Data Analytics & Management Vice President

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 Products Test Lead for our Data Strategy and Advice to join our team. 

The Products Test Lead will set the standard for the testing of Products owned by the EMEA Data Office. Aligning with the IT QA team to set best practice and supporting the business to set drive test execution across key business initiatives impacting our products.

Some key deliverables:

• Establish a relationship with impacted stakeholders at all levels of the organisation to understand, elicit and clarify testing needs and objectives impacting Products and drive UAT execution where needed
• Review and Approval of technical QA testing on behalf of the Product Owner
• Ownership of the Products Test Strategy enabling the framework that drives the testing of Products including EMEA Data Platform, MRDM etc. This includes owning programme or project specific test strategies
• Analysis and impact assessments on UAT test cases to prioritise and drive remediation with IT delivery Teams   

Essential experience we are looking for:

• Demonstrable experience as a Tester, Test Manager or Technical Business Analyst, or a similar role with an understanding of Project Management principles and the SDLC.
• Experience using testing tools e.g. X-Ray, Quality Centre, Azure Dev Ops
• Effective communication skills, coordination of project test phases and comfortable presenting to business users and explaining test objectives and execution plans.
• Ability to plan and manage own work to meet challenging deadlines with minimal supervision.
• Outstanding problem solver with an analytical mindset, inquisitive nature, and excellent technology skills, enabling a creative approach to test management.

Desirable experience:

• Experience of working in Banking and Financial Services desirable
• Knowledge and experience of test automation desirable

Business Area

The EMEA Data Office was established in October 2021. It sits within EMEA Operations in the Operations Planning Department (OPPD), covering all EMEA entities (including Securities and Banking subsidiaries) and all datasets.  The Data Office is responsible for defining and implementing the EMEA Data Strategy, building out its data management capabilities, and focusing on how we exploit data more effectively and innovatively across SMBC. 

We have been formed to really drive data-led transformation through the bank. As part of this work, the EMEA Data Office has established a new framework which encompasses cultural, behavioural, procedural, and system transformation to deliver the new strategy. This initially focused on good governance through improved Data Architecture, Data Management and Data Quality, but as the foundations are established, we are focusing more on how we can use Data to drive new ways of working and improved business outcomes.

We have several significant transformation projects in-flight which involved requirements for uplift in Data Management and Analytics capability across the organisation, and we are just embarking on a multi-year programme to ensure compliance with BCBS239 standards. The EMEA Data PLatform is one of the key enablers that will act as the golden source of data and deliver foundational capability to support these strategic initiatives.

Position Description

The Products Testing Lead is a new role within the Data Strategy Team, one of six functions in the EMEA Data Office. We have delivered the EMEA Data Platform and a Master and Reference Data Manager for SMBC EMEA. This role will be crucial in ensuring that Products meet business requirements and capabilities delivered by the Products  meet the needs Business Functions and the wider Analytics Community across EMEA.

We are looking for someone with deep knowledge of the end-to-end delivery lifecycle for Data Platforms with hands-on experience with a range of Data Management and Analytics applications (including but not limited to Databricks, Power BI, Collibra, Microsoft Fabric, Tableau, Alteryx), and an understanding of delivery patterns using these applications. Experience in projects that have rolled out Data Management technologies particularly Platforms delivered through Cloud / SaaS / PaaS infrastructure.  Experience of using these types of applications is also essential. You will likely have successful previous experience as a Business Test Manager or Technical Business Analyst.

This role requires the successful candidate to work with stakeholders across multiple departments (and delivery backlogs) and at all levels to ensure our Data Platform and other products are fit for purpose and that the relevant capabilities and data sets are deliver per the Business Requirement or organisation strategy. A key focus for this role will be the documentation of testing strategies, test cases and the execution and coordination of testing to support the delivery of changes and projects delivering Data Platform or Data Warehouse capabilities.

The candidate must be willing to challenge the status quo in an empathetic manner while helping the wider Data Office team foster an ethos of openness and transparency that will nurture real business innovation. If you want to make a real difference, not just in one team but across the entire bank, we would love to speak with you.

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!!