Head of Global Data Delivery (EMEA)

13 Nov 2025

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.

Role Summary

The Head of Global Data Delivery (EMEA) is a critical role in SMBC Data Management both for EMEA and globally. This highly experienced individual will leverage their knowledge and expertise to lead the delivery of strategic programmes that are crucial to the future growth of the bank.

The role will interface with the most senior levels of the organisation (GM and MD) across all SMBC regions, and they will manage complex third-party relationships and internal teams that cover data governance, data architecture, core data platforms/ infrastructure, and reporting/analytics products. They will be responsible for building and executing a roadmap of strategic change that is consistent with SMBC’s ambitions to become data-enabled.

Initially, this role will lead the organisation’s global response to BCBS239, but will also provide similar leadership of other important global initiatives in the future

Business Area

The EMEA Data Office was established in 2022 and is responsible for building out the Bank’s data management capabilities across all EMEA entities (including Securities and Banking subsidiaries) and all datasets. A Global Chief Data & Analytics Officer was appointed in 2024, and has driven a significant improvement in global collaboration, with several key initiatives now being addressed on a global basis.

In response to anticipated business growth in the EU, and growing scrutiny from regulators globally, a global initiative was created in 2024 to coordinate a detailed BCBS239 self-assessment and deliver high level remediation plans, globally and regionally. We are now mobilising a change programme, which spans a range of global initiatives, alongside regional remediation projects in EMEA, Japan, Americas, APAC and East Asia. This work will be led by the Data Management ‘Global Coordination Team’, a cross-regional team responsible for BCBS239 and other global initiatives such as Collibra Implementation and Data Architecture.

This strategic initiative requires dedicated resourcing to be able to deliver at the pace required, acting as a powerful enabler for delivery of the wider SMBC Data Strategy and continued evolution of the broader SMBC Data Operating Model. 

Position Description

  • Leadership and management of the BCBS239 programme, realising tangible business outcomes and driving an improvement in overall compliance ratings when measured by both self-assessment and independent certification
  • Provide global thought leadership on BCBS239, interfacing with and managing relationships with the most senior leadership globally, including Global Chief Risk Officer, Global Chief Data and Analytics Officer, and General Managers in each region (CROs, CDAOs, CFOs) and ensuring that global frameworks are compliant with BCBS239 and aligned with strategic objectives and regional requirements
  • Design, delivery and deployment of BCBS239 compliance in EMEA, ensuring alignment with business strategy
  • Partnering with Regional CDAOs, Heads of Data Governance and Risk Management to drive the delivery and adoption of regional BCBS239 plans in each region, ensuring highly effective working relationships with teams across EMEA, Japan, Americas, APAC and East Asia
  • Acting as the primary interface for liaison between Tokyo and EMEA data programmes, reporting directly to the the Joint General Manager of Data Management
  • Establishment of global and EMEA regional programme governance structures and reporting to committees (Data and Risk), to ensure effective governance, risk and control of programme delivery
  • Direct engagement with board and regulators/supervisory authorities
  • Ownership of the delivery model, exploiting agile ways of working and product-based delivery approaches, working closely with IT and Change Management Group to ensure alignment with overarching transformation approaches and investment governance
  • Direct responsibility for budgets and business planning
  • Direct management of mutli-disciplinary teams including Project Managers, Business Analysts, Data Analysts and PMO staff
  • Management of complex vendor/implementation partner relationships
  • Matrix management of delivery teams covering all SMBC regions and including future offshore delivery teams

Knowledge and Experience

  • Proven track record in the delivery of data transformation programmes, managing a complex landscape of interdependent projects/initiatives
  • Proven significant experience in data management across a range of data disciplines (e.g. data governance, analytics, data science, data engineering, data architecture, business intelligence) and a strong understanding of data governance, data quality and data lineage
  • Excellent leadership skills, with the ability to drive strategic initiatives and manage cross-functional teams
  • Experience of managing strategic global or multi-jurisdictional initiatives/programmes, with the ability to bring together teams from diverse cultural backgrounds and approaches
  • Evidence of addressing cultural change activities with regards to encouraging and support the development of data uses and experience across an organisation and promoting the importance of good data management
  • Ability to operate a the most senior levels of the organisation, influencing stakeholders to ensure the successful adoption of BCBS239
  • Highly Effective written and verbal communication skills, with skills in writing board and committee submissions and the ability to present at board and CxO level and conveying technical complexities in simple terms
  • A good understanding of, and experience applying, project management principles
  • Experience working in Financial Services
  • Knowledge of data related regulatory requirements including BCBS239
  • A creative approach to problem-solving and solution scoping
  • Knowledge of emerging trends and issues within the Data Governance and Analytics landscapes
  • Experience working with cloud environments & architectures
  • Experience of implementing agile delivery models at scale and in the context of data product delivery

Competencies

Customer Focus
Driving Change
Driving Results
Embraces Diversity
Enterprise Leadership
Judgement and Decision Making
Risk Management
Strategic and Visionary
Trust and Integrity

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.  

 

About SMBC

A trusted partner for the long term
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, we deliver a full suite of corporate finance products and solutions to our customers, including corporate, structured and trade finance, leveraged finance, loan market and treasury products. We can also provide investment banking and advisory services and a range of innovative solutions in global capital markets.
Find out more about what we do and who we are at www.smbcgroup.com/emea