Vahur Värav
Tartu
Summary
Results-driven Technical Product Owner & Integration Specialist with 18+ years of experience in SaaS integrations, API-driven ecosystems, and product management. Expertise in cross-functional leadership, platform integrations, and stakeholder alignment. Proven success in driving enterprise-level integrations, API strategies, and roadmap execution for B2B, SaaS, and gaming platforms. Passionate about building scalable, high-impact integrations that enhance digital ecosystems.
Overview
18
18
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Technical Product Manager
Topia
09.2024 - Current
- Led end-to-end delivery of complex integration projects between Topia’s platform and third-party systems (e.g., SAP, Workday), ensuring seamless data exchange across tax, immigration, and mobility domains.
- Defined and implemented cross-functional processes in an Agile environment to improve collaboration between CS, implementation, and engineering teams, leading to greater operational efficiency, and reduced delivery friction.very friction.
- Owned and maintained product backlogs across multiple JIRA boards, prioritizing features, bugs, and technical enhancements in alignment with business goals and customer needs.
- Defined and documented integration requirements, user stories, and acceptance criteria, collaborating with stakeholders from CS, implementation, and engineering teams.
- Championed the use of AWS Transfer Family and Terraform for secure, scalable SFTP integration deployments across UAT, and PROD environments.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to resolve ambiguity in responsibilities, and ensure integration projects had clear timelines, dependencies, and ownership.
- Conducted gap analysis and initiated process improvements to address missing documentation, inconsistent project tracking, and lack of ownership within integration workflows.
- Proposed and implemented a scalable approach to managing multi-service providers (e.g., splitting EY into EY Tax, EY Immigration) to improve system design and reporting accuracy.
- Acted as the primary liaison between technical teams and non-technical stakeholders, ensuring that integration capabilities supported broader business objectives.
- Played a key role in governance, risk management, and change control for all integration-related product changes.
Career Break
Career Break
01.2024 - 09.2024
- Took a planned career break to spend quality time with family, recharge, and reflect on long-term professional goals.
- Used this period to maintain awareness of industry trends, enhance personal development, and prepare for the next phase of my career with renewed energy and focus.
Test Lead / Technical Delivery Lead
Fortuna Entertainment Group
11.2019 - 12.2023
- Spearheaded testing and delivery for third-party integrations with Nuvei (SafeCharge), Playtech, and Identt, defining end-to-end test strategies, including functional, performance, and regression testing, in compliance with regulated market requirements.
- Led technical delivery for key projects across Playtech wallet, Nuvei backend (cPanel), and Identt KYC verification, coordinating with compliance, security, and business teams to ensure timely and compliant releases.
- Oversaw the full test lifecycle for payment integrations, including Apple Pay, Google Pay, and direct bank integrations, ensuring transaction accuracy, performance standards, and platform compatibility.
- Directed the Identt KYC verification integration projects, ensuring seamless onboarding flows, and legal compliance across multiple jurisdictions.
- Acted as a technical specialist for Playtech wallet integrations with Nuvei’s backend, supporting end-to-end flows, including wallet provisioning, transaction handling, and account synchronization.
- Managed release testing for all key payment and identity projects (Playtech, Nuvei, Identt), leading a hybrid team of five test analysts and four testers, and coordinating multi-platform regression efforts.
- Served as Configuration Manager, managing test environments, deployments, and version control across Playtech-based systems.
- Developed and implemented Agile SAFe-aligned processes, enhancing cross-team delivery efficiency, traceability, and release governance.
- Worked closely with product owners and stakeholders to translate business requirements into executable test plans, accelerating delivery across multiple platforms (web, mobile, retail).
- Localized and adapted complex business cases for region-specific implementations, ensuring compliance with legal and financial regulations in Central and Eastern European markets.
Software Development Team Lead and DevOps Team Lead
Cleveron
Tallinn
10.2018 - 05.2019
- Lead a team of nine developers and two designers, collaborating with product owners and stakeholders for optimal client solutions
- Oversee a DevOps team of six, managing infrastructure and project operations.
- Spearhead project and infrastructure management, including crisis resolution and resource vendor management.
