Strategy & Project Manager

Job Description:

Rakuten TV is one of the leading Video On-Demand platforms in Europe, combining TVOD (Transactional Video-On-Demand), AVOD (Advertising Video-On-Demand), and FAST (Free Ad-Supported Streaming TV). Rakuten TV is available in 43 European territories and currently reaches more than 110 million households via its branded remote-control button and pre-installed app in Smart TV devices. Rakuten TV is part of Rakuten Group, Inc., one of the world’s leading internet services companies, focusing on e-commerce, fintech, digital content, and communications.

Position Overview
We are seeking a highly motivated and experienced Strategy & Project Manager to join our Strategy team, reporting to the CFO & COO. This pivotal role will be responsible for defining, tracking, and coordinating strategic projects across the organization, managing budget planning and oversight, and leading critical presentations and stakeholder management with our HQ in Japan and the US. The ideal candidate will possess a strong background in strategic leadership, financial management, and exceptional communication skills, capable of driving key initiatives and fostering strong relationships with senior leadership.

Responsibilities

• Strategic Project Management:

  • Define, plan, execute, and monitor strategic projects from inception to completion, ensuring alignment with company objectives and timelines.

  • Develop detailed project plans, including scope, objectives, deliverables, timelines, resource allocation, and risk management.

  • Track project progress, identify potential roadblocks, and implement proactive solutions to ensure successful project delivery.

  • Coordinate cross-functional teams and stakeholders (Content, Marketing, Product, Ad Sales, etc.) to ensure seamless project execution and effective collaboration.

  • Facilitate regular project status meetings, providing clear updates and addressing any issues or dependencies.

  • Ensure effective follow-up on action items and project milestones, driving accountability across teams.

• HQ Stakeholder Presentations & Management:

  • Prepare and deliver high-quality presentations and materials for internal and external stakeholders, including board meetings and critical HQ reviews in Japan and the US.

  • Manage relationships with HQ stakeholders, ensuring clear communication, alignment on strategic initiatives, and effective resolution of any concerns.

  • Represent Rakuten TV in discussions with HQ, advocating for the company's strategic priorities and operational needs.

• Budget Planning & Management:

  • Lead the annual budget planning process, working closely with department heads to develop comprehensive and accurate financial forecasts.

  • Manage and monitor the company's budget, including variance analysis, commentary, and recommendations for cost optimization and financial performance improvement.

  • Develop and maintain robust financial models and dashboards to support strategic decision-making and provide actionable insights.

  • Prepare and deliver accurate and timely management reports to HQ in Japan and the US, ensuring compliance with group standards and deadlines.

• Continuously improve reporting processes and tools to drive efficiency and accuracy.

Requirements

• MBA from a top-tier business school.

• 10+ years of relevant experience in management consulting, strategic leadership, financial management, and project management, ideally within the TMT (Technology, Media, Telecom) or digital media sectors.

• Proven track record of successfully managing complex strategic projects and driving significant business outcomes.

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to interpret complex financial data, identify key trends, and provide clear, actionable recommendations.

• Advanced proficiency in MS Office tools, especially Excel and PowerPoint; experience with financial systems (e.g., SAP, Oracle, Anaplan) is a plus.

• Exceptional communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to effectively engage and influence senior leadership and diverse stakeholders across cultures and functions.

• High attention to detail, reliability, and a proactive approach to work.

• Fluency in English; additional European languages are a plus.

Some Good Reasons to Apply

• Join a leading global tech company.

• Flexible work: hybrid model, flexible hours and Friday afternoon off!

• Fast-tra