Senior Project Manager / Country Lead – Japan

Job Title: Senior Project Manager / Country Lead
Industry: Architectural Engineering / Construction / Façade Engineering
Location: Japan
Job Type: Full-Time
Work Arrangement: Hybrid
Experience Required: 10+ Years
Languages: Japanese and English

Senior Project Manager Job Overview

A leading Japanese architectural engineering company is seeking an experienced Senior Project Manager / Country Lead to manage major construction and façade engineering projects. This position is suited to a senior professional with a strong background in project delivery, commercial management, site operations, and client relations.

The successful candidate will supervise projects from the early design and planning stages through fabrication, transportation, installation, and final handover. Alongside managing project performance, the selected professional will lead the local team and contribute to business development, tender preparation, and day-to-day country operations.

This hybrid position offers an opportunity to take on both project leadership and local business management responsibilities within a specialist architectural engineering environment.

Key Responsibilities

1. Project Planning and Delivery

• Manage the complete project lifecycle, from design assessment and initial planning to fabrication, logistics, installation, and final completion.
• Develop project schedules, resource plans, budgets, and delivery strategies.
• Monitor project progress to ensure milestones are achieved on time and within the agreed budget.
• Maintain high standards of workmanship, quality assurance, health and safety, and regulatory compliance.
• Identify project risks early and implement practical solutions to avoid delays and unnecessary costs.

2. Site and Technical Management

• Supervise site activities and coordinate construction, manufacturing, and installation teams.
• Resolve technical challenges involving façade systems, design specifications, fabrication, and installation.
• Work closely with engineers, architects, contractors, and specialist subcontractors.
• Ensure that project activities follow approved drawings, contractual requirements, and relevant building regulations.
• Review project performance and take corrective action when required.

3. Commercial and Contract Management

• Manage project budgets, financial performance, supplier costs, and commercial reporting.
• Handle variations, contractual claims, scope adjustments, and change requests.
• Monitor expenditure and identify opportunities to improve project profitability.
• Coordinate procurement activities and maintain effective relationships with suppliers and subcontractors.
• Prepare performance reports and provide regular updates to senior management.

4. Client and Stakeholder Coordination

• Build strong working relationships with clients, architects, consultants, contractors, and regional business partners.
• Lead project meetings and communicate progress, risks, and technical requirements.
• Coordinate internal departments to maintain consistent project delivery.
• Address client concerns professionally and work toward timely resolutions.
• Support effective communication between Japanese stakeholders and international teams.

5. Country Leadership and Business Operations

• Lead and support the local team, ensuring clear responsibilities and effective collaboration.
• Contribute to business development, tendering, and new project opportunities.
• Support local compliance, administrative activities, and office operations.
• Coordinate with regional leadership on business priorities and project performance.
• Help strengthen the company’s presence in the local construction and architectural engineering market.

Eligibility Criteria and Qualifications

Candidates interested in this Senior Project Manager position should meet the following requirements:

• A bachelor’s degree or higher in engineering, architecture, construction management, or a related field.
• More than 10 years of professional experience in construction project management.
• Previous experience working for a specialist subcontractor or within a lump-sum contracting environment.
• Strong knowledge of project planning, commercial management, contract administration, and site coordination.
• Experience managing fabrication, logistics, and installation activities for complex construction projects.
• Fluent written and spoken Japanese.
• Business-level written and spoken English.
• Strong leadership, negotiation, problem-solving, and stakeholder management skills.
• The ability to manage multiple project requirements while maintaining quality, safety, and financial performance.

Preferred Experience

Applicants with experience delivering premium retail storefronts, custom façade systems, or architectural structures for luxury retail brands may have an advantage.

Experience with high-end commercial developments, curtain wall systems, and specialist façade installations would also be valuable for this position.

About the Employer

The employer is a Japan-based architectural engineering company specialising in bespoke curtain walls and shop façades for commercial buildings and high-rise developments.

The company provides integrated services covering façade design, manufacturing, and construction. Its experience in the Japanese market supports the delivery of customised architectural solutions for projects with demanding technical, quality, and design requirements.

Why Consider This Opportunity?

This role offers senior-level responsibility for professionals who have developed extensive experience in construction and façade project management. The successful candidate will have the opportunity to oversee complete project delivery, lead a local team, manage commercial performance, and contribute to business growth.

Candidates with strong Japanese language skills, international business communication abilities, and specialist façade engineering experience may find this position particularly relevant to their career goals.

How to Apply for the Senior Project Manager Job

Interested and qualified candidates should submit their CV and relevant professional details to the recruitment contact listed below.

Email: risa.hiramatsu@robertwalters.co.jp

Applicants should highlight their construction project management experience, leadership responsibilities, Japanese and English language proficiency, and any previous work involving curtain walls, luxury retail storefronts, or façade engineering.

Important: Review the employer’s requirements carefully before applying to ensure that your qualifications and experience match the position.

Disclaimer: This job description is provided for informational purposes. Candidates should confirm the latest vacancy details and application requirements with the recruiter.