Corporate & Investment Banking Cross-Function Associate
London, LND, GB, EC2M 2AT
SMBC: A trusted partner for the long term
Here at SMBC Group, we want to help you find the next step in your career so read on to discover if this opportunity is the one for you. We like to recognise potential in our people, so we welcome your application even when your experience doesn’t perfectly align with the job description. Whilst we’ll always strive to be better, we’re proud of our inclusive culture, and encourage our applicants and colleagues to be their authentic, unique selves.
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 an Associate for our SMBC Leasing (UK) Limited to join our team.
This role within the Planning team of SMBC Leasing (UK) entails supporting the company's reporting and governance activities, preparing draft materials, maintaining effective communication and relationships with key departments and shareholders, and undertaking additional administrative tasks as assigned, in collaboration with all functions within the company.
The individual will report to the expat MD of Planning and assist the VP of Planning as needed.
Essentials of the role:
- Effective Communication with Good Relationships: Maintain day-to-day communication and good relationships with key departments and shareholders, think flexibly, address necessary considerations, and ensure tasks are completed efficiently.
- Proactive Collaboration: Adopt proactive and hands-on approaches to work seamlessly across all functions within the company, fostering teamwork and driving collective success.
- Accuracy, Neatness, and Punctuality: Demonstrate meticulous attention to detail, ensuring all activities are performed accurately, neatly, and punctually, striving for high-quality outcomes to the extent possible.
Candidate Requirements:
- Language Proficiency: Native Japanese speaker or professional efficiency in Japanese (both spoken and written).
- Technical Skills: Proficiency in Excel, PowerPoint, and Word, along with strong analytical skills.
- Team Dedication and Proactivity: Dedication to the team, a willingness to consistently put in the effort, and a proactive, enterprising mindset to benefit both the team and promote individual growth.
Business Area
The Planning team is crucial for supporting the company's management in making strategic decisions to achieve our goals, working closely with internal and external counterparties, meeting the requirements from the regional planning department and headquarters in Tokyo.
Position Description
About this role:
a). The Company Description and Fit into Overall Business Strategy:
SMBC Leasing (UK) Limited is a product group within SMBC Group in the EMEA region, primarily focused on asset ownership and finance solutions, including junior and mezzanine financing. Operating through multiple asset-owning and financing vehicles, we function as an autonomous entity within the group. The team provides asset finance solutions to clients of SMBC, working closely with various SMBC Group entities and departments within the EMEA region. We also leverage the strategic collaboration with our 30% shareholder, Sumitomo Mitsui Finance and Leasing, which has expertise in equity investment and the leasing business. As the business landscape evolves, our role is increasingly centred on strategic planning to adapt to changing demands. Our organisation is divided into marketing front and control/support teams, including Planning, Finance, Operations, Compliance, Middle Desk, Systems, and Credit. The front desk is further segmented into sector/asset specialists, ensuring comprehensive knowledge of our products and fostering collaborative opportunities with other SMBC Group entities.
b). Reasons for the Role and Impact on the Organisation:
This position within the Planning team is crucial for supporting the company's management in making strategic decisions to achieve our goals. The role also ensures that the company meets all requirements set by Planning and the Head Offices of the shareholders, and helps monitor team performance to ensure all sub-teams meet their targets. By ensuring accurate and timely reporting, the role contributes significantly to the overall efficiency and effectiveness of the company's operations. With 36 staff members, 6 UK-incorporated wholly-owned entities, 9 UK-incorporated joint venture companies, and 4 UK-incorporated limited liability partnerships, the role impacts the organisation by maintaining high standards of governance and strategic planning, ultimately driving the success and growth of the company.
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!!
We recognise our role as a bank to support social change and welcome all applications, including those from groups often under-represented in financial services. We value the uniqueness of professional and personal, backgrounds and perspectives as they play a vital role in continuing the sustainable growth of our organisation. We’ll ensure reasonable adjustments to our recruitment process are offered due to a disability or long-term condition whenever requested.