Lead Project Manager (PMO Lead) at Drivemode

Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan

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Not SpecifiedCompensation

Senior (5 to 8 years), Expert & Leadership (9+ years)Experience Level

Full TimeJob Type

UnknownVisa

Automotive, Electric Vehicles, MobilityIndustries

Requirements

12+ years of professional experience, with at least 8+ years in a project or program management capacity, delivering large-scale software development projects
Proven experience managing and mentoring a team of TPMs or Project Managers in a multicultural and globally distributed environment
Full professional fluency in both Japanese (native or equivalent) and English (business proficiency or higher)
Strong technical acumen to understand specifications and requirements of embedded software, cloud systems, mobile apps, and API integrations
Deep expertise in both Agile and Waterfall methodologies, with a clear understanding of when to apply each
Mastery of project management tools, particularly JIRA and Confluence, as well as the Microsoft Office Suite
Demonstrated success delivering complex projects on time and on budget, especially those with physical or operational components
Nice to Have: PMP certification or equivalent
Nice to Have: A technical background as a Software Engineer, System Architect, or Validation Engineer
Nice to Have: Experience in a blend of tech startup and large corporate environments
Nice to Have: Professional experience in the automotive industry or with [incomplete]

Responsibilities

Lead & Mentor: Manage and develop a high-performing team of Technical Program Managers and Project Managers located in the US and Japan, fostering their career growth and ensuring program success
Strategic Partnership: Serve as the primary Drivemode representative to Honda project leaders, owning the relationship and driving collaboration on overall program strategy, planning, and delivery
Drive Operational Excellence: Proactively identify and eliminate bottlenecks, refining processes and communication channels to enhance efficiency for engineering and program teams
Own Program Delivery: Oversee the end-to-end lifecycle of multiple projects, from requirement gathering and technical alignment with backend and regional teams to creating detailed project plans and high-quality documentation
Communicate with Impact: Track and report on program status, roadmap progress, and critical issues. Deliver clear, effective, and bilingual (English and Japanese) presentations to executive leadership within both Drivemode and Honda
Manage Risk & Resources: Champion a proactive approach to risk management by identifying, communicating, and implementing mitigation strategies. Collaborate with Finance and Honda PMO members to manage resource plans and program budgets
Occasional travel to US offices

Skills

Key technologies and capabilities for this role

PMOProject ManagementTechnical Program ManagementAgileTeam LeadershipMentoringStakeholder ManagementProcess ImprovementOperational Excellence

Questions & Answers

Common questions about this position

What compensation and benefits does Drivemode offer?

Drivemode offers competitive compensation and excellent benefits in an exciting startup environment.

Is this role remote or does it require office presence?

The role involves occasional travel to US offices, but no specific remote or location policy is detailed.

What experience and skills are required for the PMO Lead position?

Candidates need 12+ years of professional experience, including 8+ years in project or program management delivering large-scale software projects, proven industry expertise, bilingual English/Japanese communication skills, and agile best practices knowledge.

What is the company culture like at Drivemode?

Drivemode features an exciting startup environment with a vibrant culture that emphasizes impactful work and innovation in the EV market.

What makes a strong candidate for this PMO Lead role?

A strong candidate has 12+ years of experience with 8+ in program management for large-scale software projects, bilingual English/Japanese skills, experience managing distributed teams across US and Japan, and expertise in agile practices and strategic partnerships.

Drivemode

Enhances road safety through connected driving technology

About Drivemode

Drivemode enhances road safety and the driving experience through technology aimed at drivers who want to stay connected while on the road. The company analyzes driving trends using data science to identify improvements in safety and connectivity. Its software solutions can be integrated into any vehicle, allowing drivers to access essential apps without compromising safety. Drivemode differentiates itself by focusing on data analysis and providing insights through a dedicated team of data scientists. The goal is to make driving smarter and safer, serving individual drivers and automotive manufacturers while generating revenue through software sales and licensing agreements.

Tokyo, JapanHeadquarters

2014Year Founded

$8.9MTotal Funding

SERIES_ACompany Stage

Data & Analytics, Automotive & TransportationIndustries

11-50Employees

Benefits

Flexible Work Hours

Risks

Competition from automakers' connected platforms may reduce Drivemode's market share.

Major tech companies' advancements could overshadow Drivemode's offerings.

Privacy concerns and regulatory scrutiny may impact Drivemode's data-driven model.

Differentiation

Drivemode offers voice-to-text messaging, enhancing hands-free communication in vehicles.

The company integrates software solutions into any vehicle, ensuring broad compatibility.

Drivemode's data-driven approach improves road safety and driving experiences.

Upsides

Rising demand for voice-activated tech aligns with Drivemode's messaging focus.

EV growth creates opportunities for Drivemode's user interface solutions.

AI integration in automotive tech benefits Drivemode's adaptive driving experiences.

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