Senior Business Manager

Overview

As AI reshapes business models and customer relationships, Microsoft is evolving how we engage customers around their strategic priorities and business transformation, guided by the spirit of One Microsoft and Customer Obsession.

As a member of the Executive Office supporting Japan and Asia, the Strategic Program Lead will advance strategic initiatives that drive both business and cultural transformation. With a primary focus on Japan, this role partners closely with the President, Chief of Staff, and business leaders to translate strategic priorities into action, accelerate execution, and embed sustainable changes in how teams operate.

The role also contributes to strategic programs across Asia, facilitating two-way exchange of insights, practices, and experiences between Japan and other markets. Success requires strategic judgment, hands-on execution, constructive engagement with senior leaders, and an empathetic, collaborative approach to influencing people and organizations. We seek someone passionate about transformation who thrives on delivering shared outcomes as part of the Executive Office.

Responsibilities

Strategic Initiatives & Business Transformation

• Partner with the President, Chief of Staff, and business leaders to shape, plan, execute, and measure Japan's strategic initiatives.
• Advance customer engagement approaches that address customers' executive priorities and business transformation opportunities in the AI era.
• Connect business transformation with cultural and behavioral change, translating priorities into practical initiatives adopted across the organization.
• Track progress, outcomes, and obstacles, and provide actionable insights to support leadership decisions.
  
  

Cross-functional Leadership & Change Management

• Build trusted partnerships with business and functional leaders and mobilize cross-functional collaboration.
• Engage senior executives in constructive dialogue, challenge assumptions respectfully, and convert strategic discussion into concrete action.
• Understand differing priorities and frontline realities; build alignment through empathy, influence, and thoughtful communication.
• Drive change without relying on formal reporting authority, working in close alignment with the President and Chief of Staff.
  
  

Japan–Asia Collaboration & Knowledge Exchange

• Connect leadership teams and stakeholders across Japan and Asia to foster strategic collaboration.
• Identify and exchange effective practices and lessons across markets in both directions.
• Adapt approaches to different business contexts and organizational needs while addressing shared challenges.
  
  

Strategic Program Execution

• Contribute to the planning and delivery of strategic programs led by the Asia Executive Office.
• Coordinate stakeholders, milestones, dependencies, and issue resolution to support effective regional execution.
• Connect strategic intent to disciplined implementation and continuous improvement.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications

• Demonstrated experience leading cross-functional strategic initiatives, business transformation, or organizational change in a complex environment.
• Ability to frame business challenges strategically, turn direction into executable plans, and deliver measurable outcomes.
• Confidence and judgment to engage senior executives in substantive, constructive discussions and support decision-making.
• Experience influencing diverse stakeholders, navigating competing priorities, and driving adoption and behavioral change.
• Ability to operate independently and effectively amid ambiguity, balancing strategic thinking with hands-on execution.
• Fluency in both Japanese and English, including the ability to engage senior executives, facilitate alignment, deliver presentations, and produce clear business documents.
• Strong stakeholder engagement skills and the ability to build trust and influence across organizational boundaries.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in corporate strategy, strategic planning, business transformation, change management, or an executive office.
• People management or team leadership experience, including developing talent or leading organizational change.
• Experience applying AI or digital technologies to business processes or customer engagement transformation.
• Experience leading cross-market or multicultural initiatives.
• Experience delivering strategic initiatives in close partnership with executive leadership.

This position will be open for a minimum of 5 days, with applications accepted on an ongoing basis until the position is filled.

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Microsoft is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, ancestry, citizenship, color, family or medical care leave, gender identity or expression, genetic information, immigration status, marital status, medical condition, national origin, physical or mental disability, political affiliation, protected veteran or military status, race, ethnicity, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, or any other characteristic protected by applicable local laws, regulations and ordinances. If you need assistance with religious accommodations and/or a reasonable accommodation due to a disability during the application process, read more about requesting accommodations.