Application Development Manager | Global Insurance Leader

???? Application Development Manager
???? Tokyo, Japan
???? Global Insurance Company

Job Description

We are seeking an experienced Application Development Manager to join a leading global insurance company in Tokyo. This role will be responsible for leading application development initiatives, managing technology projects, and supporting critical business applications within the life insurance domain.

The successful candidate will work closely with business stakeholders, vendors, and technology teams to deliver system enhancements, modernization initiatives, and application support activities while ensuring alignment with business objectives.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead application development and enhancement projects throughout the project lifecycle
• Manage and support life insurance business applications and systems
• Collaborate with business users to gather requirements and define technical solutions
• Oversee system development, testing, implementation, and production support activities
• Manage external vendors and development partners
• Ensure projects are delivered on time, within budget, and according to quality standards
• Drive application modernization and continuous improvement initiatives
• Monitor project risks, issues, and dependencies
• Coordinate with local and global technology teams
• Support operational stability and ongoing system maintenance

Why Join?

✔ Join a globally recognized insurance organization
✔ Work on mission-critical insurance systems
✔ Collaborate with international stakeholders
✔ Lead impactful technology transformation initiatives
✔ Strong career growth opportunities in a global environment
✔ Utilize both Japanese and English in daily business operations

Requirements

• 7+ years of experience in application development, system implementation, or application support
• Experience leading development projects or managing technology initiatives
• Life insurance industry experience is required
• Knowledge of Policy Administration Systems or insurance core systems
• Strong stakeholder management and communication skills
• Experience managing vendors and external development partners
• Understanding of SDLC, Agile, or Waterfall methodologies
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and work independently
• Business-level Japanese and English communication skills
• Currently residing in Japan
• Valid work authorization in Japan

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in application modernization or digital transformation projects
• Experience working in multinational or global organizations
• Team leadership or people management experience
• PMP or related project management certifications are a plus