Data Platform Squad Lead

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.

About the role

SMBC are seeking a highly experienced and delivery-oriented squad lead (technical product owner) to join our team in corporate and investment banking (primary and secondary markets) IT. This role needs to be a leader with strong delivery experience of technical data platforms and projects. They need the ability to influence stakeholders inside and outside our Data and Analytics Platforms team. The ideal candidate will work with teams across the ITSD department, HR department locally, and teams across the SMBC group.

Responsibilities

• Responsible for effective and efficient running of Software Development Scrums consisting of Architects, BAs, Developers, Testers, Physical Data Modellers, Data Governance and other stakeholders.  The scrums will deliver change as required by business initiatives/projects prioritised by the change committee.
• Lead the design and delivery of scalable data platform capabilities (e.g., data pipelines, storage, and processing frameworks), ensuring alignment with strategic architecture and investment objectives.
• Lead squad delivery so it understands goals, scope, estimates and burndown charts of each iteration.
• Own and prioritise the squad backlog to deliver new data ingestion, transformation, and integration features, enabling the build-out of reusable enterprise data assets to meet business requirements.
• Own backlog for managed squads and agree prioritisation with senior stakeholders.
• Drive implementation of data platform enhancements, including automation, performance optimisation, and integration with downstream systems, to expand platform capability and support future use cases.
• Identification of and remove obstacles so that the team members can focus on their immediate tasks.
• Lead stakeholders comms via direct communications, tailored reports and JIRA dashboards.
• Escalate any serious challenges to scope, timelines and budget to senior management.
• Work within a Scrum of Scrums structure with other scrums across the Data & Analytics Platforms team and other business aligned IT delivery teams.
• Escalate any issues to Head of Data and Analytics Technology for EMEA.

Experience - Essential

• Broad experience of delivering technical data solutions in large enterprises in a similar role.
• Experience of Core Agile methodology experience (Scrum, Scrum of Scrums), including:
  • Running Scrum ceremonies: Sprint Planning, Daily Stand-ups, Sprint Reviews, and Retrospectives.
  • Ensures meetings are productive and time-boxed.
  • Educates the team and stakeholders on Scrum principles and Agile practices.
  • Helps the team improve continuously and adopt Agile mindsets.
  • Supports the team by removing obstacles and enabling progress.
• Experience with using Atlassian JIRA
• Understanding of Data Governance practises and subsequent requirements on IT delivery.
• Ability to handle communications at all levels from across the whole business
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills
• Ability to work collaboratively in a team environment, share ideas, and contribute to group discussions.
• Attention to detail and a commitment to producing high-quality work with a focus on accuracy and precision.
• Proven ability to work independently on large scale projects while contributing effectively in a collaborative team environment.

Experience - Desirable

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, or a related field.  Or equivalent.
• Exposure to concepts like Data Lakehouse and Medallion Architecture, especially with Databricks as the underlying technology.
• Capital markets, asset management, or corporate banking financial institutions.
• Familiarity with data governance and compliance regulations (e.g., GDPR, HIPAA, DORA).
• Knowledge of HR data and the sensitivities of how it should be managed and used across the enterprise.
• Knowledge Corporate Investment Bank data and operations.
• Knowledge of ESG data.

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!!