【Senior IT Expert/System Engineer 】@ Global Food Giant

Company

Our client is part of a leading food and service group operating in more than 30 countries. In Japan, the team is expanding its Digital and Technology department to strengthen IT operations and enhance system reliability across the business.

The Role

As a Senior IT Expert, you will oversee application management and middleware systems, ensuring seamless integrations and stable operations across multiple platforms. You’ll lead business-side IT initiatives, manage end-to-end project delivery, and collaborate with technical teams, vendors, and store personnel to deliver smooth, compliant deployments tailored to Japan’s regulatory environment. The role requires a strong technical foundation and deep understanding of IT systems, middleware, and interfaces.

Key Responsibilities:

• Manage IT projects in collaboration with both local and global teams.
• Oversee local systems (e.g., Payroll, FoodIT) and global platforms (e.g., Infor WFM, Time-to-Eat). Manage user/systems IDs and access permissions.
• Engage with stakeholders to gather and validate business requirements, providing appropriate technical solutions.
• Lead the full project lifecycle, including planning, design, build, testing, training, cutover, post-go-live, and Hypercare support for the company’s legal entities.
• Facilitate blueprint design workshops with internal business users and external vendors, producing business blueprint documentation—including process flows—and securing sign-off from key stakeholders.
• Act as the primary point of contact for the company regarding store operations-related configurations, customizations, and business process discussions.
• Manage and coordinate the design, setup, and testing of interfaces with external vendors.
• Ensure accurate implementation and alignment with Japan-specific regulations and
• Operational practices, including:
  • Procurement
  • Accounts Receivable
  • Daily Sales Reporting
  • Physical Stocktaking
  • HR Stamping data Connection
• Demonstrate expertise in writing detailed Functional Specification Documents (FSD) for custom business requirements and reviewing Technical Specification Documents (TSD)
• Internally prepared by external vendors for sign-off.
• Conduct training sessions, workshops, and knowledge transfer activities for end users.
• Communicate effectively with external vendors and stakeholders.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure seamless integration and regulatory compliance.
• Identify potential risks and implement mitigation strategies related to localization, interfaces, and compliance.

Knowledge and Qualifications:

• Proven experience in project management.
• Strong understanding of retail business processes
• Experience in Retail, FMCG, or Food-related business environments ispreferred but not mandatory.
• Familiarity with finance and procurement systems is a plus.
• Nissho Bookkeeping Level 2 Certification (簿記 2 級) is preferred but not required.
• Native or business-level proficiency in Japanese to effectively communicate with local vendors.
• Business-level proficiency in English to collaborate with global teams in the UK and India.
   

Personal Qualities:

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work professionally, adapt to changing needs, and engage effectively with individuals at all levels across the organization and group companies.
• Prior experience may include working at a systems integrator (SI) or as a member of an internal IT team/system engineering function.