Leasing Director - Head of Non Asian Corporates and Third Party Sources

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.

Business Area

SMBC Leasing Finance (“LF”) is a product group of the bank where the team provide asset finance solutions to clients of the bank and front desk staff work both with various departments in the EMEA region as well as source deals directly themselves. Deals can take the form of all forms of leases/asset back loans or junior/mezz debt into project finance or real estate deals.

LF breaks its front desk down into sector/asset specialists and different staff are also closely linked to other departments for joint working opportunities.

Role Summary

This position presently has no direct reports but will gain one in the summer with new intern plus as this team continues to grow additional direct reports will be added.

The origination team is broken down into four sub teams and this position is responsible for one of those teams. As head of this sub team, you will be responsible for, collectively, making budget, as well as individual budget target for this team through broadening the types of deals LF looks at and increasing deal diversity within the team.

You will be expected to lead all smart meter infra related deals, a highly successful part of the LF business, acting as main point of contact and negotiations, whilst always seeking help where necessary. This particularly business segment is very busy and deals are regular, so this position is expected to manage and draw on team resources as needed to support winning and closing more deals. This sector is the highest remunerating area in 2025 and expected to be in 2026 & 2027.

Position Description

As senior front desk staff you will be responsible to:

• Run deal closing processes largely independent of team head involvement but whilst working within normal team governance setup.
• Lead marketing and origination process including client pitching, pricing, credit, documentation development, and on-going documentation drawdown process and involvement in cross departmental collaboration programmes
• Utilise experience gained of different financing structures including operating and finance leases, asset backed debt and lease receivables to build inventory
• Lead LF relations with key stake holders within bank and with third parties
• Develop strong knowledge of how EMEA division works and the risk parameters that are adhered to
• Build and lead relationships with key product areas, in particular project finance and sponsor coverage teams
• Apply lateral thinking and be able to develop derivations of structures to be able to meet client needs
• Supervise credit process for deals and help to train and supervise more junior staff in that role

LF is looking to increase revenues dramatically over the next three years and new products/market segments/asset classes are core to achieving this, all of which are key areas for this position to develop.

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!!