AI Programme Lead - VP, APAC Initiatives

The Japan Research Institute, Limited (Singapore Branch); Singapore; On-site; SGD 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Job summary

The Japan Research Institute, Limited (Singapore Branch) is seeking an experienced programme manager to lead AI and data transformation initiatives in APAC. You will own end-to-end delivery, from use-case definition to go-live, while coordinating with AID Tokyo, SMBC and vendor teams to secure alignment and approvals.

You will translate business requirements into structured workstreams, drive reporting, manage budgets and guide cross-functional activities across borders, ensuring governance and

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or above or Post-graduate degree in business, economics, data or technology.
• 7–10 years in consulting, technology or financial services with full ownership of AI or data transformation initiatives.
• Experience within or serving a Japanese financial institution; cross-border delivery involving Japan and overseas teams.
• Requirements definition and business analysis; project and programme management; working knowledge of generative AI, AI agents and prompt design; data analytics and BI literacy; governance and control frameworks in a regulated environment.
• Hands-on prototyping with AI agent/workflow platforms; exposure to governance and regulatory frameworks; on-premise and cloud AI infrastructure.
• Able to drive initiatives from an ambiguous starting point; influence across internal layers; represent AID Singapore at management forums.
• Experience leading small teams or matrixed workstreams.
• Business-level proficiency in English and Japanese (written and spoken) for effective communication with Japanese stakeholders.
• Resilient and adaptable, with ownership and discretion when handling confidential information.

Responsibilities

• Own assigned AI initiatives end-to-end - use-case definition, requirements structuring, implementation, go-live and post-implementation review.
• Translate ambiguous business requirements into structured workstreams, delivery plans and project documentation, including steering committees and reporting.
• Coordinate daily with AID Tokyo, SMBC Head Office, JRI IT and external vendors, reconciling priorities across multiple decision-making layers.
• Act as interface between business stakeholders and technical teams; support APAC and global cross-functional activities.
• Ensure initiatives comply with AI governance, data management, compliance and risk frameworks; escalate for specialist review as needed.
• Maintain portfolio tracking, budget and resource management and management reporting for AID Singapore; drive AI tooling adoption and delivery practices.
• Support AI-driven client proposals and materials with Relationship Managers and product/transaction banking teams.

Skills

AI governance

Data analytics

BI literacy

SQL

Power BI

Tableau

Project management

Stakeholder management

Education

Bachelor's degree or above or Post-graduate degree in business, economics, data or technology

Tools

SQL

Power BI

Tableau

Job description

The Japan Research Institute, Limited (Singapore Branch) is seeking an experienced programme manager to lead AI and data transformation initiatives in APAC. You will own end-to-end delivery, from use-case definition to go-live, while coordinating with AID Tokyo, SMBC and vendor teams to secure alignment and approvals.

You will translate business requirements into structured workstreams, drive reporting, manage budgets and guide cross-functional activities across borders, ensuring governance and