their IT needs and providing effective solutions.
Communicate effectively with the Cole Haan Japan leadership team and the global IT organization on IT initiatives, challenges, and performance, with clear and concise communication.
Provide regular IT reports and updates to relevant stakeholders, including the Finance department, ensuring the accuracy and timeliness of financial reporting.
Team Development & Talent Management:
Recruit, mentor, and develop the local IT team, building a strong and capable workforce, ideally with some members having expertise in supporting financial and wholesale systems.
Conduct performance reviews and provide ongoing feedback to team members.
Identify training and development opportunities to enhance the skills and knowledge of the local IT team, including training on financial and wholesale business processes and systems.