Middle East Advisory - Director

Who we are

United by a sense of purpose towards our customers – to be a trusted partner for the long-term – and our universal banking platform in EMEA, SMBC Group has an international growth agenda and award-winning products, meaning we provide exciting opportunities to work on a diverse range of projects and initiatives. We deliver a full suite of corporate finance products and solutions to our customers as well as investment banking and advisory services, and a range of innovative solutions in global capital markets. Read on to find out how you could enhance your skills and gain valuable experience, by joining us to support our clients transition to a sustainable future.

Role Summary

Is the next step in your career at SMBC Group EMEA? We’re looking to recruit a Director in our Middle East Advisor team in Dubai, U.A.E.. 

Background

• The role sits within the Middle East Industry & Advisory Unit, reporting to the Head of Middle East Industry & Advisory unit.
• The role also provides support to the Head of Middle East Industry & Advisory unit on strategic and management tasks and new business development.
• There is a significant customer facing element to the role, covering all types of customers including large corporates, private equity and infra funds, sovereign wealth funds, and government-related entities.
• Internally, the role interfaces with various other departments and branches locally and globally, including colleagues in Nikko CM and other SMFG entities, including SMBC BI and SMBC EU. Our mandates typically cover a wide spectrum of products (e.g., Project Finance, Corporate Finance, LCM, DCM, Export Finance, Green and Sustainable Finance) and will often include collaboration with other regions and teams. 

Role Summary

• Lead the execution of advisory mandates as well as marketing activities, origination of new business, and providing strategic and business development support to the Head of Middle East Industry & Advisory Unit.
• The role involves the day-to-day management and execution of complex advisory assignments with high profile government and private sector clients.
• In particular, the role will focus on leading the execution and origination efforts towards Debt and Capital Structuring advisory mandates which would typically include commercial advisory, debt raising, monetization, rating advisory, capital structuring mandates.
• The role will have 1 to 2 direct reporting lines at VP and/or AVP levels.

Requirements

• Extensive knowledge of and experience in project and structured finance and capital structuring (mandatory), advisory (mandatory), and/or M&A activities (not mandatory).
• Very strong numerical and financial skills essential and extensive financial modelling experience required.
• Very strong communication skills since there will be various interfaces both with clients (marketing activities/ involvement in pitches alongside more senior colleagues and execution of mandates) as well as within the organisation (lending teams, capital market teams, other teams across the SMBC organisation as well as internal business coordination/audit/control).
• Significant knowledge of customers and clients and ability to work with and understand client needs.
• Experience of working in a large financial institution or other relevant role in industry, advisor or finance.
• A significant element of leadership experience for transactions and of managing junior staff.
• Previous experience of working in finance in a relevant institution (bank, advisor, industry etc).
• The ability to work on multiple tasks in parallel under pressure and to time constraints with significant challenges.
• The ability to work well with colleagues in multiple roles and at most levels of seniority across EMEA and other regions.
• Ability to work on multiple tasks in parallel under pressure and to time constraints with significant changes.
• Methodical and meticulous with strong attention to detail.
• Language skills (in addition to English) would be viewed favourably in particular Arabic.
• Education & Qualifications: undergraduate level degree as a minimum

Business Area

• The role requires extensive knowledge of project and structured finance as well as capital structuring advisory & lending theory, practice, documentation and execution and will include knowledge of other financing approaches such as trade, leasing, export finance, DCM, and asset finance.
• The role is highly visible to the top clients of the bank and the role holder must demonstrate high levels of technical knowledge and structured finance acumen, whilst being meticulous with very detailed information.
• The role holder will be delivering reports and regularly communicating with customers up to C-level.
• The role holder will be responsible for helping to train and support colleagues in respect of internal processes and lead multiple deal teams across different projects and sectors.
• The role has the responsibility of supporting the Head of Middle East Industry & Advisory unit in delivering the budget for the Middle East Industry & Advisory unit.
• The main interfaces will be with Dubai local and London regional management. Other interfaces will include SFD, ISD, SDAD, SFDA, as well as, for example, with LCM, DCM, Nikko, KYC, Legal, Compliance, other marketing departments (META, CBD1, CBD2, GTFD, etc), other branches throughout EMEA and possibly other regions and head office.
• This is very much a client-facing role and the individual will have daily interfaces with customers, other banks and financial institutions, DFIs & ECAs lawyers, accountants, specialist engineers, insurance advisors, and public sector up to national government level.
• It would be expected that work for such role would include working on c. 4-6 advisory assignments per year.
• The role would involve the ability to travel, with absences up to five consecutive days, for client meetings or to other SMBC offices in EMEA.
• The role requires managing own time as well as more junior staff management (such as AVP and VP). 

Position Description

• Corporate Title: Director
• Department: International and Structured Finance Department / Middle East Industry & Advisory Unit
• Line Manager: Head of Middle East Industry & Advisory Unit
• Direct Reports: 1 to 2 direct reporting lines at VP and/or AVP levels
• Location: Dubai (UAE)

Position Description

• The role involves a very high degree of responsibility and accountability.
• Leading deal teams in marketing efforts, origination and execution of advisory transactions.
• Supervise the execution of advisory mandates and help to train and supervise more junior staff in the execution of advisory transactions and the preparation of marketing pitches.
• Liaise with all relevant departments within EMEA required for marketing and execution including CPD, Legal, other marketing departments (META, CBD 1&2, GTFD, TPD, SPD etc.), OAD, Nikko CM (DCM and swaps), LCM, TD, other branches including Brussels, other regions and SMFG businesses globally.
• As appropriate, input and provide guidance on financial modelling and analysis as deal team leader.
• Understanding the Bank’s internal procedures and processes, and relevant regulations and compliance matters and applying them correctly and in compliance with all rules and regulations and monitoring and supporting junior staff in doing so.
• To carry out marketing activities for the Middle East Industry & Advisory Unit.
• Dealing with customers for origination of regulated products, including phone and face-to-face meetings. 
• Preparing externally facing marketing materials in line with the guidelines and seeking compliance approval.
• Increase exposure to team management responsibilities for more junior staff and by contributing to senior management initiatives.

Competencies

What we offer

For all the expertise and experience you bring to help us make a difference, it’s only sustainable if we support you to build your career and be your best self so we offer competitive company benefits, centred around promoting positive well-bring and work-life balance. We also believe in fostering a diverse and inclusive work environment, where all team members perspectives and contributions are valued. Initiatives in place which promote a diverse and inclusive culture and healthy work life balance include hybrid working, Sport & Social Clubs and Diversity and Inclusion networks.

As an employee of SMBC you have access to a host of both useful and exciting benefit offerings. See below some of the benefits on offer to you:

• Hybrid and flexible working 
• Competitive paid leave days
• Benefits to support your physical wellbeing, including private medical insurance and life and invalidity insurance 
• Various policies to support your mental wellbeing, including a robust behavioural health network with counselling and coaching services  
• Access a wide range of learning and development opportunities and career progression opportunities 
• Ambitious remuneration package

So, if you like a challenge and want to continuously grow and develop in a role where you will be supported along the way by a dynamic and diverse team, apply today!!