Data Manager

Manager, Data Management Platform Group

Location: Tokyo

About the Opportunity

Our client is a large global organization that is expanding its data-driven capabilities, and it needs stronger governance, stakeholder alignment, and strategic management of its enterprise data platform. The team in question owns the strategy, governance, security, compliance, and operating standards for that platform. It works with data engineers, platform architects, security, enterprise architecture, infrastructure, and business stakeholders to keep data secure, compliant, and valuable. They are hiring an experienced Manager to lead initiatives across platform strategy, governance, security, compliance, and organizational coordination. This person will establish scalable operating models, raise governance maturity, and drive delivery of strategically important programs, acting as the bridge between technical specialists and the business.

Responsibilities

Data Platform Strategy & Governance

• Set and drive the strategic roadmap for the enterprise data platform.
• Build and maintain governance frameworks, standards, and operating procedures.
• Develop models for data ownership, stewardship, and accountability.
• Lead metadata management, data cataloging, and documentation efforts.
• Promote adoption of data management best practices across the organization.

Security, Risk & Compliance

• Coordinate security reviews and compliance activities for data platforms.
• Ensure platform initiatives conform to enterprise security and privacy policies.
• Facilitate risk assessments and remediation.
• Support internal and external audits.
• Work with Security and Compliance teams to strengthen governance controls.

Stakeholder & Program Management

• Lead cross-functional initiatives involving Infrastructure, Security, Enterprise Architecture, Procurement, and Application teams.
• Align business and technical stakeholders and build consensus in complex environments.
• Manage project portfolios, dependencies, risks, and executive reporting.
• Prepare governance materials, executive presentations, and decision documents.

Architecture & Platform Enablement

• Partner with Data Platform Architects to evolve platform capabilities and architecture standards.
• Support the evaluation and adoption of modern data platform technologies.
• Ensure platform decisions are consistent with enterprise architecture principles.
• Facilitate architecture review and governance processes.

People Leadership

• Manage and mentor team members and support their professional and technical growth.
• Encourage collaboration among platform engineers, architects, and business stakeholders.
• Build a high-performing, accountable team culture.

Required Qualifications

• 8+ years of experience in data platforms, data management, enterprise architecture, technology governance, or a related field.
• 3+ years leading cross-functional projects, programs, or teams.
• Solid understanding of modern data platforms such as Databricks, Snowflake, Microsoft Fabric, or similar.
• Experience creating governance frameworks, policies, standards, and operating procedures.
• Experience managing security, risk, compliance, or audit activities.
• Excellent stakeholder management, communication, and facilitation skills.
• Strong documentation and presentation skills.
• Business-level Japanese and English (TOEIC 800+ or equivalent).

Preferred Qualifications

• Familiarity with DAMA-DMBOK or other data management frameworks.
• Experience establishing data governance organizations or councils.
• Knowledge of enterprise architecture methodologies.
• Experience in large, global organizations.
• Understanding of cloud platforms such as Azure, AWS, or GCP.
• Experience supporting executive-level decision-making.

Ideal Candidate

• A strategic thinker who links business objectives to technology initiatives.
• A strong communicator who can influence without direct authority.
• Comfortable with organizational complexity and ambiguity.
• Passionate about governance, process improvement, and operational excellence.
• Effective in both executive discussions and hands-on execution.
• Able to balance leadership duties with individual contribution.