Program Manager , Learning & Development

Job Description:

London/Brighton
6-months contract

Rakuten International is a division of Rakuten Group, Inc., a Japanese global technology leader in services that empower individuals, communities, businesses and society. Headquartered in San Mateo, California with more than 4,000 employees worldwide, the Rakuten International business portfolio includes market leaders in e-commerce, digital marketing, advertising, communications and entertainment. We create products and services that provide exceptional value by aligning members and the businesses that want to engage them in a shared community.

SUMMARY:

We are seeking an experienced Program Manager to join our Global Talent Management and Inclusion team to support Learning and Leadership Development. This hands-on, 6 month contract role focuses on the end-to-end delivery of leadership and professional development program within a fast-paced, matrixed environment. You will play a pivotal role in driving execution, coordinating stakeholders, and improving the learner experience while working closely with global teams. This is an excellent opportunity to contribute to an award-winning team and potentially transition into a permanent role based on performance and business needs.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

Manage the end-to-end delivery of leadership and L&D programmes, ensuring all timelines and dependencies remain on track. Oversee operational logistics, including scheduling, coordination of vendors, management of systems, and communications. Partner effectively with HR, business stakeholders, and external providers to maintain project momentum and resolve issues. Collaborate with content owners to ensure all programme materials are practical, engaging, and deliverable. Maintain high quality standards across all programmes while tracking participation, feedback, and key performance metrics. Identify and implement process improvements to strengthen delivery efficiency and the overall learner experience.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS (Knowledge, Skills, Abilities):

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• 5+ years of professional experience in programme management within Learning & Development and/or Leadership Development.
• Strong project management skills, including proficiency in planning, dependency management, and risk tracking.
• Proven experience delivering programmes within a complex, matrixed organisational structure.
• Hands-on experience with leadership development programmes, such as cohort-based learning, workshops, and blended solutions.
• Exceptional organisational skills and attention to detail, with a demonstrated track record of follow-through.
• Demonstrated ability to manage diverse stakeholders and external vendor relationships.
• Proficiency in working with data, reporting, and maintaining clear, professional communication.

QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS:

• 5+ years in Program Management (L&D/Leadership Development).
• Experience in a matrixed organisation.
• Experience in a technology or digital organisation (preferred).

Five Principles for Success
Our worldwide practices describe specific behaviors that make Rakuten unique and united across the world. We expect Rakuten employees to model these 5 Shugi Principles of Success.

Always improve, Always Advance - Only be satisfied with complete success - Kaizen
Passionately Professional - Take an uncompromising approach to your work and be determined to be the best
Hypothesize - Practice - Validate - Shikumika - Use the Rakuten Cycle to succeed in unknown territory
Maximize Customer Satisfaction - The greatest satisfaction for our teams is seeing their customers smile
Speed!! Speed!! Speed!! - Always be conscious of time - take charge, set clear goals, and engage your team