Financial Sponsor Coverage Strategy and Planning Team - AVP / Associate
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 investment banking products, innovative solutions and advisory services to our customers, and we are expanding our Sponsor Coverage teams globally to help co-ordinate coverage of Financial Sponsor clients across products and regions.
Role Summary
We are seeking a highly motivated professional to join our Financial Sponsor Coverage Team in EMEA to support our Strategy and Planning team in driving strategic initiatives, business planning, sales and performance management, and executive communications. The role requires strong analytical capabilities, financial acumen, and exceptional presentation skills to assist with senior management reporting, market analysis, financial planning, and business reviews.
The successful candidate will act as a trusted partner to business leadership, helping translate complex data into actionable insights and executive-level presentations while supporting day-to-day business management activities.
Business Area
Financial Sponsor Coverage is a coverage team responsible to manage and support major financial sponsor clients (e.g. Private Equity, Infrastructure, Private Credit, Sovereign Wealth Funds) by providing access to the bank's full range of lending, capital markets, advisory, derivatives and investment banking capabilities.
Financial Sponsor Coverage's main roles include:
- Client Relationship Management
- Business Origination, including delivery of bank-wide franchise capabilities and solutions
- Coordination with Product Specialists, Cross-Divisional and Global Partners
- Strategic coverage and tiering
Position Description
This role supports the Business Head across strategy, business management, financial planning, reporting, market analysis, stakeholder management, and governance. Responsibilities include:
Strategic Planning & Business Management
- Support execution of strategic priorities and business initiatives. Coordinate business planning, budgeting, forecasting, and performance tracking. Identify growth opportunities, operational improvements, and strategic initiatives.
Senior Management Reporting
- Produce executive presentations, board materials, and business review packs. Prepare monthly, quarterly, and ad hoc reports. Consolidate inputs from stakeholders and ensure clear, consistent messaging.
Financial Planning & Analysis
- Support budgeting, forecasting, and financial planning activities. Analyze revenue, costs, profitability, and business performance. Develop financial models, dashboards, and KPI reporting to support decision-making.
Market & Competitive Analysis
- Conduct market research, competitor benchmarking, and industry analysis. Monitor macroeconomic, regulatory, and market developments. Produce market intelligence reports and support business cases and investment proposals.
Stakeholder Management & Governance
- Partner with business, product, and infrastructure teams. Coordinate governance forums and business reviews.
- Track actions from leadership meetings and support stakeholder communications. Drive process improvements, reporting accuracy, and special projects.
Experience & Qualifications
- Degree in Finance, Economics, Business, Accounting, or a related field.
- MBA, CFA, CA, ACCA, or equivalent qualification advantageous.
- Strong experience in financial services, banking, asset management, capital markets, consulting, or business management/strategy roles.
Skills & Competencies
Technical
- Advanced Excel (financial modelling, forecasting, budgeting, data analysis; VBA/macros desirable). Advanced PowerPoint and strong Word skills.
- Experience with financial information platforms (e.g., Dealogic, Preqin, PitchBook) and management information systems. Knowledge of BI/data visualisation tools is beneficial.
Analytical
- Strong financial and quantitative analysis skills. Ability to interpret complex data and generate actionable insights. Experience in market, industry, and competitor analysis.
Communication & Personal Attributes
- Excellent written, verbal, and presentation skills. Ability to engage and influence senior stakeholders. Highly organised, detail-oriented, proactive, and able to manage multiple priorities. Collaborative team player with strong stakeholder management skills.
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:
- 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.