AVP, Cloud Infra Architect (Singapore)

Job description

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 Contribute to IT service and cloud strategy by analysing business requirements and defining modern, scalable Azure cloud architecture solutions. Define and maintain target-state infrastructure architecture, principles, standards and reference patterns for on-premises and cloud environments. Design cloud foundation capabilities (e.g., landing zone, network connectivity, identity, key management, logging/monitoring) and ensure alignment with group standards. Lead architecture reviews and provide governance for infrastructure changes, ensuring security-by-design and operational readiness (runbooks, monitoring, SRE/ops handover). Architect compute and platform solutions (Windows/Linux, virtualization/containers), storage/backup, and endpoint management in line with security policies. Prepare and present architecture documents, project reports and stakeholder communications for regional management and Head Office counterparts. Monitor industry trends, emerging threats, and changes in regulatory landscapes to strengthen the organization’s cloud risk posture. Lead cloud migration efforts for applications and infrastructure, ensuring seamless transition, minimal business disruption, and optimal cost-benefit outcomes. Provide timely escalation and resolution support for major infrastructure issues/incidents, including root cause analysis and preventive actions. Work with Information Security, Risk/Compliance and Audit to address findings, implement controls and maintain evidence for infrastructure-related controls. Collaborate with engineering and operations teams to ensure best practices, automation, and cloud-native patterns are consistently applied. Partner with global architects, cybersecurity, application teams, vendors, and offshore delivery partners to ensure strategic alignment and integrated solution delivery. Translate business, regulatory and non-functional requirements (security, availability, performance, observability) into solution designs and architecture decision records. Manage vendor engagement and technical evaluation (RFP/RFQ, solution comparison, PoC), ensuring contracts/SOWs meet architecture and operational requirements. Requirements Must-have Bachelor’s degree in information technology, Computer Science, Engineering or equivalent. Strong knowledge of infrastructure architecture disciplines (network, compute, storage, identity, security, operations). 7+ years of experience in infrastructure engineering/architecture in a financial institution or regulated environment. Hands-on experience delivering infrastructure solutions across network, computing, storage, identity and security domains. Experience designing and implementing hybrid-cloud connectivity and cloud foundation services. Strong knowledge of infrastructure architecture for high availability and resiliency (HA/DR), including capacity and performance considerations. Identity and access management fundamentals (e.g., Active Directory, federation, privileged access) and security-by-design practices. Cloud platform knowledge (landing zone, network, governance, logging/monitoring) and ability to design hybrid architectures. Capability to lead and drive the IT BAU related tasks with good time and stakeholder management skills and experience. Proactively socialize with stakeholders and maintain good relationship to steer tasks. Possess strong and assertive verbal, written communication skills and presentation skills. Ability to work in a fast-paced environment with constantly changing priorities. Good bi-directional and collaborative attitude in order to work as a professional in a team. Willing to take an ad-hoc project as necessary. Good-to-have ITIL Foundation (v3/v4). Cloud certification (e.g., Microsoft Azure Administrator/Architect, AWS/Azure equivalent). Security certification (e.g., AZ-500, CISSP/CCSP) or equivalent experience. Experience supporting audit/compliance activities with strong understanding of IT controls, change management and incident/problem management. Proven experience leading design reviews, coordinating stakeholders (including Japan HO) and driving delivery through project lifecycle. Infrastructure automation skills (IaC concepts, scripting) and experience implementing standardisation to improve operational stability. Project management certification (e.g., PMP, PRINCE2) or equivalent experience leading to infrastructure workstreams. Experience with observability/SRE practices (monitoring, logging, incident response, postmortems) and service improvement. Proficiency in both English and Japanese is preferred for reporting and stakeholder coordination with Head Office in Japan.