Director, Workplace Services & IT

We’re a global team of over 400 people, working together to push the boundaries of open-source technology and multi-cloud solutions. Our vision is to become the trusted Data & AI Platform for everyone, leveraging the most popular open-source technologies like Apache Kafka®, Aiven for PostgreSQL®, Aiven for Clickhouse®, and Aiven for OpenSearch®. to help companies accelerate time-to-market, drive efficiency, and build innovative solutions across any cloud.

Right now, we’re looking for a Director, Workplace Services & IT who shares our passion for forward-thinking and innovative approaches. 

Who We Are:

So, how do we become the trusted open-source data platform for everyone? By listening closely to our customers and taking action to ensure they achieve their business goals. You see, the software we create is merely a means of delivering value. Our thinking is customer-first. That’s why our customers are at the front and center of all we do. And in the spirit of sideways thinking, we’re by their side as well. Actively helping them solve their challenges. Collaborating. Sharing. And innovating. 

In other words, it really isn’t just about who we are. It’s about who our customers are – and where they want to be.

Our Crabby Principles:

Aiveners use the V2MOM framework to set and align on business goals. In order to achieve those business goals we live by our ‘Crabby Principles’ which unite us in our ways of working, globally. 

These principles are embedded in our business processes and support us in collaborating and role modelling positive and productive behaviours in our daily work, something you will have the opportunity to demonstrate throughout your interview journey with us. 

The Role:

In this role, you will drive the creation of holistic and future-proof workspaces that seamlessly blend physical and virtual environments, combining IT and workplace strategies to cultivate innovation, collaboration, and employee well-being in this evolving world of work.

What You'll Do:

• Global Team Leadership: Lead and develop globally distributed teams of IT Engineers and Workplace Experience specialists. 
• Strategy: Develop strategic plans and objectives (we use V2MOMs) for your department.
• Influence: Interact with internal and external executive-level management, negotiating on critical matters that influence company policies and strategy.
• Negotiate: Lead real estate negotiations with landlords, leveraging commercial savviness to secure favourable lease terms for office space.
• Problem Solving: Anticipate, identify, and evaluate issues, providing strategy and direction across the department and, potentially, across the company.
• Change Management: Lead change management efforts across IT and workplace systems, to ensure smooth adoption of new tools and processes.
• Automation: Key focus on automation and self service to provide an outstanding employee experience, while significantly improving efficiency within the department.
• Budget Management: Develop and manage the budget for your department. 
• Dive Deep: Establish and track key metrics to track the success of IT, workplace and procurement initiatives.
• Sustainability: Drive sustainable workplace and procurement practices, aligned with Aiven’s commitment to environmental and social responsibility.

What We're Looking For:

Don’t worry if your experience doesn’t line up perfectly – we still encourage you to apply! We believe in investing in our crabs’ professional growth.

• People Leadership and Development: Proven experience leading and developing global teams.
• Technology: Experience leading IT / digital workplace and office infrastructure teams
• Project and Change Management: Experience leading large IT and Workplace Transformation initiatives, including: system rollouts, office expansions and vendor transitions.
• Communication: Ability to articulate complex ideas and influence a diverse group of stakeholders.
• Passion: For leveraging technology to enhance the employee experience and drive organizational success.
• Adaptability: High degree of comfort in a fast-growing, continually changing environment.
• Crabby Principles: Alignment with Aiven’s Values and Crabby Principles, which define our Ways of Working, globally.

Our Offer:

If you ask us what’s the best thing about working for Aiven, many will probably say it’s the high concentration of talent from around the world that we have here. Enjoy the agile environment of a hyperscale scale-up where you can truly make an impact and have fun while at it.

We invest in you:

• Participate in Aiven