Sr. Program Manager

Rakuten•New York, NY

28d•$91,044 - $157,248•Remote

About The Position

Rakuten International is seeking a strategic Senior Program Manager to join their Global Team Management and Inclusion (GTMI) team. This role involves leading high-impact initiatives to solve complex business challenges with scalable solutions. The ideal candidate will be a proactive builder of roadmaps, acting as a change agent to drive global programs from inception to delivery with minimal oversight.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree plus 8 years of related experience; OR Master’s degree plus 6 years.
Proven track record of navigating complex organizational structures and resolving issues.
Ability to distill complex data into actionable insights for leadership.
Comfort working on issues with shifting variables and critical judgment to select the right techniques.
Understanding of global nuances and ability to apply them to strategies.
Proactively identifying opportunities to improve programs, processes and ways of working.
Demonstrated experience in instructional design, needs assessment, root cause analysis, and proactive stakeholder management.
A "Team Lead" mindset—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 key initiatives including AI School Strategy & Governance, Global Udemy Rollout, End-to-End New Hire Experience (OnboardU), and Portfolio Excellence & Innovation.
Modernize the AI School, scale content, and launch targeted AI programs.
Lead the global deployment of Udemy Enterprise, synchronizing stakeholders across time zones and securing senior leadership alignment.
Influence the global end-to-end new hire redesign, ensuring learning priorities and GTMI standards are integrated.
Own the evolution of core training assets and partner with cross-functional program managers to shape soft-skill capabilities.
Consult with business leaders worldwide to prioritize and solve complex problems.
Own meetings with senior leadership, facilitate high-stakes discussions, and drive consensus.
Proactively identify issues, perform root-cause analyses, and implement solutions.
Define success measures, evaluate effectiveness, and use data/insights to continuously improve outcomes.