Strategy Planning & Cross-Group Project Management - AI & Data Governance Office (AIDGO)

Business Overview

Rakuten Group has almost 100 million customers in Japan and 1 billion customers around the world, and provides more than 70 services such as e-commerce, payment services, financial services, mobile, media, sports, etc.
We aim to be an innovative AI and data corporate group that goes beyond merely utilizing advanced AI in our services. We develop and operate our own AI technologies, including generative AI models, to create a significant impact on services, markets, and society.

Department Overview

AI & Data Governance Office (AIDGO) takes a leadership role responsible for the strategic planning and management of all data-related projects across the Rakuten Group companies. This organization will develop, implement, and oversee data strategies, ensuring that data initiatives are effectively aligned with the company's business objectives and deliver value. 
We are dedicated to the strategic planning and oversight of group-wide data business and governance initiatives.
Our team's main objective is to ensure that our company's data is appropriately managed and leveraged to support business growth, while adhering to the standards of data governance. We work collaboratively across all departments to promote group -wide data utilization and compliance.

Position:

Why WeHire

We are seeking individuals who can provide company-wide leadership to strengthen our framework for accelerating the utilization of AI and Data across the entire group.

Position Details

The successful candidate will take an active role in developing data strategies and improving data utilization conditions. They will also design and implement management control indicators and reports. The role involves comprehensive responsibilities, from strategic planning to project execution management.

Key Responsibilities

- Develop and drive the execution of data strategies aligned with business goals and organizational priorities, maximizing the value delivered by data initiatives and supporting business growth

- Identify gaps and issues in the current data utilization environment and lead improvement initiatives by planning and implementing appropriate solutions

- Design, implement, and operate management control indicators (e.g., KPIs) and reporting frameworks to provide insights and support decision-making

- Plan and promote data governance initiatives, including standardization and enforcement of data quality management, security controls, and compliance requirements

- Lead end-to-end project management for data-related initiatives, covering planning, project design, execution, progress monitoring, effectiveness evaluation, and executive reporting

- Collaborate with stakeholders across departments and group companies to promote advanced data use cases and build/improve efficient and compliant data utilization processes

- Manage stakeholder communication, alignment, and consensus-building in both Japanese and English, working effectively with diverse, multi-background teams

- Prepare executive-ready PowerPoint materials and deliver presentations to senior management

Mandatory Qualifications:

- Proven experience in business or AI/Data strategy development, data governance, and management issue solving

- Excellent problem-solving skills and patient communication with diverse stakeholders across multiple functional areas within the organization

- Ability to effectively present complex data concepts to various stakeholders, including executives

- Highly motivated to leverage AI and data technologies across diverse business domains, with a strong commitment to continuous learning

Desired Qualifications:

- Experience in business strategy planning, corporate strategy, and/or IT consulting

- Solid understanding of AI and data management principles, including policy/rule design and operational governance (e.g., cloud data platforms and access control)

- Experience defining and managing ROI and KPIs

- Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Data Science, Information Systems, Business Administration, or a related field; a Master’s degree is a plus

- Familiarity with AI and data governance frameworks, as well as relevant regulations and compliance requirements

- Hands-on knowledge of a broad range of cloud, AI, and data technologies and platforms

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