- Serve as Enterprise Architect, enhancing development processes and delivery lifecycle
- Drive software and hardware product improvements and integrations
- Design and implement cross-product processes, ensuring strategic alignment and technical delivery
- Conduct performance testing and leverage market intelligence for informed decision-making
- Provide consultative expertise as a Solution Architect for Fusion projects with a strong customer focus
Solution Manager (Cross Product Technical Project Manager)
Playtech
Tartu
12.2015 - 10.2017
- Led the end-to-end execution of complex technical programs and projects, from initial planning to the successful launch of fully integrated solutions
- Oversaw performance testing to ensure optimal system stability and readiness for production deployment
- Applied Agile & Scrum methodologies, alongside ITIL best practices, to drive efficient project execution
- Managed hardware setup and infrastructure planning, ensuring seamless integration with software solutions
- Worked closely with Solution Architects, contributing to the design and implementation of robust, scalable architectures
- Acted as a technical advisor, stepping into Solution Architect responsibilities when required, with a strong focus on event-driven architecture
- Served as the single point of contact for all technical resources, streamlining communication and coordination throughout the project lifecycle
- Directed the implementation of new developments, managing the technical aspects of integrations and deployments
- Defined and optimized resource management strategies and technical processes to enhance efficiency
- Supervised infrastructural components, from initial analysis to full implementation and deployment
- Maintained comprehensive documentation to ensure knowledge retention and smooth handover of projects
Integration Manager
Playtech
Tartu
09.2012 - 12.2015
- Led the integration of Playtech's core products (Casino, Poker, Bonus Systems, Affiliate Systems, etc.) with third-party platforms using RESTful APIs, SOAP, and JSON protocols
- Managed end-to-end technical project delivery for integration initiatives, ensuring seamless interoperability between Playtech solutions and external systems
- Acted as the primary technical liaison, coordinating between internal development teams and external stakeholders to drive successful integrations
- Developed and maintained technical documentation and process guidelines, ensuring clarity and efficiency in integration workflows
IT Lead (CIO)
Estonian Aviation Academy
Tartu
12.2011 - 12.2012
- Strategic IT Leadership - Led IT strategy and execution to align technology with business objectives
- IT Budgeting and Cost Control - Managed IT budgets, optimized expenditures, and ensured cost-effective technology investments
- Development and Team Coordination - Oversaw IT development projects and coordinated cross-functional teams to drive efficiency and innovation
- Public Procurement for IT - Managed IT procurement processes, ensuring compliance with regulations and cost-effectiveness
- Infrastructure and Cybersecurity Management - Designed and maintained robust IT infrastructure while implementing cybersecurity best practices to protect business assets
- IT Governance - Established and enforced IT policies, compliance frameworks, and best practices to enhance operational integrity
- Innovation and Technology Roadmapping - Identified emerging technologies and developed roadmaps for IT advancements and digital transformation
- Simulator Development and Maintenance - Led the design, implementation, and ongoing maintenance of flying simulation systems to support business and training needs
IT Specialist
Estonian Aviation Academy
Tartu
02.2010 - 12.2011
- Server and IT Infrastructure Administration - Managed and maintained servers and the overall IT infrastructure to ensure reliability and optimal performance
- Workstation and Hardware Maintenance - Oversaw the maintenance and lifecycle management of computers and related hardware to support daily operations
- Critical Service and Network Management - Maintained and developed essential IT services and networks, ensuring high availability and security
Technical Support Specialist
Siemens Estonia
Tallinn
08.2007 - 12.2009
- Delivered high-quality customer support services to enterprise clients, including Nokia and UPM-Kymmene, ensuring timely resolution of technical and operational issues.
- Acted as the primary point of contact for troubleshooting and resolving issues related to Siemens' industrial and automation solutions, maintaining high customer satisfaction levels.
- Managed service requests, incidents, and communication through ITSM tools, ensuring accurate tracking and prompt follow-up in accordance with SLAs.
- Supported software and hardware inquiries, providing guidance on system usage, updates, and configuration best practices.
- Maintained detailed documentation of support cases, known issues, and standard procedures to contribute to internal knowledge bases.
