Data Office Governance & Operations Analyst - Assistant Vice President

Who we are

Background

Is the next step in your career at SMBC Group EMEA? We’re looking for Data Office Governance & Operations Analyst to join our Data Strategy team.  We’re seeking a highly organised individual with a proven ability to manage multiple priorities and drive process improvements. You’ll play a hands-on role in both day-to-day operations and strategic initiatives, working closely with colleagues across the Data Office and wider business. From reviewing budget forecasts, planning executive committee presentations to supporting risk reviews, the role provides unique exposure into both a Data Office and the wider organisation.

The Data Strategy Team, one of six functions in the EMEA Data Office, manages the operations of the EMEA Data Office, across the office’s budget, change demand, communications, governance and reporting, strategy, data literacy, headcount and recruitment, and risk and issue management. This role will be crucial in ensuring that the EMEA Data Office operations run efficiently and effectively, are tracked to schedule and support us in meeting our strategic objectives.

The candidate will need to find new ways to improve our ways of working across operations, whilst meeting our schedule of governance and reporting, as well as supporting in keeping our demand and delivery for data change up to date with our Jira boards.

If you are proactive, curios and want to make a real difference, not just in one team but across the entire bank, we would love to speak with you.

Business Area

The EMEA Data Office has grown quickly to over 65 members (permanent employees, contractors, and consultants) in under 3 years, with continued growth expected over the next 2-3 years. The Data Strategy Team currently comprises six members, with further expansion planned over the next 1–2 years.

Established in June 2022, the EMEA Data Office sits within EMEA Operations in the Operations Planning Department (OPPD), covering all EMEA entities and datasets.  The Data Office is responsible for defining and implementing the EMEA Data Strategy, building out its data management capabilities, and exploiting data more effectively and innovatively across SMBC. 

We are driving a data-led transformation through the bank, and we have established a new framework which encompasses cultural, behavioural, procedural, and system transformation to deliver the new strategy. While our initial focus was on good governance through improved Data Architecture, Data Management and Data Quality, we are shifting to using data to drive new ways of working and improved business outcomes.

As our operations expand, supported by Head Office investment, we are managing multiple budgets, growing our team, and servicing key data committees and executive reporting. With this growth comes increased complexity and risk, requiring strong operational oversight. This role is central to managing these evolving demands and shaping the future of the Data Office.

Accountabilities & Responsibilities

• Coordinate the Data Office activity schedule, ensuring timely, high-quality delivery across teams, including Governance Committees, headcount, structure chart, distribution lists and communication runway.
• Support Data Strategy Team leads in managing change demand, communications, budgeting, recruitment, executive reporting, data literacy, talent management and committee operations
• Drive continuous improvement in operational processes to enhance efficiency and impact working with and coordination of Data Office events and ways of working activities.
• Own and maintain data change demand and delivery Jira boards working closely with team leads and representatives across the Data Office to ensure information is accurate and up to date
• Record and distribute clear, timely minutes and actions from data committees in line with SLAs.
• Support risk management by updating statuses, tracking action plans, and liaising with the Senior Leadership Team (SLT).
• Draft clear, engaging communications to share key messages across the organisation.
• Partner with Data Office colleagues to manage and forecast budgets accurately.
• Provide administrative and meeting support to the Data Office SLT as needed.

Knowledge, Skills, Experience and Qualifications

• Experience of working in an operations environment, managing multiple activities to time and quality expectations
• Strong communicator, confident working with stakeholders at all levels.
• Proficient in Excel, Word and PowerPoint, confident in presenting data and information in line with the desired outcome and audience needs
• Experience of providing secretariat support for committees/boards, recording minutes and actions
• Self-motivated and organised with strong planning and time management skills
• Analytical thinker with a proactive, problem-solving mindset
• An understanding of risk management including risk grading and mitigation planning
• Experience of using Jira including dashboard creation and reporting (advantageous)
• Experience of working in Banking and Financial Services (preferred)

About SMBC and What we Offer

Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation (SMBC) is a core member of Sumitomo Mitsui Financial Group (SMFG), a Tokyo-based bank holding company that is ranked among the largest 25 banks globally by assets under management operating in over 40 countries worldwide. SMBC Group has offices in 20 cities across Europe, the Middle East and Africa (EMEA) including its regional headquarters in London.

SMBC's competitive advantages include:

• A strong client base with broad coverage of the Fortune 500
• Worldwide operations that enable us to provide clients with global solutions and that make SMBC the leading choice for US businesses expanding in Asia.
• A solid balance sheet and conservative approach

We prize energy, enthusiasm, excellence, and entrepreneurship and aim to attract the highest calibre of staff to join our existing talent and to contribute to the dynamic environment which we have established. With a focus on staff development and creating continual career opportunities, we are committed to our mission of providing a challenging and professionally rewarding work environment for our employees.

We operate a range of flexible benefits for our employees and are actively involved in Corporate Social Responsibility through a variety of workplace events and opportunities for staff to contribute to and be involved with the local community.

As an employer, SMBC is dedicated to equality and values diversity within our workforce.  SMBC group is a proud signatory of the HM Treasury Women in Finance Charter, and as equal opportunity employers, we welcome applicants from all backgrounds.   We strongly encourage an inclusive environment that allows all our employees to be their true selves and fully thrive in their roles. Our culture is one of integrity and respect, where we welcome all input and accept it without judgment.