Principal at Guidewire Software in Tokyo

Job description

Summary The Principal is the Services leader/owner of the Customer Account and the field leader on all implementation-related topics. You'll be responsible for the success of the cloud transformation programs, ensuring that projects stay on track and that Guidewire delivers real value to the customer's business. You will lead implementation planning with customers from pre-sales through to delivery, owning the end-to-end estimation process in collaboration with internal functions and SI partners. You will be adept at structuring and managing both outcome-based and Fixed Price engagements, ensuring commercial constructs are aligned to delivery realities and customer expectations. You will bring firsthand experience delivering programs through a Global Delivery Model, coordinating onshore, nearshore, and offshore teams across time zones while maintaining delivery quality, governance standards, and customer confidence. You will understand the operational disciplines required to make distributed delivery work effectively — from knowledge transfer and team integration to communication cadences and escalation protocols. You'll coordinate internal and external teams, manage delivery risks, and serve as a trusted advisor to customer stakeholders across the Australia-Japan market. A deep understanding of P&C insurance operations, regulatory environments, and market dynamics in this region is essential to this role. You'll also work closely with Sales, Product, and other internal teams to ensure smooth delivery, clear communication, and long-term success. Your background will reflect experience gained within a Global System Integrator or a SaaS-based product company, giving you a strong foundation in structured delivery methodologies, commercial engagement models, and the operational realities of delivering enterprise software at scale. This background will inform how you engage with SI partners, shape customer proposals, and lead delivery governance across complex programs. You will advocate for customers' needs with partners and internal teams while being accountable for the portfolio's financial performance and revenue growth. Job Description Key Responsibilities Cloud Program Leadership Lead the planning and execution of cloud transformation programs across assigned customer accounts in the Australia/Japan market Own end-to-end implementation planning with customers, establishing delivery roadmaps, resource models, and milestone frameworks from engagement inception Design and govern Global Delivery Model structures for assigned programs, defining the split of responsibilities across onshore, nearshore, and offshore teams and ensuring effective integration across all delivery locations Establish the governance, communication, and escalation frameworks required to manage distributed delivery teams effectively, including time zone coordination, knowledge transfer protocols, and quality assurance across locations Coordinate key activities like performance testing, cutovers, and handovers to customer success Monitor progress, identify risks, and work with delivery teams to keep programs on track Ensure customer programs align with business objectives and success criteria Structure and govern Fixed Price engagements, managing scope boundaries, change control processes, and margin protection throughout the delivery lifecycle Lead outcome-based engagement models, defining measurable success criteria, aligning delivery milestones to business outcomes, and proactively managing customer expectations Customer Relationship and Advocacy Act as a trusted delivery partner to customer stakeholders and SI partners across Australia or Japan Provide strategic input on how customers can best leverage Guidewire products and services within the context of local P&C insurance market requirements, including regulatory frameworks such as APRA or FSA, and regional product lines Apply strong insurance domain knowledge to guide customers on industry best practi