Project Manager - Role is based in Tokyo, Japan

Are you eager to return to Japan and join our fully established, growing, fun and dynamic team in Japan? Located in the heart of Tokyo, our office is a hub of creativity and innovation that lies at the heart of our Asia Pacific operations and world-class projects. We are a unique global company built on the philosophy and power of drawing large groups of people together to have incredible experiences – all achieved through not only having the world’s best designers and Architects, but an equally incredible support team around them.

 

At Populous, our teams design the places where people love to be together. We are a unique global company built on the philosophy and power of drawing large groups of people together to have incredible experiences.

 

We have designed iconic projects all over the world that encompass stadia, convention and exhibition centres, airports, integrated resorts, high performance training facilities, e-sports and entertainment arenas, and mixed-use venues. At our core, we are urban designers with a true focus on user experience, creating civic infrastructure that brings wholecommunities together for amazing experiences, all with a sustainable design approach and ethos. See more about our world-class projects and commitment to sustainable design at populous.com. You may recognise some of our iconic projects such as Kai Tak Sports Park, Philippine Arena and KL Sports City in Malaysia.

 

Join our Tokyo team and be part of a diverse and talented group of professionals bringing a wealth of experience, expertise and commitment to the long-term growth and success of our team in Japan. Our inclusive environment not only enriches our work but also fosters a dynamic workplace where every voice is heard and valued. Our diverse team environment not only enriches our work but also creates a dynamic and inclusive workplace where every voice is heard and valued.

 

We don’t consider ourselves just another architecture and design company. At Populous, we know that our strength comes from our diversity. Our APAC team represent over 35 different nationalities from all walks of life. We actively celebrate these cultures and are committed to creating a connected team culture that embraces and supports this. We are a truly global company, with offices and projects located throughout the APAC region – which means endless opportunities, development and progression.

We invest heavily in sustainable design practices and have active Corporate Social Responsibility and Diversity, Equity & Inclusion strategies in place that are making a difference to not only our team, but the wider communities in which we operate across the APAC region.

 

In addition to our strong focus on DE&I and CSR, Populous provides our people with:

• Review and provide guidance to project leaders on:
  • The accuracy of workplans (e.g team member allocation, project deadlines)
  • Reconciling weekly planned hours compared to realised hours
  • Project costs at month end or when invoices are raised
  • Predicted percentage profit on a monthly basis taking into account the prior track record
• Manage variations by initiating and maintaining a comprehensive list for each project. Track hours spent on variations, advise project leaders on appropriate charges, and monitor invoicing and payment status of variations.
• Collaborate with Project Leaders and the Finance Team to develop and oversee project plans, schedules, programmes, performance, fees (ie cashflow & variations), and sub-consultant payments for projects where the greater consultant team is engaged under the Architect as lead consultants.
• Engaging in direct discussions with clients and key stakeholders regarding company and project contractual obligations to ensure our work and deliverables remain aligned to contractual requirements and client expectations.
• Continually monitoring and promptly addressing overdue invoice payment inquiries from sub-consultants.
• Ensuring contracts and related documents are accurately completed, updated, and correctly filed within the system.
• Work concurrently across multiple projects, using adept project management skills, proactively addressing critical issues, escalating possible risks, and collaborating with project teams to identify solutions.
• Collaborating closely with the Integrated Management System (IMS) team to implement effective process and project procedures which meet relevant requirements, including facilitating project debriefs and ensuring compliance.
• Engaging in occasional project-related travel when necessary, demonstrating flexibility and readiness to support project requirements.

• The ongoing legal right to work within Japan (citizen/permanent resident).
• 7+ years’ experience in a project management role working on international projects.
• A relevant qualification(s) in project management, or a related field, with an understanding of Japanese business practices and regulations, preferred.
• Demonstrated proficiency in both written and verbal Japanese and English to effectively communicate and navigate contractual interests with clients and key stakeholders in Japan.
• Strong analytical skills for reviewing workplans, hours, costs, and profit, tailored to the specific requirements of our projects.
• Confident in their ability to prioritise and multitask to enable the successful management of multiple international projects simultaneously.
• Proactive problem-solving skills to identify and escalate risks, while also providing solutions
• Strong collaboration skills in working with project leaders, finance teams, and clients in Singapore.
• Effective communication to align deliverables with local contractual obligations.
• Strong knowledge and/or experience of contract management principles and document filing procedures applicable to projects in Singapore.
• Good people skills including the ability to engage effectively in challenging conversations clients and key stakeholders concerning company and project contractual matters.
• Self-motivated work ethic and ability to meet fast paced project demands and ability to work with minimal supervision.
• Attention to detail, showing initiative and problem solving in a team are essential.
• A positive attitude and willingness to work flexibly to the needs of the Company.
• Be an active member of the Japan office.
• Have a strong desire and passion for working in teams that are highly collaborative and who have a continuous learning mindset.
• Embody our four cultural values: Integrity, Entrepreneurial Creativity, Excellence and Fun.

We are in search of individuals who not only possess exceptional skills but also embody our core values and are genuinely passionate about the work we do. Our ideal candidates bring a sense of enjoyment to our work environment and contribute positively to our culture.

 

If you are interested in exploring the opportunity to join us as one of our new Architects, we encourage you to submit your CV and portfolio for our consideration. We look forward to the possibility of discussing this exciting opportunity with you soon.