19314 - GTBD - Transaction Banking - Payments - 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 for a Director for our Global Transaction Banking Department to join our team. 

Backgroung

1) GTBD is in charge of Transaction Banking Business (“TB”) in EMEA, which provides an integrated suite of cash management services to address the various needs of corporate and institutional clients. From the interactive online banking channel “E-Moneyger®”, our key product, to Host-to-Host and SWIFT connectivity, or regional and domestic Cash Pooling, we are helping the Bank's clients to maximise their efficiency and streamline financial operations.
2) We offer corporates and institutions: - convenient, efficient and secure real-time online banking, - ability to support domestic and international transfers and collections, - access to high value and low value clearing systems, - support from regional and in-country cash management specialists across EMEA providing local advisory and sharing best practices.
3) The job is focused on driving projects to enable the growth of transaction banking business, our customer reach and to increase deposit volumes and profit, and contribute to the growth of the TB business in both EMEA and SMBC group globally 

Business Area

• There are currently about 30 members in GTBD EMEA team including Planning, Sales and Product Development team. This is however set to grow significantly.
• SMBC is expanding its payments offering beyond traditional Japanese corporate clients to serve a broader EMEA client base. This role is critical to shaping the future of payments, leveraging digital transformation, ISO 20022 migration, and emerging technologies to deliver competitive solutions.

Purpose of Job

1) Lead the development and execution of SMBC’s EMEA Payments product strategy, driving innovation, client adoption, and revenue growth. Ensure operational resilience and regulatory compliance while positioning SMBC as a leading provider of payment solutions.
2) We are looking for an experienced leader to formulate and deliver our payments strategy within EMEA Transaction Banking. As EMEA Head of Payments, you will be accountable for defining and delivering a best-in-class payments set of solutions that meets the evolving needs of our clients and our ambition in Transaction Banking.
3) The ideal candidate will bring a deep knowledge of the payments ecosystem, including regulatory matters, competitive positioning, and upcoming market developments such as AI and blockchain. They will have a strong track record of leading payment teams, delivering measurable outcomes, and thinking creatively to solve complex payments challenges.
4) You will develop a product strategy and product vision that delivers value to customers and you will set the product agenda, collaborate closely with senior stakeholders across EMEA and manage our payments proposition end to end, ensuring it delivers for our clients, is commercially strong and operationally robust. You will be responsible for the risk and control side of the payments business, ensuring compliance and solid governance are embedded throughout the product lifecycle.
5) You will build the framework and track the product set's key success metrics such as cost, feature and functionality, risk profile, and reliability 

Accountabilities & Responsibilities

Accontabilities & Responsibilities
1) Develop product strategy for corporate and institutional clients and implement the strategy in collaboration with sales, coverage, group treasury, technology, operations, and other partners to foster business performance growth.
2) Drive innovation in digital payments, real-time processing, and data-driven solutions.
3) Manage revenue, control costs, and optimise pricing performance.
4) Provision of SME expertise on specific products and services to customers and colleagues, including features, functionalities, benefits, limitations, risks and compliance.
5) Identification of market trends, new features, regulatory requirements and potential risks, and analysis of data obtained from sales figures and, customer feedback, to support the product development process, and communicate key findings to relevant stakeholders to improve product offerings. 6) Assistance with the development and execution of marketing materials for the product, such as presentations, and online content.
7) Participation in training sessions and workshops to share product knowledge and expertise with colleagues and other stakeholders.
8) Promote the bank's profile externally through active industry engagement, thought leadership, media, and exhibiting.
9) Lead all aspects of control and risk environment, driving the risk, legal, compliance, and audit agenda.
10) Build and nurture a successful team.

Required Qualification, Capabilities and Skills

1) 10+ years of experience or equivalent expertise in payments product management or a relevant domain area.
2) Deep expertise in payments and transaction banking.
3) Strong understanding of regulatory landscape and digital transformation.
4) Proven leadership in product strategy and execution.
5) Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills.
6) Experience in managing and mentoring a team of high performing product managers.
7) Demonstrated prior experience working in a highly matrixed, complex organization.
8) Understanding of international payment rails including Swift, SEPA Instant and DD, Faster Payments, Open Banking etc 

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!!