Global IT Director

Description

Rakuten Viber is one of the world’s leading communication platforms, connecting hundreds of millions of users globally. As part of our evolution into a super-app, we are looking for a Director of IT to lead and scale our global IT function.

We are seeking an experienced, hands-on Director of IT to lead our global IT teams (primarily in Israel and Belarus) and support over 500 employees worldwide.

This role operates within a hybrid IT model, where some systems and services (including endpoint management and corporate tooling) are managed centrally at the group level, while others are owned locally.

You will be responsible for ensuring seamless operation, alignment, and efficiency across these environments, while driving a modern, cloud-first, and automation-driven IT function.

Responsibilities

• Lead and scale global IT operations, including corporate IT, helpdesk, and internal infrastructure
• Own the IT strategy, roadmap, and annual budget aligned with business growth and efficiency goals
• Operate within a hybrid IT environment, ensuring alignment between centrally managed and locally managed systems
• Act as the primary focal point for collaboration with group-level IT functions, including coordination, alignment, and escalations
• Drive a cloud-first and SaaS-driven IT environment, optimizing tools, performance, and cost
• Improve IT operations through automation, self-service, and AI-driven workflows (e.g., onboarding, ticketing, access management)
• Oversee identity and access processes, endpoint lifecycle, and device management in coordination with central platforms
• Ensure high availability and performance of IT services across all locations
• Establish and enforce IT standards, processes, and KPIs (SLAs, user satisfaction, response times)
• Partner closely with Security to enforce policies, strengthen endpoint posture, and support compliance requirements (e.g., SOC 2, internal audits)
• Manage and mentor team leads, build a strong ownership culture, and develop talent
• Own vendor management, procurement processes, and cost optimization initiatives
• Lead global IT projects and system implementations

Requirements

• 10+ years of experience in IT operations, including leadership of global teams
• Proven experience managing corporate IT in a cloud-first / SaaS-heavy environment
• Experience working in a hybrid or matrixed IT environment with shared responsibilities across organizations
• Strong background in identity management, endpoint management, and IT infrastructure
• Experience driving automation and operational efficiency in IT (workflows, scripting, AI tools)
• Solid understanding of IT security fundamentals and experience working closely with security teams
• Experience managing budgets, vendors, and global IT projects
• Hands-on approach with the ability to go deep when needed
• Strong stakeholder management and communication skills
• Fluent in Russian and English (written and verbal) – mandatory

Skills

•  A pragmatic leader who can operate effectively in a shared-ownership environment
•  Someone who drives efficiency and reduces manual work through automation and AI
• Strong ownership mindset with a focus on execution and outcomes
• Ability to balance user experience, security, and operational constraints
• Continuous improvement mindset with high standards