19322 - Vertical Office - Corp Finance & Sustainability Solutions - VP

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  VP to join our Corporate Finance & Sustainability Solutions team. 

• Build the Ratings Advisory team – Supports the Director, ED and / or MD in the day-to-day business execution with ratings advisory and other corporate finance-related topics that require credit ratings-specific expertise
• Credit Ratings Advisory – Provide credit ratings assessments to corporate coverage and leveraged finance teams, including business, financial and structural analysis. Lead credit ratings advisory engagements with clients, such as first-time rating processes across EMEA
• Business Origination – Supports coverage and product bankers with the assessment of ad-hoc business requirements, including credit ratings implications for M&A, leveraged buyouts, refinancings, and liability management exercises, evaluation of rating outcomes under different capital structures and macroeconomic conditions
• Technical Analysis – Implements technical analysis with regards to capital structure, debt capacity analysis, risk management, as well as other corporate finance-related concepts as required by our customers
• Provides well-researched sector relevant insights to support the focus of analysis and client discussion

Business Area

• The CF&SS Group is a business origination function, providing corporate finance input and advisory services to non-financial customers across EMEA
• CF&SS Group works with relationship bankers globally for the benefit of the banks customer base within EMEA – during financial year 2024, the group delivered >230 client meetings across sectors and products
• The role innately requires interaction and cooperation across a wide spectrum of SMBC’s product teams
• Corporate Solutions Bankers specifically have a good understanding of all financing and risk management products, as well as other functions, such as M&A, leveraged and structured finance, as well as credit ratings
• Core team KPIs measure number of client meetings and revenues generated through the group’s involvement, with additional internal monitoring of product-specific meetings (e.g. ESG, Credit Ratings Advisory.
• Close interaction with certain external parties, such as rating agencies

Position Description

• Responsible to produce reliable technical analyses and defending them in internal forums and/or in front of clients
• Design and create content for customer-facing output materials in close collaboration and under guidance from the D / ED / MD
• Produces industry sector and peer analysis
• Works in close collaboration with their peers in product and relationship departments to obtain necessary inputs
• Handles multiple assignments at the same time
• Play a key role in the mentoring, training and development of more junior colleagues

• Provide strategic insights on rating agency methodologies, market trends, and capital structure optimisation
• Oversee preparation of rating presentations, Q&A materials, and coordinate rating agency interactions
• Deliver reliable technical analysis concerning many facets of broader corporate finance concepts, including credit ratings, debt capacity, mergers / disposals, IPO implications, etc
• Produce customer-facing output materials in close collaboration and under guidance from the D / ED / MD
• Propose ideas for analysis and client discussion
• Guide junior team members, review their work, and foster professional development
• MiFID Knowledge and Competence: In Scope
• Build and maintain senior-level relationships with corporate clients, financial sponsors, and rating agencies

• Extensive experience applying rating agency methodologies and managing first-time credit rating processes, with a solid understanding of rating agency committee dynamics
• The ideal candidate should preferably have several years of experience with a leading rating agency, with a strong focus on corporates and, ideally, financial-sponsor-backed issuers
• Deep knowledge of capital structure components, including senior and junior debt instruments, and the ability to assess their impact on credit profiles
• Strong numerical and financial skills with the ability to interpret financial information
• Experience in producing / navigating forward-looking corporate financial models, including handling of P&L, Balance Sheet and Cash flow inputs
• Ability to transform conceptual ideas into analytical models and customer-facing output materials
• Confidence in reaching across teams to seek relevant input and feedback
• Advanced written and spoken communication skills, and openness to work with different senior bankers in different regions and industrial sectors

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!!