EMEA Data Strategy & Culture Lead (Vice President)
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.
Business Area
The EMEA Data Office was established in 2022 within the Operations, Planning and Data Department and is responsible for building out the Bank’s data capabilities across all EMEA entities and all datasets.
The Data Office initially concentrated on building foundational governance through improved Data Architecture, Data Management and Data Quality but is ultimately committed to exploiting data more effectively and innovatively across SMBC, to drive new ways of working and improved business outcomes. Our Data Strategy defines a vision for a data-enabled organisation and sets out the strategic outcomes that data must support across the bank. We will continue to evolve the strategy while prioritising key foundational initiatives and business priorities for the next financial year.
We are driving data-led transformation through the bank, and it is a great opportunity to join us on this exciting journey.
Role Summary
Is the next step in your career at SMBC Group EMEA? We’re looking for a Data Strategy & Culture Lead for our EMEA Data Office.
The Data Strategy & Culture Lead (VP) is responsible for driving the adoption of a data-driven culture across EMEA. The role will define and deliver initiatives that embed the EMEA Data Strategy, data literacy, improve business engagement, and position data as a key enabler of commercial value, risk reduction, and innovation.
Essential:
- Proven experience leading data strategy, culture, literacy, or transformation initiatives
- Strong communication and storytelling skills, with ability to engage senior stakeholders
- Passion for driving behavioural and cultural change
Role:
- Define and lead the Data Culture strategy aligned to our Data Strategy priorities and the Mid-Term Management Plan
- Drive a clear roadmap of Data Strategy and culture initiatives spanning communication, literacy, and engagement
- Lead alignment with global initiatives (e.g. Global Talent Management, AI adoption) and own the EMEA delivery
Position Description
Operating at the intersection of strategy, communication, and capability building, the role will translate the Data Strategy into clear, business-relevant narratives and experiences.
The role will work closely with senior stakeholders across the EMEA Data Office, IT, HR Learning & Development, and business functions as well as colleagues globally across other regions to:
- Manage the ongoing iteration, refresh and updates of the data strategy
- Strengthen data literacy and AI adoption
- Enhance visibility of data services and value delivered
- Build a highly engaged and high-performing data community
This role directly supports execution of the EMEA Data Strategy and contributes to the bank’s Medium-Term Plan (MTP) through driving the realisation of the benefits of data into and across the business.
The role requires an ability to educate and convince stakeholders at all levels on the opportunities presented by data, as well as a clear understanding and articulation of the benefits it will bring.
The candidate must be willing to challenge the status quo in an empathic manner, while helping the wider Data Office team to have an ethos of openness and transparency that will help us nurture real business innovation.
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.
We are committed to transparent and equitable pay practices. Compensation is determined using objective criteria, including skills, experience, and role responsibilities, and applied consistently throughout our recruitment processes. We do not request candidates' pay history and are committed to preventing unjustified pay disparities.