Group Manager - Data Center Strategy Office, Infrastructure Services Department (INSD)

Job Description:

Business Overview

The Technology Platforms Division (TPD) drives the growth of Rakuten's ecosystem by delivering innovative, high-quality technology platforms characterized by integrated control and strategic partnerships.
Within TPD, the Cloud Platform Supervisory Department (CPSD) develops and manages Rakuten's state-of-the-art cloud platform, empowering global scalability and accelerating innovation across its diverse business units.

Department Overview

The Infrastructure Services Department (INSD) at Rakuten delivers high-quality data center and network services to all Rakuten Group companies globally. We empower Rakuten's innovation with a stable, high-performing, secure, and cost-competitive infrastructure. By proactively addressing challenges and ensuring Rakuten has the infrastructure services it needs to thrive, we enable global business success.

Position:

Why We Hire

The Rakuten Group continues to expand its business, and the data center infrastructure supporting it is evolving rapidly with growing demands for AI/GPU workloads, renewable energy transitions, and increasingly dynamic market conditions. We are looking for a Group Manager who can drive the strategic and business planning functions within the Data Center Strategy Office, supporting the Office Manager in executing the data center growth strategy while leading and developing a high-performing team.

Position Details

The Group Manager of Data Center Strategy Group is responsible for formulating, driving, and managing the data center business strategy and execution plans, while leading and developing the team members. This role requires deep expertise in business strategy, financial planning, and market analysis, as well as strong collaboration with internal stakeholders and external partners to maximize business performance.

1. Development and management of data center business strategy

Develop and drive mid-to-long term growth strategies for the data center business

Lead business model reviews and feasibility studies to support strategic decision-making

Develop and implement strategies for AI/GPU-ready infrastructure capacity in response to evolving market demands

Lead Green/Renewable Energy (RE) strategy and sustainability initiatives

Conduct continuous monitoring of competitors and market trends, and report insights to senior management

Support the Office Manager in developing the overall vision and policies for the data center

2. Business planning and P&L management

Develop and manage annual and mid-term business plans to maximize business performance

Own and manage P&L for the data center business, ensuring financial targets are met

Develop and manage pricing strategies to maintain competitiveness and profitability

Conduct market analysis and benchmarking to inform pricing and investment decisions

3. Demand and inventory planning and management

Develop and manage demand forecasting models to support capacity planning

Manage inventory planning and allocation to optimize utilization and minimize risk

Coordinate with internal stakeholders to align supply and demand plans

4. Partner and customer contract management

Negotiate and manage contract terms and conditions with key partners and customers

Develop and manage frameworks for colocation and service level agreements

Ensure contract compliance and manage renewals and renegotiations

Participate in vendor and partner selection processes, including management of RFP/RFI activities

5. Team leadership and development

Lead, manage, and develop Group members to build a high-performing team

Set clear goals and KPIs for the team and monitor progress

Foster a collaborative and innovative team culture aligned with the organization's mission and vision

Collaborate with new data center opening and expansion projects to ensure strategic alignment

Drive cross-functional collaboration with internal stakeholders including General Affairs, Legal, Procurement, and Finance departments

Mandatory Qualifications:

Minimum of 3 years of experience in management within high-transformation or high-uncertainty environments, and in team building during organizational launch or expansion phases

Proven track record in business planning, P&L management, and financial analysis

Experience in demand/supply planning and inventory management

Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to translate complex data into actionable strategies

Excellent presentation and communication skills for engaging executives and senior stakeholders

Fluent in Japanese and English

Desired Qualifications:

Experience in AI/GPU infrastructure planning or cloud services (IaaS, PaaS, SaaS)

Knowledge of green energy and renewable energy initiatives in the data center industry

Experience in colocation procurement and contract negotiation

Knowledge of regulations and laws related to data centers

Data center design and operation experience

Global team management experience

#business #strategyplanning #technologyplatformdiv

Languages:

English (Overall - 3 - Advanced), Japanese (Overall - 3 - Advanced)