Education
Business Information Technology -
Tallinn University of Technology
Tallinn01.2008
Information Technology -
Tallinn University of Technology
Tallinn01.2005
Mathematics and Physics class -
Carl Robert Jakobson's Gymnasium
01.2002
Skills
Leadership & Strategy
- Strategic direction setting and visionary thinking
- Developing strategic partnerships and third-party relationships
- IT contract and service level negotiation aligned with financial goals
- Recommending and implementing technology improvements
- Providing stabilizing leadership to enhance efficiency and performance
Agile & Project Management
- 12 years of experience in Agile methodologies: SAFe, Scrum, Kanban
- Managing IT changes to minimize downtime and risk
- Ensuring regulatory, legal, and audit compliance
- Driving innovation and continuous improvement across teams
Analytical & Technical Skills
- Advanced analytical thinking and data interrogation
- Conducting competitive research and market trend analysis
- Implementing technology solutions for operational efficiency
- Staying current with emerging technologies and industry trends
Personal Attributes
- Hardworking, adaptable, and versatile professional
- Committed to continuous learning and self-development
- Effective communicator and proactive problem-solver
Certification
- Effective Meetings
- Agile SAFe
- ITIL Foundation
- How to Manage Conflicts
- MOC#6294: Planning and Managing Windows 7 Desktop Deployments and Environments
- Samba Server Administration
- Linux Administration
- Agile Fundamentals
- Various LinkedIn Learning Certifications (e.g., communication, leadership, productivity)
Key Projects
- Topia – Standardized Reusable Integrations (2024–2025)
Defined and documented standard integration models at Topia to support reusability, scalability, and consistency across HRIS, tax, immigration, and mobility data interfaces. - Identt KYC Integration (2022–2023)
Led end-to-end testing for Know Your Customer (KYC) integration across all Fortuna Entertainment Group (FEG) brands, including Czech Republic, Slovakia, Poland, Romania, and Croatia. - Poker CZ Platform (2023)
Served as Test Lead for the Poker platform in the Czech Republic, ensuring regulatory compliance and high-quality gameplay functionality. - Single Sign-On (SSO) & KYC Implementation (2022–2023)
Led testing of Single Sign-On and KYC systems across all FEG brands, improving customer identity management and user experience. - Apple Pay Implementation (2022–2023)
Managed the implementation and full-cycle testing of Apple Pay across all FEG platforms, ensuring secure and seamless payment functionality. - In-Game Deposit Feature (2021)
Led testing and deployment of in-game deposit functionality, enhancing the user experience and enabling real-time transactional capabilities. - Payment Systems Integration – Playtech CMS (2021)
Directed testing for payment integrations in Romania, Poland, and Croatia as part of the Fusion program, involving the Playtech CMS and associated products. - Cleveron 402 – Self-Service Pickup Point (2018–2019)
Integrated client software with Zásilkovna’s self-service locker solution, enabling automated last-mile delivery for major retail partners. - Cleveron 401 – Robotic Pickup Tower (2018–2019)
Led client software integration for The Warehouse’s robotic pickup solution in New Zealand — the world’s first deployment of its kind. - Fortuna Fusion Program – Romania (2017–2018)
Served as Solution Architect for platform integration initiatives in Romania, delivering scalable and compliant cross-market technical solutions. - PokerStars – Technical Program Management (2017)
Managed cross-product technical programs, coordinating multiple development streams and aligning delivery with global product and engineering strategy.
Accomplishments
- Topia 2024 - Received peer recognition and positive feedback for proactively taking ownership and resolving critical technical integration issues within the first week of onboarding, demonstrating rapid adaptability and domain expertise.
- Cleveron 2018 - Recognized as an employee with an outstanding contribution for consistent performance, high-quality delivery, and strong collaboration across cross-functional teams.
Affiliations
- Restoring classic cars – hands-on experience with mechanical restoration, diagnostics, and preservation of vintage vehicles
- Hiking with family – regular outdoor activities that promote balance, well-being, and quality time in nature
Languages
Estonian
First Language
English
Proficient (C2)
C2
Finnish
Intermediate (B1)
B1
Russian
Elementary (A2)
A2
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
Technical Product Manager
Topia
09.2024 - Current
Career Break
Career Break
01.2024 - 09.2024
Test Lead / Technical Delivery Lead
Fortuna Entertainment Group
11.2019 - 12.2023
Software Development Team Lead and DevOps Team Lead
Cleveron
10.2018 - 05.2019
Solution Manager (Cross Product Technical Project Manager)
Playtech
12.2015 - 10.2017
Integration Manager
Playtech
09.2012 - 12.2015
IT Lead (CIO)
Estonian Aviation Academy
12.2011 - 12.2012
IT Specialist
Estonian Aviation Academy
02.2010 - 12.2011
Technical Support Specialist
Siemens Estonia
08.2007 - 12.2009
Business Information Technology -
Tallinn University of Technology
Information Technology -
Tallinn University of Technology
Mathematics and Physics class -
Carl Robert Jakobson's Gymnasium
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