Senior Manager/Group Manager - Network Section, Infrastructure Services Department (INSD)

As Rakuten Group continues its business expansion, the underlying infrastructure platform is also growing rapidly. Beyond maintaining stable operations, various projects for new expansions and technological innovations are underway. We are looking for a manager to strategically manage this evolving platform, complex projects, and resources, and to drive technological innovation.

Rakuten is seeking a highly skilled and experienced Manager of Network Infrastructure to support all Rakuten Group’s online services. This role is responsible for the strategic advancement and enhancement of Rakuten's network architecture, operations, product management, project management, and global network business. We welcome strategic thinkers with a deep understanding of network technologies, exceptional leadership skills, and the ability to drive innovation and efficiency across our entire network infrastructure.

Deeply understand and instill the highest quality management standards - consistent with ITIL, hyperscalers, and financial institutions for mission-critical systems - across the entire Rakuten Network team

Aggressively drive automation and AI integration throughout all NW operational processes (planning, execution, monitoring, incident response) to achieve superior operational speed, eliminate human errors, and maximize operational quality

Foster a culture of precision by thoroughly reviewing and analyzing operational procedures developed by NW engineers to ensure highly accurate operations

During NW incidents, swiftly and accurately identify the overall NW configuration, critical traffic routes, fault locations, and broader NW impacts, then control and lead fault recovery efforts

Commit to achieving operational excellence in every NW process, thoroughly leading all NW team members to continuously improve their mindset and work methodologies

Lead the design and implementation of reliable, scalable, future-proof, and cost-efficient network architectures for mission-critical, large-scale networks, based on in-depth analysis of existing challenges

Plan and implement optimal network configurations and management methods, including data center fabric networks, Firewalls, Load Balancers, and external network interconnections (Public Cloud, ISP/IX, Rakuten's internal networks)

Establish effective capacity management methodologies, estimate necessary capacity for future business growth, and drive proactive resource optimization

Identify bottlenecks and continuously optimize the performance of network components (Firewalls, Load Balancers, DC fabrics, inter-DC communication)

Strategically plan and promote network service menus, specifications, and pricing based on the criticality of each Rakuten service/application

Manage the P/L throughout the service lifecycle, setting appropriate pricing and managing billing cycles to achieve break-even points

Lead the planning of network configurations (including QoS) and operations (including self-service) tailored to specific business needs, and drive the definition of service menus and requirements

Manage multiple concurrent projects for new network deployments (data center, backbone, external connections to IX/ISP/Public Cloud) and EOL network migrations

Drive global network architecture upgrades, establish global team structures, and foster collaborations with overseas organizations to improve P/L and identify new business opportunities