Leveraged Finance Assistant Vice President

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

We’re hiring an Assistant Vice President for the Execution Support Team within the Specialised Product Department (SPD) to support all aspects of deal execution, ensuring operational excellence and driving process improvements.

You will act as the first point of contact for operational queries and policy guidance, tracking SPD pipeline deals, managing timelines, and coordinating stakeholders across Legal, Compliance, KYC, and Loan Operations.

This role will affored yout the opportunity to build strong relationships with SPD teams across Europe as well as other internal partners and will therefore suit someone withknowledge of banking processes coupled with a continuous improvement mindset and strong stakeholder management skills. 

Business Area

The Specialisd Product Depatment (SPD) consists of five groups in addition to the Execution Support team: 

• • OG1 is LBO origination and relationship management for PE sponsors 
  • OG2 is LBO portfolio monitoring and business promotion through existing borrowers 
  • REF is in charge of Real Estate Finance business
  • SSF is in charge of Subscription Secured Finance business 
  • NAV is in charge of the NAV finance business

Position Description

The Execution Support team plays a critical role in driving operational excellence and business transformation within SPD. This position focuses on streamlining processes, improving efficiency, and ensuring consistent standards across SPD offices. The role provides hands-on support for deal execution, manages timelines, and acts as a key liaison between SPD and internal stakeholders to maintain a best-in-class operating environment.

Key Responsibilities

Operational Excellence

• Serve as a center of excellence for SPD processes and systems, ensuring consistency and compliance across regions.
• Continuously review, design, and implement improvements to processes, procedures, and systems to enhance operational efficiency.
• Maintain and update SPD process manuals and system guides following policy or procedural changes.
• Identify process gaps post-deal completion and drive corrective actions through stakeholder engagement.

Transaction Execution

• Provide hands-on support to front-office teams during deal execution, resolving operational issues and ensuring adherence to internal policies.
• Manage the SPD deal pipeline, monitor timelines, and communicate key updates to stakeholders to ensure timely execution.
• Assist deal teams with specific workstreams to alleviate bandwidth constraints and meet demanding deadlines.
• Track and update estimated signing and closing dates in relevant systems, ensuring data accuracy for internal planning.

Stakeholder Management & Projects

• Act as the first point of contact for operational queries, process guidance, and policy interpretation.
• Build and maintain strong relationships across SPD and other departments to influence positive outcomes.
• Coordinate and support special projects, including regulatory initiatives, new internal processes, and co-investment structures.
• Keep SPD informed of wider SMBC procedural changes and assess their impact on SPD operations.

Role Impact and Scope 

• Acts as a key point of contact for SPD front office teams on operational issues and process guidance.
• High level of interaction with internal stakeholders across multiple offices, grades and departments.
• Frequent engagement with SMBCBI/EU management and Head Office.
• Proactively identifies and drives process and commercial improvements across SPD’s businesses.
• Supports business transformation initiatives and special projects.

Challenges

• Rapidly develop a strong understanding of SMBC operations and complex deal processes.
• Balance competing priorities and tight deadlines across multiple stakeholders.
• Maintain accuracy and attention to detail in a fast-paced, multi-stakeholder environment.
• Demonstrate a continuous improvement mindset and ability to challenge existing methods constructively.

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!