Executive Director - Sector Lead Data Centres

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

• The role of Executive Director exists to be a senior specialist with extensive experience in marketing activities, origination of new business and relationship management in the Data Centre (“DC”) sector. The role includes providing strategic and business development support to senior management in delivering the team, unit and department’s budget and objectives.
• The role requires supervision/management of junior staff and also involves the management of multiple project teams of internal and external staff in changing and high pressure situations to tight deadlines.
• The role requires strong communication skills as there will be various interfaces both within the wider SMFG organisation locally (marketing & support departments), across EMEA and globally as well as externally including client facing dealing including marketing, at the most senior levels

Background

• The role sits within the Growth Infrastructure Finance Group reporting into the Head of Growth Infrastructure Finance (“GIF”).
• Generally the role would involve leading on marketing, transaction origination and relationship management of DC clients – including oversight of execution of transactions where necessary.
• The role would also provide support to the team head and senior department management on  strategic and management tasks and new business development of the DC business within ISD and across EMEA.
• There is a significant customer facing element to the role covering all types of customers including industry, private equity, banks and financial institutions, advisors and government. The role  is expected to have its own network of customers, advisors and other industry players.
• Internally, the role would interface with various other departments in EMEA, Branches across the regions and other global divisions to colleagues in Nikko CM and other SMFG entities.

Position Description

• The role requires extensive knowledge of the DC market, industry trends, key players and technical developments. Knowledge of financing techniques, notably Project Finance as well financing approaches such as corporate, trade, leasing and asset finance 
• The role has three to four formal direct reports and will be responsible for helping to train and support colleagues with internal processes and lead multiple project teams – both within GIF and across the department and externally.  The role will also involve an element of direct support, training of or mentoring for junior colleagues
• Although there is not a budget specific to the role, the role has responsibility in supporting the delivery the budget of the GIF Group which is in excess of $100m per year.
• Main interfaces/relationships are with:
  • ISD Team and department members up to GM level
  • Credit department, loans admin, CPD, legal, other marketing departments (SMBC LF, CBD1 &2, GTFD, SPD etc), OAD, DPG, DCM, LCM, TD etc in EMEA to GM and CEO EMEA from time to time
  • Other EMEA offices
  • Other regions and head office for specific transactions and marketing activities relating to DC 
  • DC Customers (financial and industrial equity), other banks and financial institutions, DFIs & ECAs lawyers, accountants, specialist engineers, insurance advisors, public sector up to national government level – at senior and CxO level
• Global coordination is essential, particularly with New York, Tokyo, Singapore & Sydney as the DC sector is global and the role holder will be expected to work with global customers and coordinate business internationally
• It would be expected that the role would actively lead relationship management for 6-12 DC names and supervise other members of the team in managing the relationship for other clients
• The role requires managing own time and that of other staff and resources in changing and challenging environment and management support tasks on strategy and business development
• The role will involve new business development in in the DC sector.

Accountabilities and Responsibilities

• Extensive knowledge and experience of project finance theory, practice, risk analysis, credit, contract negotiation,  execution and documentation

• Significant knowledge and experience of the current DCI sector including fibre, data centres, towers, satellite and 5G

• Excellent numerical and financial skills essential and financial modelling experience desirable
• Extensive knowledge of telecoms and infrastructure customers and clients for marketing purposes and the ability to work with and understand customer needs – the role would be expected to have its own network of customers and other industry players.
• Significant leadership experience for transactions and of managing junior staff as well as wider initiatives.
• Previous experience of working in project finance in a relevant institution (bank, advisor, industry etc)
• The ability to work on multiple tasks in parallel under pressure and to time constraints with significant changes
• The ability to work well with colleagues in multiple roles and at most levels of seniority across EMEA and other regions
• Education & Qualifications: Undergraduate level degree as a minimum and multiple language skills would be viewed favourably

• Extensive knowledge and experience of project finance theory, practice, risk analysis, credit, contract negotiation,  execution and documentation

• Significant knowledge and experience of the current DCI sector including fibre, data centres, towers, satellite and 5G

• Excellent numerical and financial skills essential and financial modelling experience desirable
• Extensive knowledge of telecoms and infrastructure customers and clients for marketing purposes and the ability to work with and understand customer needs – the role would be expected to have its own network of customers and other industry players.
• Significant leadership experience for transactions and of managing junior staff as well as wider initiatives.
• Previous experience of working in project finance in a relevant institution (bank, advisor, industry etc)
• The ability to work on multiple tasks in parallel under pressure and to time constraints with significant changes
• The ability to work well with colleagues in multiple roles and at most levels of seniority across EMEA and other regions
• Education & Qualifications: Undergraduate level degree as a minimum and multiple language skills would be viewed favourably

Knowledge, Skills, Experience and Qualifications

• Extensive knowledge and experience of the DC market, industry trends, key players and technical developments. Knowledge of financing techniques, notably project finance
• Proven track record of developing and maintaining relationships in the DC Sector
• Excellent numerical and financial skills essential
• Extensive knowledge of DC clients and sponsors for marketing purposes and the ability to work with and understand customer needs – the role would be expected to have its own network of customers and other industry players
• Significant leadership experience for marketing activities/transactions and of managing junior staff as well as wider initiatives
• Previous experience of working in DC sector in a relevant institution (bank, advisor, industry etc)
• The ability to work on multiple tasks in parallel under pressure and to time constraints with significant changes
• The ability to work well with colleagues in multiple roles and at most levels of seniority across EMEA and other regions
• Education & Qualifications: Undergraduate level degree (or equivalent experience) as a minimum. Language skills would be viewed favourably

• Extensive knowledge and experience of the DC market, industry trends, key players and technical developments. Knowledge of financing techniques, notably project finance
• Proven track record of developing and maintaining relationships in the DC Sector
• Excellent numerical and financial skills essential
• Extensive knowledge of DC clients and sponsors for marketing purposes and the ability to work with and understand customer needs – the role would be expected to have its own network of customers and other industry players
• Significant leadership experience for marketing activities/transactions and of managing junior staff as well as wider initiatives
• Previous experience of working in DC sector in a relevant institution (bank, advisor, industry etc)
• The ability to work on multiple tasks in parallel under pressure and to time constraints with significant changes
• The ability to work well with colleagues in multiple roles and at most levels of seniority across EMEA and other regions
• Education & Qualifications: Undergraduate level degree (or equivalent experience) as a minimum. Language skills would be viewed favourably

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!!