OPPD Planning Lead - Director

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 Director, Business Management and Planning for our Operations Planning Department to join our team.

• The purpose of this role is to drive the operating effectiveness of the Operations Planning Department (OPPD) through:
• This includes owning the structure, frequency and agenda of internal management meetings, revising the MI and reports produced by OPPD to support internal governance.
• Improving the management and optimisation of the OPPD cost base and headcount.
• Supporting initiatives to improve the operational governance of SMBC EMEA and enhance the material provided by OPPD to these forums.
• Co-ordinating activities to support the Co-Head of OPPD in executing their SMF 24 responsibilities and other regulatory obligations (including responding to requests from Regulators for specific information)
• Revising the OPPD communications strategy to engage staff (both within OPPD and across SMBC), improve clarity of purpose and give transparency of the value that OPPD brings to the organisation.

This will require strong experience of business management, planning and/or COO type roles in a financial services organisation.

Business Area

The remit of OPPD spans all SMBC EMEA (all entities and countries, all business units and supporting functions) and includes:

• OPPD Planning Group. Responsible for enhancing and improving the operating effectiveness of the Operations Planning Department
• Transformation and Change Management Group. Responsible for programme and project design and delivery, change methodology and toolset and providing Project Management and Business Analyst resources to staff programmes and projects. Additionally, is responsible for the execution of Transformation Programmes and controlling the transformation budget under Transformation strategy.
• Data Management Group. Responsible for the Data Strategy, design of the Data Architecture and supporting delivery of data solutions.
• Financial Crime Business Service Management Group. Responsible strengthening our first line financial crime capability, particularly as we strive to grow our Transaction Banking business.
• Operational Resilience. Responsible for strengthening the firm's operational resilience, management of third-party providers (both internal and external) and managing third party risk.
• CRES. Responsible for Corporate Real Estate Services, Health & Safety, Workplace adjustments, Workplace services, Technical and Environmental services, and Security and risk.

Control Office. Responsible for mitigating non-financial risks, including but not limited to operational risk and compliance risk within the First Line of Defence (“1LoD”) of SMBC EMEA

Position Description

Experience, skills and knowledge

• Strategic thinking. Evidence of the ability to understand and influence organisational strategy and the ability to design operating models to align with that strategy. Experience of doing this in Financial Services (ideally at a significant, multi-entity, wholesale/universal bank) is desired.
• Senior Stakeholder Management. Proven ability to build positive working relationships with senior stakeholders and capable of influencing to gain agreement and resolve conflicting priorities in ambiguous environments.
• Excellent communication skills. Able to communicate effectively at all levels of the organisation. Able to convey complex topics simply and to articulate issues in a way that eases decision making and drives action.
• Influence. Able to influence at all levels of the organisation. Able to mobilise and align resources across the organisation– especially in teams outside of the direct reporting line.
• Industry Knowledge. In-depth knowledge of best practice across the financial services industry (and beyond) and an ability to utilise that knowledge to enhance the capability at SMBC.
• Business Management. Experience of business management / COO remits covering organisational structure and governance, reporting & MI, cost and headcount management, communication, and engagement strategies.
• Operating Model. Experience of designing and implementing operating models and organisational structures. Experience of doing this in Financial Services (ideally at a significant, multi-entity, wholesale/universal bank) is desired.

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!!