Information Governance Lead - Vice President

Here at SMBC Group, we want to help you find the next step in your career. 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. Read on to discover if this opportunity is the one for you. 

Hiring Department:       SMBC EMEA 
Corporate title:                 Vice President 
Location:                             London, UK  
Working Pattern:             Full Time   
Employment Type:         Permanent 

Section 2 – Purpose of Job

The Information Governance Lead plays a pivotal role within the EMEA Data Office and the broader SMBC Group, driving the delivery of Information Governance (IG) support and services. This senior position requires a seasoned professional with deep expertise in IG, capable of collaborating across departments and influencing stakeholders at all levels.

Working closely with the Director of Information Governance, this role contributes to the development and execution of the IG strategy, ensuring alignment with the bank’s business objectives and ongoing Business As Usual (BAU) initiatives. The Lead will engage with subject matter experts (SMEs) across the organisation and partner with teams in IT, Legal, Compliance, and Change Management to shape IG practices across EMEA.

Key responsibilities include providing expert guidance on data privacy, records management, and data classification, while also promoting awareness and understanding of IG controls and their strategic value. The role demands strong communication skills to educate and influence stakeholders, and a proactive mindset to challenge existing norms constructively.

The successful candidate will embody a spirit of openness and transparency, fostering innovation while ensuring robust governance. This is a unique opportunity to make a meaningful impact across the bank, not just within one team but organisation-wide.

Section 3 – Background

Established over two years ago, the EMEA Data Office is tasked with enhancing the bank’s data management capabilities across all EMEA entities. Initially focused on foundational governance—such as Data Architecture, Data Management, and Data Quality—the office is now evolving to unlock the full potential of data for improved business outcomes.

The Information Governance Lead must balance the need to protect the bank with enabling responsible data use. Controls should be designed to support innovation, not hinder it. This role is central to the bank’s data-led transformation journey, offering a chance to contribute to meaningful change.

Section 4 – Facts / Scale

Since its inception, the EMEA Data Office has grown to a team of approximately 100 professionals, including contractors and consultants. There are plans for further expansion in the coming year, reflecting the strategic importance of data across SMBC.

Section 5 – Accountabilities & Responsibilities

The Information Governance Lead will:

• Advise business units on IG-related queries and best practices.
• Review and guide the completion of Privacy Risk Assessments, recommending appropriate mitigation strategies.
• Lead the periodic review and update of IG documentation, including policies and privacy notices.
• Participate in and lead IG-related projects, particularly those involving data classification and records management.
• Conduct horizon scanning to identify emerging IG issues and perform gap analyses.
• Support incident response, advising on IG implications and regulatory reporting requirements.
• Develop and deliver training to raise awareness and understanding of IG principles.
• Implement records retention processes and manage unstructured data across SMBC.
• Maintain and support the Information Asset Register, including bi-annual updates.

Section 6 – Knowledge, Skills, Experience & Qualifications

Essential Requirements:

• Extensive knowledge of data privacy and records management regulations across EMEA.
• Proven experience in developing and implementing IG policies and standards.
• Strong understanding of records management, including retention schedules and compliance requirements.
• Ability to provide clear, pragmatic advice and conduct risk assessments in large, multinational organisations.
• Skilled in drafting and revising policies, procedures, training materials, and guidance documents.
• Strong relationship-building skills, with the ability to challenge existing practices constructively.
• Experience in identifying process improvements and delivering change initiatives.

Desirable Qualifications:

• Professional privacy certification (e.g., IAPP CIPP/E) or equivalent practical experience in privacy programme management.
• Professional records management certification or demonstrable experience in managing records programmes.

Section 7 – Challenges

The role involves navigating a landscape where understanding of data and digital capabilities is still developing. Success requires strong project management and communication skills to bridge knowledge gaps and promote the strategic value of IG across the organisation.

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