AI/IoT Project Manager

The AI/IoT Project Manager manages machine-learning and IoT projects end to end, from presales and proposal activities through requirements definition, client negotiation, delivery, and proof-of-concept execution. The role may manage up to three or four projects in parallel, depending on project scale.

Presales responsibilities include interviewing clients, analyzing business processes, identifying underlying issues, preparing proposals and effort estimates, and presenting approaches focused on fundamental problem solving rather than simply accepting stated requests. The role also defines requirements based on proposals, helps establish the direction of system architecture, and acts as a technical interpreter between clients and development teams by clarifying requirements and managing expectations.

For delivery, the project manager directs development teams mainly consisting of machine-learning and embedded engineers. Responsibilities include progress, quality, and scope management for short, fast-paced PoC projects lasting from several weeks to several months. The role also proposes improvements for subsequent phases, such as production implementation or additional validation.

The position belongs to the Deployment Department, which has nine members, including seven FDEs and two DS members. Internally, this position is called Deployment Strategist, or DS. DS members work with FDEs, who handle technical verification and implementation in the field. The DS is responsible for project management, client communication, requirements organization, and cross-organizational coordination.

The team identifies fundamental issues in clients’ workplaces and business processes, proposes suitable solutions using the company’s products and research-and-development technologies, and works with engineers who have expertise in areas including machine learning and embedded systems. The team leads rapid PoCs to improve operations and maximize workplace efficiency. Projects use the Actcast edge AI/IoT platform and related solutions for applications including retail, manufacturing, and other operational environments.

During the first three months, the expected focus is learning the product and client issues, observing proposal-to-deployment work with experienced colleagues, and experiencing one project from deployment through results, including operational support. After six months, the role is expected to independently manage the process from proposal to deployment and results, convert individual practices into team knowledge, and take responsibility for activities connected to revenue growth through expanded and continued use. Over one to three years, the role may oversee projects across multiple industries, coordinate organization-wide initiatives, participate in hiring and member development, and eventually manage the team as a manager.

The listed work location is in Chiyoda, Tokyo. Work is basically remote, although commuting, client visits, or business trips may occur when necessary; the role is not based on permanent client-site assignment.