Equipment Leasing Assistant 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 curious, motivated people who want to build a career in aviation finance and credit risk — no need to arrive as an expert, just bring the ambition and drive to grow.

• Support the preparation and review of annual credit assessments and new‑business proposals, working closely with Front Office teams to develop well‑reasoned recommendations for senior credit approvers.
• Operate as part of the second line of defence, providing independent credit‑risk oversight across new transactions and ongoing portfolio management within designated aviation sectors, including commercial aircraft, engines, and helicopter leasing.
• Contribute to effective portfolio and client‑relationship management, assisting in the monitoring of exposures, risk trends, and performance across the global aviation credit portfolio.

 You’ll thrive in this role if you have:

• A degree or relevant professional qualifications (e.g. ACA, ACCA, ACT, CFA) or a strong interest in developing a career in the aviation or financial sectors.
• Experience in credit, risk, finance, or analytical roles (around 2+ years is ideal), gained in an international bank, financial institution, or aviation leasing environment.
• A developing understanding of financial products, such as corporate lending, leasing, derivatives, capital markets, or asset finance.

The anticipated salary range for this role is £66,000.00–£99,000.00, with the final offer determined based on the candidate’s skills, experience, role scope, location, and relevant market factors. In addition to base salary, the role may be eligible for a discretionary incentive award and a competitive benefits package, including core benefits such as pension provision.

Business Area

Assist in managing a globally diversified leasing portfolio of commercial aircraft, aircraft engines, and helicopter assets, providing credit oversight across an international customer base within a Japanese-owned financial institution.

• You’ll report to a Director and work as part of a specialist team of asset‑finance and credit‑risk professionals, collaborating with colleagues who bring deep expertise across the aviation industry.
• You’ll support the lead analyst on both existing portfolio accounts and new transactions, helping to build and maintain strong working relationships with Front Office credit teams and other key stakeholders.
• You’ll play an active role in managing credit exposures across the aviation portfolio, contributing to the full lifecycle of credit work — from reviewing applications and navigating the approval process to monitoring emerging risks and supporting responses to key risk events.
• As part of the wider team, you’ll help ensure all portfolio‑management responsibilities are completed on time, with risks identified, assessed, and escalated appropriately.
• The team structure includes a General Manager, Executive Director, Directors, Vice Presidents, and Assistant Vice Presidents, giving you exposure to senior leadership and a clear sense of progression within a global financial institution.
  
  

Position Description

Accountabilities & Responsibilities

• Support robust credit‑risk assessment across a diversified portfolio of leased aviation assets, including commercial aircraft, engines, and helicopters, spanning multiple sectors, regions, and asset types.
• Partner closely with Front Office deal teams to balance commercial delivery with disciplined credit standards. Provide clear articulation of risk perspectives and appetite in line with internal policies and procedures.
• Demonstrate flexibility and resilience, with the ability to work to tight deadlines and adapt to changing workflow demands, ensuring timely and responsive service to internal and external stakeholders.
• Collaborate across risk, compliance, and other control functions to ensure a comprehensive, enterprise‑wide approach to risk management.
• Contribute to strategic and ad‑hoc initiatives, supporting areas such as watch‑list management, impairment and provisioning analysis, and credit review reporting, in alignment with departmental and institutional objectives.
• Take ownership of deliverables and personal development, working independently and collaboratively to maintain high performance and continuous improvement.

Challenges You’ll Take On (and Grow From)

• Working to tight deadlines and staying clear‑headed under pressure, especially during busy credit cycles.
  You’ll develop the ability to prioritise, stay organised, and make sound judgements when it counts.
• Building expertise in the aviation industry, from market dynamics to asset types.
  We don't expect you to know it all on day one — just bring the willingness to learn and to support the team’s objectives as you develop.
• Distilling key risks from large volumes of information, including credit papers, market data, and due‑diligence reports.
  You’ll learn how to spot the signals that matter and sharpen your analytical instincts.
• Navigating constructive challenge with Front Office teams, as part of a structured first‑ and second‑line risk process.
  You’ll gain confidence in managing differing viewpoints while keeping decisions balanced and professional.
• Contributing to a team responsible for protecting the organisation’s balance sheet in a higher‑risk, high‑value global business.
  You’ll build a strong foundation in risk culture and financial stewardship — skills that accelerate long‑term career growth

Candidate Profile – What We’re Looking For

We’re looking for curious, motivated people who want to build a career in aviation finance and credit risk — no need to arrive as an expert, just bring the ambition and drive to grow.

Skills & Behaviours That Make You Successful

• Strong digital and IT literacy
  Comfortable using modern tools, data, and systems to work smarter.
• A proactive, “can‑do” approach
  You take ownership, look for solutions, and enjoy making progress.
• Good time‑management skills
  Able to balance multiple tasks and deliver reliably.
• Clear, confident communication
  Comfortable presenting ideas and working with stakeholders across the business.
• Collaborative mindset
  You enjoy working in a team, sharing knowledge, and contributing to a positive culture.

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!!