Director, Data Center Service Lead (JRI-6083)

The Japan Research Institute (JRI) Limited is a subsidiary of Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation (SMBC) Group. SMBC Group is a Tokyo-based bank holding company that is ranked among the largest 25 banks globally by assets under management. JRI provides comprehensive, highly value-added information services through the coordinated application of its 3 functions. i.e. information systems, consulting and think-tank. As a system integrator, JRI offers services in IT strategy planning, implementation and outsourcing to a broad range of industries and activities. JRI Singapore currently supports the overall IT functions of Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation (SMBC) in Asia Pacific Region.

Responsibilities

• Lead the strategic development and execution of server platform infrastructure initiatives in alignment with regional and global IT transformation goals, including hybrid cloud adoption, rationalization, automation, and regulatory compliance. 
• Oversee end-to-end server platform services including compute, virtualization, database, storage, backup, and hybrid cloud infrastructure, ensuring scalability, resilience, and performance across on-premises environments. 
• Drive innovation through the design, deployment, and continuous enhancement of secure, scalable, and automated server platform services, observability tools, and global engineering best practices. 
• Oversee incident management and resolution processes, ensuring minimal disruption to server platform services, and ensure robust production support model covering the APAC region. 
• Lead the infrastructure architect function to work with architect teams from other regions on uplifting infrastructure policies, solutions and engineering standards. 
• Proactively and innovatively develop and maintain the overall infrastructure technology landscape that guide regional and global infra system rationalization direction. 
• Foster a high-performance culture by mentoring solution architects, engineers, and specialists, promoting continuous learning, career development, and team wellness through structured people management strategies 
• Lead cloud migration and modernization initiatives, ensuring seamless integration, cost optimization, and alignment with enterprise architecture and target infrastructure mid-term goals. 
• Deliver executive-level reporting on infrastructure health, project milestones, risk posture, and cost-performance metrics to support strategic decision-making. 
• Oversee and manage branches, subsidiaries and vendors on life cycle management, including regional or local project, technology obsolescence, and vulnerability management. 

Requirements

• Degree in IT, Computer Science, or related field (or equivalent experience). 
• 10–15 years in IT infrastructure leadership roles
• Recent 5+ years’ experience in banking or financial services. 
• Experience in regional or global IT transformation programs
• Proven experience in:
  • Cloud migration and modernization.
  • Vendor governance and multi-cloud strategy.
  • Disaster recovery and business continuity planning. 
• Professional Certifications (at least 1):
  • Enterprise Architecture: TOGAF, ITIL.
  • Technical: Microsoft MCSE, VMware VCF, Nutanix NCP certifications. 
• Technical Breadth:
  • Hybrid cloud architecture
  • Virtualization (VMware, Hyper-V).
  • Storage, backup, and disaster recovery. 
• Regulatory Knowledge: 
  • MAS, APAC regulatory mandates (BN RMiT, RBI, BOT, APRA, etc.) 
• Technology Security or Risk Certifications (CISSP or CISM) 
• Project Management Certifications (PMP or PRINCE) 
• Deep understanding of:  
  • Compute, virtualization, storage, backup. 
  • High-availability architecture and resilience. 
  • Strong cybersecurity posture 
• Knowledge of Technology Infrastructure vendors, and associated product/service offering 
• Knowledge of industry technology trends 
• Knowledge of IT security, Risk Management and Security Controls.  
• Understanding of MAS, JFSA or APAC countries regulators’ technology risk guidelines or mandates would be valuable. 
• Strategic thinking and ability to align IT with business goals. 
• Experience managing distributed teams (onshore & offshore). 
• Strong stakeholder engagement and influencing skills. 
• Financial acumen for cost optimization and budgeting. 
• Change management expertise. 
• Ability to drive innovation and transformation. 
• Adaptability and resilience in fast-changing environments. 
• Innovative mindset and proactive problem-solving. 
• High integrity and regulatory awareness. 
• Strong negotiation and influencing skills