About this role
<p>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.</p> <p><strong>Responsibilities</strong></p> <ul> <li>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. </li> <li>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. </li> <li>Drive innovation through the design, deployment, and continuous enhancement of secure, scalable, and automated server platform services, observability tools, and global engineering best practices. </li> <li>Oversee incident management and resolution processes, ensuring minimal disruption to server platform services, and ensure robust production support model covering the APAC region. </li> <li>Lead the infrastructure architect function to work with architect teams from other regions on uplifting infrastructure policies, solutions and engineering standards. </li> <li>Proactively and innovatively develop and maintain the overall infrastructure technology landscape that guide regional and global infra system rationalization direction. </li> <li>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 </li> <li>Lead cloud migration and modernization initiatives, ensuring seamless integration, cost optimization, and alignment with enterprise architecture and target infrastructure mid-term goals. </li> <li>Deliver executive-level reporting on infrastructure health, project milestones, risk posture, and cost-performance metrics to support strategic decision-making. </li> <li>Oversee and manage branches, subsidiaries and vendors on life cycle management, including regional or local project, technology obsolescence, and vulnerability management. </li> </ul> <p> </p> <p><strong>Requirements</strong></p> <ul> <li>Degree in IT, Computer Science, or related field (or equivalent experience). </li> <li>10–15 years in IT infrastructure leadership roles</li> <li>Recent 5+ years’ experience in banking or financial services. </li> <li>Experience in regional or global IT transformation programs</li> <li>Proven experience in: <ul> <li>Cloud migration and modernization.</li> <li>Vendor governance and multi-cloud strategy.</li> <li>Disaster recovery and business continuity planning. </li> </ul> </li> <li>Professional Certifications (at least 1): <ul> <li>Enterprise Architecture: TOGAF, ITIL.</li> <li>Technical: Microsoft MCSE, VMware VCF, Nutanix NCP certifications. </li> </ul> </li> <li>Technical Breadth: <ul> <li>Hybrid cloud architecture</li> <li>Virtualization (VMware, Hyper-V).</li> <li>Storage, backup, and disaster recovery. </li> </ul> </li> <li>Regulatory Knowledge: <ul> <li>MAS, APAC regulatory mandates (BN RMiT, RBI, BOT, APRA, etc.) </li> </ul> </li> <li>Technology Security or Risk Certifications (CISSP or CISM) </li> <li>Project Management Certifications (PMP or PRINCE) </li> <li>Deep understanding of: <ul> <li>Compute, virtualization, storage, backup. </li> <li>High-availability architecture and resilience. </li> <li>Strong cybersecurity posture </li> </ul> </li> <li>Knowledge of Technology Infrastructure vendors, and associated product/service offering </li> <li>Knowledge of industry technology trends </li> <li>Knowledge of IT security, Risk Management and Security Controls. </li> <li>Understanding of MAS, JFSA or APAC countries regulators’ technology risk guidelines or mandates would be valuable. </li> <li>Strategic thinking and ability to align IT with business goals. </li> <li>Experience managing distributed teams (onshore & offshore). </li> <li>Strong stakeholder engagement and influencing skills. </li> <li>Financial acumen for cost optimization and budgeting. </li> <li>Change management expertise. </li> <li>Ability to drive innovation and transformation. </li> <li>Adaptability and resilience in fast-changing environments. </li> <li>Innovative mindset and proactive problem-solving. </li> <li>High integrity and regulatory awareness. </li> <li>Strong negotiation and influencing skills </li> </ul>