IT Program Manager – Application Modernization

One of our clients, International IT Service&Solution Company is looking for an experienced IT Program Manager to lead enterprise application modernization and technology transformation initiatives from planning through implementation.

This role will work at the intersection of business and technology, partnering closely with software engineering, architecture, QA, infrastructure, internal IT teams, business stakeholders, and external vendors.

The ideal candidate has experience leading complex application development, legacy modernization, system integration, and enterprise technology programs across the full SDLC. A technical background in software development, systems engineering, architecture, or another hands-on technology role is highly valued.

Main Responsibilities

• Lead enterprise application modernization, software development, and technology transformation initiatives from planning through implementation and production rollout
• Manage complex technology programs across scope, schedule, resources, technical deliverables, dependencies, risks, and issues
• Partner with software developers, architects, system engineers, QA teams, business stakeholders, internal IT teams, and external vendors
• Translate business objectives and requirements into executable technology roadmaps, project plans, development priorities, and release strategies
• Coordinate functional and technical requirements across business and development teams
• Understand application architecture, system dependencies, interfaces, databases, and integration requirements
• Lead coordination across technical design, development, system integration, testing, defect resolution, release, deployment, and post-production support
• Identify technical, operational, integration, and delivery risks and drive cross-functional teams toward resolution
• Manage changes to requirements, scope, technical specifications, dependencies, and project timelines
• Monitor development and modernization progress and ensure deliverables align with program milestones and business objectives
• Facilitate technical discussions and decision-making between business and engineering teams
• Coordinate system testing, integration testing, user acceptance testing, and release readiness
• Lead implementation and production rollout planning with technical teams and stakeholders
• Provide overall program leadership and serve as a key bridge between business and technology organizations
• Perform other related duties as assigned
• While performing the duties of this job you may be required to intermittently sit, stand, walk, lift up to 25 pounds. You may also be required to use close vision, distance vision, color vision, depth perception, and peripheral vision and hearing.

Qualifications

• Proven experience leading enterprise application development, application modernization, digital transformation, or complex technology programs
• Strong understanding of the Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC) and enterprise software delivery
• Experience managing projects from requirements and solution design through development, testing, release, implementation, and post-production support
• Strong understanding of application architecture, system integration, interfaces, databases, and development environments
• Experience working across engineering, architecture, QA, infrastructure, product/business teams, and external technology vendors
• Demonstrated ability to manage complex technical risks, dependencies, issues, and competing priorities
• Strong business–technology communication skills with the ability to translate business objectives into actionable plans for technical teams
• Experience with Agile, Scrum, Hybrid, or Waterfall delivery environments
• Experience with legacy system modernization, enterprise applications, cloud applications, platform transformation, or system integration is highly preferred
• Previous hands-on experience as a Software Developer, Systems Engineer, Technical Lead, Architect, or similar technical professional is highly preferred
• Experience leading geographically distributed or cross-functional technology teams is preferred
• Japanese language skills and/or experience working with Japanese business stakeholders is a strong plus

Activ8 Recruitment & Solutions / Renaissance Resources Inc. has been a trusted leader in North American recruiting for Japanese businesses for over 25 years. We specialize in connecting top talent with companies in the Automotive, Electronics, Food & Beverage, Logistics, Manufacturing, Oil & Gas, Banking & Finance, and Entertainment industries. Our client-focused approach ensures that we understand your unique needs, whether you’re a company seeking skilled professionals or a candidate looking for the right career opportunity. By working closely with each individual, we provide tailored solutions that drive success.

We screen ALL Candidates to verify the validity of each applicant's provided information. Upon submitting your resume, we will contact only those candidates that we deem qualified for our client. If we do not contact you, we do not see the fit for the position. If we are unable to reach you in a reasonable timeframe, you will be eliminated from the pool of potential candidates.