Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Software
Languages
Timeline
Hi, I’m

Carine Sanga

Senior Project Manager
Tokyo
I can’t understand why people are frightened of new ideas. I’m frightened of the old ones.
John Cage

Summary

Design-forward project manager with over 15 years of experience leading hotel openings and lifestyle residential projects across Japan, including early-stage development planning for international properties. Known for hands-on involvement in interior coordination — from FF&E selection and layout guidance to styling, vendor collaboration, and refining space functionality to suit brand intent. Proven ability to bridge global design vision with local implementation — aligning stakeholders, navigating multicultural teams, and delivering elevated guest experiences. Bilingual in English and Japanese, with a calm and intuitive leadership style rooted in both operational and creative strength.

Overview

19
years of professional experience
13
years of post-secondary education
3
Languages

Work History

Turner & Townsend K.K.

Senior Project Manager
10.2024 - Current

Job overview

Department: Office & Retail


  • Led corporate office fit-out and relocation projects for multinational clients, overseeing local execution of global workplace strategies.
  • Managed project schedules, stakeholder coordination, and reporting cycles, including weekly progress updates and monthly executive reports.
  • Acted as key liaison between client-side consultants (architects, engineers), local general contractors (via landlord), and internal teams to ensure alignment across all phases.
  • Assessed and recommended local vendors, managing performance review and documentation for client approval.
  • Supervised internal project teams including assistant project managers, construction PMs, and cost consultants to ensure project milestones and budget compliance.

HAUN Co., Ltd. [subsidiary Of Samurai Capital]

Project Manager – Design & Operations
01.2024 - 10.2024

Job overview

  • Oversaw design and construction processes for social apartments, focusing on practical space usability and smooth stakeholder coordination.
  • Led FF&E procurement strategy for HAUN Tabata, managing supplier negotiations and aligning selections with design intent and budget targets.
  • Directed the planning and execution of a furnished Model Room, collaborating with vendors and internal teams to enhance tenant appeal and drive pre-opening engagement.
  • Restructured internal operations team to align with individual strengths and clarify roles and responsibilities, leading to improved team synergy and reduced friction post-opening.
  • Introduced task tracking and documentation workflows to improve project visibility and ensure consistency across project phases.
  • Initiated tenant-facing digital content, including informational video walkthroughs and a targeted pre-opening landing page, resulting in a significant increase in early reservations.

Samurai Capital Co., Ltd.

VP [Technical Services, Project Management]
07.2023 - 12.2023

Job overview

  • Provided design and functionality input during development stages, reviewing architectural plans to improve spatial flow and usability for residential assets.
  • Managed FF&E procurement for multiple social apartment projects, with a focus on budget control, supplier coordination, and local adaptation of design specifications.
  • Collaborated with developers, interior designers, and consultants to align project milestones with creative intent and construction timelines.
  • Participated in site meetings and vendor walkthroughs, supporting design intent enforcement and resolving practical challenges pre-opening.
  • Led initiatives to bridge the gap between design completion and operational readiness, ensuring a smooth handover and continuity into post-opening phases.
  • Contributed to early marketing efforts and tenant engagement concepts, laying groundwork for model room strategy later executed by HAUN team.

Travelodge Hotels Asia Pte, Ltd

VP [Technical Services, PM, Design]
07.2022 - 05.2023

Job overview

  • Led hotel renovation and pre-opening projects across Japan, coordinating with global HQ, local consultants, and contractors to align timelines, deliverables, and design intent.
  • Acted as Japan-side liaison for cross-regional teams, managing bilingual documentation, spec translations, and cultural localization of manuals, design standards, and SOPs.
  • Supported FF&E and OS&E specification review and sourcing, ensuring compliance with brand standards and local procurement availability.
  • Facilitated regular project meetings, coordinated deliverables, and tracked construction progress through risk identification and mitigation strategies.
  • Adapted to condensed project schedules while maintaining build quality, guest safety standards, and efficient handover to operations.

Toyoko Inn Co., Ltd

Assistant Project Manager – Overseas Development
05.2018 - 06.2022

Job overview

Department: Overseas Development


  • Worked within the Overseas Development team, coordinating with international architects, legal teams, and development partners on new hotel projects.
  • Reviewed contracts for property acquisition and construction, providing risk-conscious input and supporting negotiations with internal and external stakeholders.
  • Translated design and legal documents between English and Japanese to support smooth cross-border communication and decision-making.
  • Contributed to company-wide rebranding initiatives, including the redesign of hotel lobbies and common areas to reflect updated brand identity and local context — concepts that were adopted across multiple new openings despite subsequent rebranding efforts.
  • Selected to join Toyoko Inn’s SDG committee, where you helped conceptualize sustainability initiatives such as the "Zero Waste Declaration."

Embassy of Japan in Nigeria

Diplomat Assistant [Culture & PR]
04.2017 - 12.2017

Job overview

  • Supported Japan-Nigeria cultural exchange through business outreach, embassy events, and cross-cultural programming in collaboration with local partners.
  • Created and translated PR materials, presentations, and reports for the Development Cooperation and Economic Affairs Division (ENG⇄JPN).
  • Provided bilingual interpretation for meetings and delegation visits, supporting diplomatic communication between Japanese and English-speaking stakeholders.
  • Managed embassy website content and coordinated HTML-based system migration, ensuring accuracy and visual consistency.
  • Contributed to the MEXT scholarship selection process, supporting the review and coordination of over 1,000 applications.
  • Conducted research and application drafting for Official Development Assistance (ODA) projects, contributing to embassy reporting and program monitoring.

