It's getting close to a total of 10 years that I've been in Japan. I've achieved so many of my goals and more here, especially over the last two years having founded, run and experimented with CVP.
But now it's time to find and experience my next big thing. There are so many opportunities in Japan, and so many things I could do, but I'm also looking outside Japan for maybe even bigger opportunities for personal development and lifestyle challenge.
Just so happens that as I was thinking about my plans for next year and beyond, a mail drops into my box advertising a position at Yahoo! Inc. in Sunnyvale California, helping manage communication, relationships and projects between Yahoo! US and Yahoo! Japan. What could be more perfect? My localization industry origins, my 10 year Japan project experience, my passion for the internet, and my recognized role as a connector.
So I applied for the job and at the same time started to get feedback from my close friends. "I'm thinking of moving to the US. Here's the position .... ".
Most responses were similar. "You can't leave Japan"; "You've invested so much here"; "You're part of the community here"; "Why the US?".
But as I start to explain my thinking, and as I talk with passion about why there's perhaps no-one else who could transform the Yahoo! US <-> Japan relationship in the way I could, the reactions change. "We'll miss you here"; "Can't think of anyone better for the job".
Unfortunately I didn't receive any response to my application in nearly 2 weeks and I hope it wasn't just filtered out at the first stage. That would be a shame. I'd hope to at least be able to discuss with someone at Yahoo! the US-Japan relationship and give some thoughts on what someone in the role could potentially contribute, or the new perspectives they could bring.
So I'm hoping that the wonders of the web will ensure that someone at Yahoo! sees this post and at least considers giving me that opportunity.
Below is the job description for reference .... and of course for good SEO :-)
Would love to hear some comments to the post from some of my friends so please post away.
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Company: Yahoo!
Position Title: Project Manager, Yahoo! Japan Operations
Location: Sunnyvale, CA **RELOCATION AVAILABLE**
Job Listing:
YAHOO!
Position: Project Manager, Yahoo! Japan Operations
Location: Sunnyvale, CA
Job # 7607
About Yahoo!
The Internet is a big, busy place, and we at Yahoo! are proud to stand out
in the crowd. As the world's number one Internet brand, servicing over a
half billion people, we're determined to maintain our commitment to
delivering news, entertainment, information and fun each and every day.
In order to maintain our position as one of the world's most trafficked
Internet destinations, we're always on the lookout for people with big
ideas and big talent to help us provide our visitors with the innovative
products and services they've come to expect from Yahoo!. We're looking for
people like you.
How Big Can You Think?
The Yahoo! International Operations team plays a critical role in managing
various business relationships and product development between Yahoo! Inc.
and Yahoo! Japan. The team is structured with multiple members each
contributing respectively to their area: business strategy, business
development, product development, marketing, pr and sales. Each member
works dynamically across the Yahoo! network and global properties, to
enhance content, market growth, and revenue.
This role is of strategic importance in the extension of relationships
between Yahoo! US and Yahoo! Japan. In this role, you will support the
ongoing technical and product exchanges between various business units and
develop solutions to expand and monetize Y! Japan's business.
Responsibilities:
* Facilitate localization and tactical roll outs of key platform products
in Japan
* Responsible for ensuring that the global product managers are aware of
Japanese market needs, product requirements, linguistics issues, and
competitive environment
* Work closely with cross-functional teams of multiple business units to
support the development and execution of product roadmaps even in the face
of geographical distance
* Responsible for providing strategic product insight, global market
knowledge, and competitive analysis to Y! Japan
* Communicate US priorities and road maps to Y! Japan and serve as primary
point of contact for all project status
* Share best practices from local marketplaces, highlight opportunities and
threats, and help create a battle plan to win in Japanese market
* Evangelize Y! Japan's business initiatives to US counterparts
* Organize, coordinate and schedule Japanese staff visits and training as
necessary
Basic Qualifications:
* 4 years of demonstrated experience in web base project management and/or
software development lifecycle
* Fluency (verbal, reading, writing) in Japanese and English a must
* A proven track record in managing multiple projects and delivering
results in complex international environments
* Strong analytical, communication and coordination skills
* Experience in writing and owning detailed technical product requirements
and processes
* Familiarity with project management tools (e.g. MS Project)
* Highly aware of emerging internet trends, technologies and markets
* Has technical savvy, clarity, positive attitude, and integrity to gain
credibility rapidly
Preferred Qualifications:
* BS in Computer Science or equivalent preferred
* An understanding of technologies and metrics behind internet consumer
services desired
* Experience with internet-based I18N/L10N issues a plus
* Experience with international business and relationship management
desired
