Data Analytics & Management - Project Manager

Purpose of Job

The Project Manager role will be responsible for overseeing the successful delivery of strategic Data Governance, Data Quality and Data Management initiatives across the EMEA Data Office. The role will ensure projects are delivered in alignment with SMBC’s EMEA enterprise data strategy, regulatory obligations and internal control frameworks.

The successful candidate will manage the full project lifecycle, from project initiation and planning through execution and delivery, ensuring that scope, timelines, risks, dependencies and stakeholder expectations are effectively managed. The role requires close collaboration with Business, Technology and Data stakeholders across multiple domains to ensure delivery outcomes support the bank’s data-led transformation agenda.

As the EMEA Data Office continues to expand its data governance capabilities, the role will play a key part in coordinating delivery across regional and global stakeholders, supporting the rollout of data governance frameworks, data quality controls and enterprise data initiatives across the organisation.

The role requires strong project governance, stakeholder engagement and communication skills, together with the ability to operate effectively in a regulated banking environment and manage delivery across complex organisational structures.

Background

The Data Quality & Control Team sits within the Data Governance Team in the EMEA Data Office as part of the Operations, Planning and Data Department. It covers all EMEA entities (including Securities and Banking subsidiaries) and all datasets.  The Teams primary focus is on data that is most important to SMBC EMEA and ensuring that it meets defined quality standards for business contexts. We deliver this successfully within a framework of four components, spanning DQ Case Management, Assessment, Metrics & Reporting, and Remediation.

As part of this work, the Data Quality & Control Team has been tasked to innovate and establish a robust framework to measure, monitor and report on (critical) enterprise data to ensure that it is fit for purpose for EMEA with the aspiration to collaborate towards a wider, global model, working with the Americas and Tokyo Group Data Offices to achieve this.

The underlying message for the EMEA Data Office is that as we evolve, the Data Quality & Control Team will focus on supporting how we can use Data to drive new ways of working and improved business outcomes.
We have been formed to really support the drive of data-led transformation through the bank, and it is a great opportunity to join us at an exciting part of the journey where we are rolling this out to the EMEA region fully.

Facts / Scale

The EMEA Data Office has grown quickly to have over fifty members (permanent employees, contractors, and consultants) in less than 3 years, and is expected to grow further over the next 2-3 years.

Accountabilities & Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the delivery of strategic Data Governance, Data Quality and Data Management initiatives across the EMEA Data Office.
• Define project scope, objectives, success criteria and delivery plans in collaboration with Business, Technology and Data stakeholders.
• Develop and maintain detailed project plans, timelines, resource allocations and delivery milestones to ensure projects are delivered within agreed scope and timelines.
• Coordinate cross-functional teams across Business, Technology and Data functions to ensure effective project execution and alignment with organisational priorities.
• Monitor project progress and proactively manage risks, issues, dependencies and change requests, ensuring appropriate escalation where required.
• Establish and maintain effective project governance, including steering committee reporting, status updates, risk registers and stakeholder communications.
• Ensure project delivery aligns with internal data governance frameworks, regulatory expectations and enterprise data management standards.
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date project documentation and artefacts in accordance with internal project management and SDLC frameworks and best practices.
• Utilise project management and collaboration tools such as JIRA to manage project backlogs, sprint planning, task tracking and delivery reporting.
• Support collaboration with global Data Offices and regional stakeholders to ensure alignment with enterprise-wide data governance initiatives.
• Identify opportunities for continuous improvement in delivery processes and support the development of best practices for data programme execution within the EMEA Data Office.

Knowledge, Skills, Experience & Qualifications

Essential:

• Demonstrated experience managing projects within data, technology or regulatory change programmes.
• Strong understanding of project management methodologies including Agile, Waterfall and hybrid delivery approaches.
• Experience managing complex projects involving multiple stakeholders across Business, Technology and Data functions.
• Strong stakeholder management skills with the ability to engage effectively with senior stakeholders across the organisation.
• Proven ability to manage project risks, issues, dependencies and escalation processes within structured governance frameworks.
• Experience managing project delivery within regulated environments, ideally within financial services.
• Proficiency with project management and collaboration tools such as JIRA, MS Project or similar platforms.
• Strong analytical, organisational and problem-solving skills with the ability to manage competing priorities and deliver outcomes in complex environments.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills with experience producing executive-level reporting and project documentation.
• Ability to operate effectively in a cross-regional and global delivery environment.

Desirable: 

• Experience working within Data Governance, Data Quality, Data Management or Enterprise Data initiatives.
• Familiarity with enterprise data governance platforms such as Collibra or similar data cataloguing and governance tools.
• Understanding of regulatory frameworks relevant to data management and governance (e.g. BCBS239 or other regulatory expectations).
• Relevant project management certifications such as PRINCE2, PMP, Agile or equivalent.
• Experience supporting enterprise data transformation programmes within large financial institutions.
• Proficient in reading and writing Japanese

Challenges

• Data Management/ Governance including Data Quality Control and Monitoring is at early stages of maturity within the organisation therefore extensive project and communication skills are required

Who we are and What we Offer

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.

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