Toyoko Inn Co., Ltd

Assistant Project Manager
02.2015 - 12.2016

Job overview

Department: Overseas Development


  • Coordinated with overseas architects, legal advisors, and construction teams to support early-stage development of international hotel properties.
  • Reviewed acquisition and construction contracts, providing bilingual negotiation support and business risk assessment.
  • Translated technical and legal documents (ENG⇄JPN), facilitating clear communication across internal and external stakeholders.
  • Supported architectural teams in design execution, ensuring alignment with Toyoko Inn’s operational standards and local conditions.
  • Prepared project documentation and stakeholder updates, contributing to traceability and cross-border project transparency.

Toyoko Inn Co., Ltd

Department Team Leader - Technical Services
04.2011 - 01.2015

Job overview

Department: Technical Services [in hotel opening]


  • Led hotel opening projects across Japan and overseas, managing cross-functional tasks including procurement, HR coordination, licensing, and advertising.
  • Reviewed hotel blueprints in collaboration with architects, suggesting layout and functionality improvements aligned with brand standards and local context.
  • Developed onboarding programs, manuals, and instructional materials to train 7+ new Technical Services PMs, ensuring consistency across openings.
  • Maintained operational quality standards through structured checklists, supplier coordination, and proactive issue resolution.
  • Facilitated internal and cross-border team collaboration, ensuring timely progress and communication throughout project cycles.
  • Contributed to the successful launch of multiple hotels, combining design awareness with practical project execution.

Toyoko Inn Co., Ltd

Hotel Manager
01.2010 - 03.2011

Job overview

  • Managed and operated a 270-room business hotel, leading daily operations across front desk, housekeeping, breakfast, and parking teams.
  • Supervised an 8-person front desk team, resolving guest issues with a focus on smooth communication and service quality.
  • Oversaw scheduling, budget tracking, and occupancy forecasting to ensure efficient hotel performance and guest satisfaction.
  • Negotiated with vendors to secure cost-effective contracts for hotel supplies and services.
  • Developed promotional strategies targeting international guests, increasing visibility and revenue.
  • Maintained compliance with local regulations while ensuring high service standards for a diverse clientele.

Toyoko Inn Co., Ltd

Technical Services / PM [in Hotel Opening]
01.2007 - 12.2009

Job overview

Department: Project Management [Technical Service]


  • Coordinated with architects, engineers, and domestic vendors to ensure design, procurement, and construction aligned with brand standards and schedules.
  • Supported FF&E selection and on-site installation, reviewing lighting, furniture, and finish elements to ensure cohesive design execution across openings.
  • Managed procurement tracking and delivery timelines, supporting smooth hotel openings across multiple locations.
  • Drafted and submitted licensing documentation, collaborated with local authorities, and maintained accurate project records.
  • Provided Japanese–English translation for company website, marketing materials, and internal reports to support outreach and stakeholder alignment.
  • Collaborated with internal teams to refine hotel services based on guest feedback and market research.
  • Developed promotional content to support hotel opening announcements and job recruitment campaigns.

Thawte [VeriSign]

Authentication Specialist /Customer Support Agent
04.2006 - 09.2006

Job overview

  • Provided live technical support for Japanese clients applying for SSL and code-signing digital certificates.
  • Reviewed and authenticated certificate applications, ensuring secure issuance and regulatory compliance.
  • Managed bilingual client communication via chat and email, supporting smooth onboarding and customer satisfaction.

Education

Machida Design College
Tokyo, Japan

Diploma in Class 2 Architect [Pre-National License] from Architecture
04.2019 - 03.2021

University of Cape Town
Cape Town, South Africa

Bachelor of Commerce from Information Systems
02.2001 - 06.2005

University Overview

Awards and achievements:

2002

  • Class Medal for 1st Position in Commercial Programming

University of Cape Town
Cape Town, South Africa

Bachelor of Science from Engineering in Chemical Engineering
01.2000 - 12.2000

Sea Point High School
Cape Town, South Africa

High School Diploma
02.1994 - 12.1999

Software

Microsoft Office

JwCAD

AutoCAD

Python

JavaScript

SQL

HTML

CSS

VB

Languages

Japanese
Excellent
English
Excellent
French
Basic

Timeline

Senior Project Manager

Turner & Townsend K.K.
10.2024 - Current

Project Manager – Design & Operations

HAUN Co., Ltd. [subsidiary Of Samurai Capital]
01.2024 - 10.2024

VP [Technical Services, Project Management]

Samurai Capital Co., Ltd.
07.2023 - 12.2023

VP [Technical Services, PM, Design]

Travelodge Hotels Asia Pte, Ltd
07.2022 - 05.2023

Machida Design College

Diploma in Class 2 Architect [Pre-National License] from Architecture
04.2019 - 03.2021

Assistant Project Manager – Overseas Development

Toyoko Inn Co., Ltd
05.2018 - 06.2022

Diplomat Assistant [Culture & PR]

Embassy of Japan in Nigeria
04.2017 - 12.2017

Assistant Project Manager

Toyoko Inn Co., Ltd
02.2015 - 12.2016

Department Team Leader - Technical Services

Toyoko Inn Co., Ltd
04.2011 - 01.2015

Hotel Manager

Toyoko Inn Co., Ltd
01.2010 - 03.2011

Technical Services / PM [in Hotel Opening]

Toyoko Inn Co., Ltd
01.2007 - 12.2009

Authentication Specialist /Customer Support Agent

Thawte [VeriSign]
04.2006 - 09.2006

University of Cape Town

Bachelor of Commerce from Information Systems
02.2001 - 06.2005

University of Cape Town

Bachelor of Science from Engineering in Chemical Engineering
01.2000 - 12.2000

Sea Point High School

High School Diploma
02.1994 - 12.1999
Carine SangaSenior Project Manager