AI Governance Manager

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

The AI Governance Manager will support the operation and continued development of SMBC EMEA’s AI Governance framework as the Bank scales its use of artificial intelligence across business lines. The role coordinates governance forums, manages AI use case reviews and approvals, maintains policies and standards, supports risk assessment and third-party oversight, and provides clear reporting on governance performance, risks and capacity. It is a hands-on role requiring close collaboration with business stakeholders, Legal, Risk, Compliance, Data Privacy, Technology, Information Security, Internal Audit and external providers.

The anticipated salary range for this role is £53,000 - £81,000 with the final offer determined based on the candidate’s skills, experience, role scope, location, and relevant market factors. In addition to base salary, the role may be eligible for a discretionary incentive award and a competitive benefits package, including core benefits such as pension provision.

Key Responsibilities

1. AI Governance Forums and Processes

• Coordinate the AI Governance Committee and AI Supervisory Group processes, including schedules, agendas, meeting materials, committee papers, decisions and action follow-up.
• Manage AI use case reviews and approvals, ensuring submissions are complete and routed to the appropriate reviewers.
• Draft and maintain committee Terms of Reference and related governance documentation.
• Track governance actions, decisions and outstanding reviews through to closure.
• Identify and escalate material governance issues, risks and capacity constraints to senior forums.

2. AI Policy, Standards and Governance Framework

• Support the ownership, review, approval and maintenance of the AI Policy, AI Standard and supporting governance framework.
• Develop and refine practical governance processes, guidance and control requirements.
• Coordinate governance attestations and evidence collection before approved use cases go live.
• Maintain oversight of AI governance controls and support remediation where gaps are identified.

3. AI Use Case Oversight and Risk Assessment

• Assess AI use cases and pilots across productivity, software development, customer, security and data platforms.
• Coordinate input from relevant control functions and document risks, mitigations, conditions and approval decisions.
• Prepare clear risk assessments and recommendations for governance forums.
• Track approved use cases through implementation and confirm that required controls are completed before production use.

4. Governance Operating Model, Reporting and Backlog Management

• Manage the governance review backlog and maintain accurate records of use case status, actions, decisions and dependencies.
• Identify dormant, stalled or overdue use cases and work with owners to resolve blockers or close records.
• Measure governance effectiveness, including review volumes, ageing, approval-to-go-live timelines and completion of controls.
• Prepare concise management information and escalate resource, capacity and process constraints.

5. AI Governance Training and Literacy

• Develop and coordinate mandatory AI governance training for committee members and other governance stakeholders.
• Support the enablement of AI risk reviewers through practical guidance, training materials and knowledge sessions.
• Coordinate training proposals and delivery with internal teams and external providers.

6. Third-Party and Vendor AI Governance

• Coordinate governance of AI used or supplied by third parties, working with Legal, Third-Party Risk Management, Compliance, Data Privacy and Information Security.
• Support vendor AI due diligence, disclosure requirements and assessment of applicable contractual clauses and addenda.
• Track third-party AI risks, actions and evidence through to closure.

7. Audit, Risk and Regulatory Support

• Support internal audit preparation and provide evidence of AI governance design and operation.
• Coordinate AI-related risk issue management, action tracking and updates in relevant risk systems.
• Support Data Protection Impact Assessments and other regulatory or compliance activities relating to AI.
• Monitor developments in AI regulation, standards and audit expectations and translate them into proportionate governance improvements.

Skills and Experience

Essential

• Experience operating governance, risk, compliance or technology assurance processes in a regulated environment.
• Strong organisational and coordination skills, with the ability to manage multiple reviews, actions and deadlines.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to prepare clear committee papers, risk assessments and management reporting.
• Practical understanding of governance, risk, controls, policy management and evidence requirements.
• Confidence working across business, technology and control functions and constructively challenging stakeholders where needed.
• Ability to work independently in an evolving environment and improve processes while maintaining delivery discipline.

Desirable

• Experience in AI, data, model or technology governance.
• Familiarity with AI regulatory frameworks, including the EU AI Act, data protection requirements and recognised AI risk management standards.
• Experience in financial services or another highly regulated environment.
• Experience supporting governance committees, audits, third-party risk assessments or policy and standards management.
• Understanding of AI-enabled products, generative AI, software development tools, information security or technology risk frameworks.

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!!