Markets & Securities Services - Operations 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

Is the next step in your career at SMBC Group EMEA? We’re looking for a Vice President to join our team In Securities Operations. 

Primary focus of the role are:

• To oversee daily settlement of securities trades across multiple asset classes, including equities, bonds, REPO transactions and Collateral Management (specifically REPO TRIPARTY).
• Manage and ensure that BAU and other daily team tasks are completed accurately and on time. Monitor progress and take corrective action if needed. Escalates issues and challenges, reports routinely and updates management promptly.
• Play a key role in contributing to the delivery of team objectives and ensure work is completed within the deadline/s, to the expected standard and in accordance with operational procedures.  Acts in the best interests of the team.
• Links Ops initiatives (e.g., T+1 readiness, triparty optimisation) to EMEA Securities strategy, sets forward‑looking objectives, and anticipates regulatory/market changes.
• Consults impacted teams and is a visible change champion across Securities, Operations and the wider group.

Business Area

OAD - Securities Operations

Position Description

Due to increased transaction volumes and enhanced product offering a requirement has emerged for a Department Manager to oversee team leads within the Securities Operations Department and report directly to the Securities Operations Department Head.

Responsibilities will include managing and enhancing our key controls to ensure the accuracy of work and to mitigate risk. This also includes, monitoring group email inboxes, query management and oversight of associated checklists across multiple entities along with managing processing and administration of Day to day requirements and associated tasks in accordance with desktop procedures.

Specific Responsibilities include:

Securities Settlement Operations

• Oversee all downstream processes within Securities trading lifecycle.
• Ensure all trades settle in line with market settlement cycles (e.g. T+1 / T+2) and market best practice.
• Monitor failed trades, unmatched instructions, and settlement breaks, ensuring timely investigation and resolution.
• Manage settlement instructions across central securities depositories (CSDs), custodians, and sub-custodians.

Reconciliations & Controls

• Oversee daily reconciliation of cash and securities positions between internal systems, custodians, and clearing agents.
• Maintain strong operational controls to reduce settlement errors and operational losses.

Risk & Regulatory Compliance

• Identify and manage settlement, counterparty, and operational risks associated with securities settlement and escalate accordingly..
• Ensure compliance with regulatory requirements (e.g. CSDR, settlement discipline regimes, market rules).
• Monitor and manage settlement fails, penalties, and associated reporting.
• Support internal audits, external audits, and regulatory inspections.

Team Leadership & Oversight

• Lead, supervise, and develop the securities settlements team.
• Allocate workloads to ensure settlement cut‑offs and processing deadlines are met.
• Provide training and guidance on market changes, new products, and system enhancements.

Process Improvement & Change

• Review and enhance settlement processes to improve efficiency, accuracy, and automation.
• Participate in system upgrades, platform migrations, and market-driven change initiatives.
• Maintain clear and up‑to‑date procedures, operating manuals, and control documentation.

Stakeholder Management

• Act as a key point of contact for trading desks, Treasury, risk, and finance.
• Liaise with custodians, clearing houses, brokers, and market infrastructures.
• Escalate material settlement issues and provide clear communication to stakeholders including Trade & Liquidity Operations and Cash Management
• Assisting Department Section Head on all relevant projects and attending relevant committees/meets both internal and external.

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!!