Lead Project Manager (PMO Lead) at Drivemode

Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan

Drivemode Logo
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

PMO
Project Management
Technical Program Management
Agile
Team Leadership
Mentoring
Stakeholder Management
Process Improvement
Operational Excellence

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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