Sr. Program Manager

Rakuten•New York, NY

12d•$91,044 - $157,248•Onsite

About The Position

Rakuten International is a division of Rakuten Group, Inc., a Japanese global technology leader in services that empower individuals, communities, businesses and society. Headquartered in San Mateo, California with more than 4,000 employees worldwide, the Rakuten International business portfolio includes market leaders in e-commerce, digital marketing, advertising, communications and entertainment. We create products and services that provide exceptional value by aligning members and the businesses that want to engage them in a shared community. Are you a strategic orchestrator who thrives in complex, global environments? We are looking for a Senior Program Manager to join our Global Team Management and Inclusion (GTMI) team to lead high-impact initiatives that bridge the gap between complex business challenges and creative, scalable solutions. This isn't a role for someone who needs a roadmap; this is a role for someone who builds them. You will act as a change agent, driving global programs from inception to delivery, exercising sound judgment, and maintaining autonomy to steer stakeholders toward successful outcomes without needing a "safety net."

Requirements

8 + years of experience (or equivalent combination of education and experience).
Proven track record of navigating complex organizational structures and resolving issues that require more than a "textbook" approach.
Ability to distill complex data into actionable insights for leadership.
Comfort working on issues where variables are constantly shifting.
Critical judgment to select the right techniques to achieve success.
Understanding of global nuances to ensure programs are effective, inclusive, and scalable.
Proactively identifying opportunities to improve programs, processes and ways of working.
Ability to define success measures, evaluate effectiveness, and use data/insights to continuously improve outcomes.
Bachelor’s degree plus 8 years of related experience; OR Master’s degree plus 6 years.
Demonstrated experience in instructional design, needs assessment, root cause analysis, and proactive stakeholder management.
A "Team Lead" mindset—possess the capability to coordinate personnel and influence outcomes without relying on next-level management for daily direction.

Nice To Haves

Knowledge and experience in implementing AI training and global deployment of Udemy/ online training is a plus.

Responsibilities

Serve as the primary architect and driver for several high-visibility pillars: AI School Strategy & Governance, including modernizing the AI School, scaling content, and launching targeted programs.
Act as the end-to-end program lead for the global deployment of Udemy Enterprise, synchronizing stakeholders across multiple time zones and securing alignment from senior leadership.
Influence the future of how talent is brought into the company as a core contributor to the global end-to-end new hire redesign (OnboardU).
Own the evolution of core training assets, partnering with cross-functional program managers to shape the soft-skill capabilities of the global organization.
Consult with business leaders worldwide to prioritize and solve complex, variable-factor problems.
Own meetings with senior leadership, facilitate high-stakes discussions, and drive consensus.
Proactively identify issues, perform root-cause analyses, and implement solutions that evolve business operations.