Director of Technology, China

About Springer Nature Group

Springer Nature opens the doors to discovery for researchers, educators, clinicians and other professionals. Every day, around the globe, our imprints, books, journals, platforms and technology solutions reach millions of people. For over 180 years our brands and imprints have been a trusted source of knowledge to these communities and today, more than ever, we see it as our responsibility to ensure that fundamental knowledge can be found, verified, understood and used by our communities – enabling them to improve outcomes, make progress, and benefit the generations that follow. Visit group.springernature.com and follow @SpringerNature / @SpringerNatureGroup

Position Overview:
Springer Nature is seeking a highly skilled and dynamic Director of Technology to lead our technology initiatives in China. This role is crucial in addressing the unique challenges associated with the Chinese market, including low bandwidth, the Great Firewall, and the complex regulatory environment. The ideal candidate will have a deep understanding of the publishing industry and be capable of building and leading a local technology team to develop innovative solutions that align with Springer Nature's global technology strategy.

Key Responsibilities:
1. Technology Strategy: Develop and execute a technology strategy tailored to the Chinese market, aligning with Springer Nature's global objectives. Identify opportunities for technological advancements and innovative solutions to address challenges related to low bandwidth, the Chinese firewall, and regulatory compliance.
2. Team Building: Recruit, lead, and mentor a high-performing technology team in China. Foster a collaborative and innovative culture within the team, encouraging them to deliver exceptional results and drive technological solutions to our issues in China limiting our user experience.
3. Local Infrastructure Optimization: Work to optimize and enhance local infrastructure to mitigate challenges posed by low bandwidth and the Chinese firewall. Ensure efficient data transfer and network connectivity, enabling seamless access to Springer Nature's digital products and services.
4. Compliance and Regulations: Navigate the complex regulatory environment in China, ensuring that Springer Nature's technology operations comply with all local laws and regulations. Collaborate with legal and compliance teams to address any issues or concerns that may arise.
5. Vendor and Stakeholder Management: Manage relationships with technology vendors, partners, and key stakeholders in China. Collaborate with these parties to identify synergies, leverage resources, and achieve common technology goals.
6. Innovation and Research: Stay abreast of emerging technologies and trends in the publishing industry, especially in the context of China. Explore opportunities for innovation and research to enhance Springer Nature's technological capabilities and competitiveness.
7. Budget Management: Develop and manage the technology budget for the Chinese location, ensuring cost-effective use of resources while meeting strategic objectives.

Qualifications:
● Bachelor's or Master's degree in computer science, information technology, or a related field. An MBA or relevant business qualifications are a plus.
● Proven experience (8+ years) in technology leadership roles within the publishing industry, preferably with an understanding of academic publishing.
● Deep knowledge of the Chinese technology landscape, including the Great Firewall, low bandwidth challenges, and regulatory compliance.
● Strong leadership and team management skills with experience in building and leading high-performing teams.
● Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively with diverse stakeholders.
● Strategic thinker with a track record of developing and executing technology strategies that drive business growth.
● Experience in managing budgets and financial planning.
● Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to work in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
● Fluency in both Mandarin Chinese and English is required.

Why Springer Nature:
Springer Nature is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive work environment where all employees are empowered to contribute their unique perspectives and talents. We offer competitive compensation and benefits, a collaborative and innovative work culture, and opportunities for professional growth and development.
If you are a technology leader with a passion for solving complex challenges, driving innovation, and making a positive impact on the academic publishing industry in China, we encourage you to apply for this exciting opportunity.

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At Springer Nature, we value the diversity of our teams and work to build an inclusive culture, where people are treated fairly and can bring their differences to work and thrive. We empower our colleagues and value their diverse perspectives as we strive to attract, nurture and develop the very best talent. Springer Nature was awarded Diversity Team of the Year at the 2022 British Diversity Awards. Find out more about our DEI work here https://group.springernature.com/gp/group/taking-responsibility/diversity-equity-inclusion

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For more information about career opportunities in Springer Nature please visit https://careers.springernature.com/