Head of Corporate Governance - Director (f/m/d)

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

• Managing day-to-day activities of the Corporate Secretariat (incl. corporate housekeeping).
• Managing processes relevant for the Executive Board and Supervisory Board (incl. Risk Committee, Audit Committee, Nomination Committee and Remuneration Committee) and advising Chairs of the Boards and Committees on procedural and governance matters to ensure compliance with applicable laws and regulations (e.g. KWG, AnzV, AktG, HGB, MaRisk, relevant EBA & ECB Guidelines).
• Manging meeting calendar and prospective matters of the Boards and Committees to ensure that they are appropriately dealt with within the annual business cycle. Proactively identifying priorities within the Board’s and Committee’s decision-making in view of statutory duties and regulatory obligations.
• Ensuring proper coordination and optimise meeting effectiveness of agendas of Boards’ and Committees’ in alignment with relevant Chairs as well as timely collation and circulation of agendas, reports, materials and minutes (incl. quality check of materials prepared by the Corporate Secretariat).
• Ensuring that minutes of the General Assembly, Boards and Committees properly record decisions taken and content adheres to statutory and regulatory requirements.
• Monitoring the implications of proposals/reports/materials submitted to the Boards and Committee to ensure the appropriate follow-up on relevant decisions (incl. action items and notifications to the regulators in accordance with KWG).
• Serving as ‘go to person’ for independent members of the Supervisory Board relevant to their mandates’ scope and acting as the liaison between the non-executive members of the Supervisory Board and executive function holders in the Bank and the in SMBC Group.
• Overseeing the internal policies and processes established to comply with initial and periodical fit&proper assessments of the members of the Executive and Supervisory Boards as well as Key Function Holders in the light of CRD VI/KWG requirements and ECB/NCAs expectations.
• Communicating highly complex and partially sensitive information to a wide range of internal and external stakeholders - incl. Executive and Supervisory Board members, Head of Legal, Head of Regulatory Affairs, Head of Planning, Senior Management (incl. Heads of EU Branches) as well as regulators (e.g. national and supranational competent authorities (BaFin, Bundesbank, ECB/JST) and auditors.

Skills & Qualifications

• Legal Education & Qualifications: preferably 1st and 2nd German Bar Exam; or in case of adequate previous professional experience, 1st German Bar Exam or corresponding EU law degree.
• At least 8-10 years’ experience in the financial sector gained in a law firm, in-house in a financial institution with focus on corporate law and governance in German and EU-wide context.
• In-depth knowledge of regulatory framework (e.g. KWG, AnzV, AktG, HGB, MaRisk, relevant EBA & ECB Guidelines).
• Excellent interpersonal skills and strong communication skills paired with understanding of cross-cultural aspects in a diverse and inclusive environment.
• Demonstrable track record of dealing effectively with corporate governance matters in financial institutions paired with engagement with senior-level stakeholders and regulators (NCAs, ECB/JST).
• Ability to explain complex regulatory and legal concepts to non-lawyers and work with different stakeholders on all corporate levels in international organisations with a commercial mindset.
• Experience in team management.
• Business fluent in English and German.

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!!