Program Director

Join a leading media & entertainment company with massive enterprise-level IT modernization project ongoing.Lead a massive enterprise-level DX program with HR systems.Strategy, guide, and direct the overall direction and deliverance of a multi-year, core applications program.Join a leading media & entertainment company with massive enterprise-level IT modernization project ongoing!We are looking for a Program Manager / Program Director to lead, strategy, and guide a multi-year transformation program. Location: Osaka, Japan OR Tokyo, JapanPosition: Contract (Gyomu Itaku)Company OverviewThis company is a Japanese entertainment company under one of the largest global entertainment companies. This innovative entertainment company, which includes theme parks, hotels, attractions, and entertainment experiences, features exciting and technologically advanced experiences. These entertainments are designed to create immersive, memorable, and emotionally fulfilling moments for people.Role SummaryWe are seeking a highly experienced Program Director to lead the Japan-side delivery of a massive, multi-year HR transformation program, coordinating with global and local stakeholders, vendors, and partners. This role requires a strong leader who can oversee multiple workstreams, manage risk, align global and local deliverables, and ensure on-time, high-quality execution of all transformation activities.Key ResponsibilitiesProgram Leadership & Governance Own the scope, schedule, budget, risk, and benefits of the integrated HR modernization program. Work closely with HR, Payroll/Finance, Operations, IT, and global stakeholders. Run phase-gated delivery through internal approval processes with executive-ready materials; maintain RAID, KPIs, and a single status source. Chair working forums (Design Authority, Integration, Data, Testing, Cutover, Change/Training) and ensure crisp escalation to Steering Committee / Senior Leadership.Prepare high-quality dashboards, presentations, and reports for C-level stakeholders.Strategy, Scope & Roadmap Translate global HR system design and assessments into a Japan-ready roadmap covering modules, EC data model, integrations, and payroll dependencies. Lead due-diligence (capability fit, commercials, delivery risk) processes for assessment. Establish and maintain integrated program plans, RAID logs, KPIs, and progress reports for executive steering committees.Identify, assess, and mitigate program risks and dependencies, ensuring proactive resolution.Delivery & Technical Integration Oversee localization (language, compliance, labor rules), master data strategy, identity/SSO, and edge integrations (time, scheduling, payroll, finance). Plan and execute data migration and payroll parallel runs (ECP); run dress rehearsals; manage go/no-go and structured hypercare. People, Change & Communications Build and lead structured plans with bilingual assets and interpreter support to drive adoption across frontline and back-office teams. Serve as the main liaison between Japan and the United States, including Parent Company and global vendors (System Integrator). Manage governance, expectations, and communication across regions.Financial Stewardship & Vendor Management Own program financials (CapEx/OpEx/Deferred), change control, and quarterly forecasts; align SOWs/deliverables to milestones and acceptance criteria. Direct and hold implementation partners and software vendors to scope, quality, and timeline using measurable outcomes and quality gatesManage budgets, forecasts, vendor invoicing, and internal resource allocation.Top 3 Skills RequiredStrong experience driving integrated plans on enterprise applications. Should have experience with onboarding, integrating, and customizing enterprise-level software. Oversaw or managed configurations and understands how to integrate enterprise-level software into the company.Strong stakeholder & vendor management. Should have prior experience working with varying degrees of seniority for stakeholders. Risk & Integrated Program Planning - expert in RAID management, budgeting, and aligning multi-year global programs. Confident in handling multiyear program, end to end.Any experience with HR IT transformation experience (SAP Employee Central, Company, Oracle PeopleSoft, Workday) would be very competitive. Qualifications & Experience10+ years of program, IT leadership, or management experience in enterprise-scale transformations.Hands-on experience with HR IT systems, including SAP Employee Central, SuccessFactors, PeopleSoft, Workday, or Company HR systems. Deep understanding of HR processes, data migration, and system integration.Experience working with global stakeholders across the U.S and Japan, preferably in a multiyear program.Bilingual proficiency in Japanese and English (business level or higher).Strong leadership, communication, and negotiation skills.For any questions, please contact togo.tamura@teksystems.comTools & Methodologies Program management tools: Smartsheet, Jira, Confluence, Excel Familiar with Agile/Waterfall hybrid delivery Proficient in executive-level reporting and presentation