Operations Cross-Function Executive 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.

Position Description

As part of Operational Resilience requirements SMBC EMEA is putting in place Business Service Owners. SMBC Business Service Owners are responsible for the coordination and orchestration of high-performing, resilient and efficient end-to-end EMEA business services. Working closely with all key stakeholders associated with the provision of business service, and in alignment with Business Service Management Standards, the Service Owner will define and oversee the execution of the service strategy to maximise value to service recipients.

As we strive to create a Universal Bank, this experienced individual will leverage their knowledge and expertise to drive the Strategic business change needed to ensure that our Operating Models are fit for purpose and ensure that the internal and external customer experience is enhanced, thus supporting our Front Office Growth agenda.

Beyond Payments, the role will be responsible for ensuring Operations effectively supports the banks Transaction Banking growth ambitions over the coming years.

Role Summary

The Payments Service Owner and Transaction Banking Operations lead is a critical, senior role in SMBC EMEA that will be responsible for the effective running of our Payments Processes end to end across departments along with the bank’s Transaction Banking strategy from an Operations perspective.

This will involve:

• Providing steering, oversight and governance to Payments Services across EMEA, ensuring payment systems, their process design and operational resilience comply with regulatory expectation.
• Leadership of a team c. 52 FTE and likely to grow in the future across EMEA
• Being the Business Process Owner (BPO) for Payment Services, providing oversight of operational incidents and managing the operational relationships with Nostro Agents and Clearing Settlement Mechanisms (CSM’s).
• Provides Subject Matter Expertise (SME) to interpret the risk appetite and identify existing risks to the Bank in the Payment Services space.
• Drive strategic transformation initiatives such as the transformation of our Payments and Transaction Banking technology, processes and Operating Models providing management with information and insights in to risks, benefits and ROI.
• Partnering with front office / product teams across EMEA, other regions and globally to support the Transaction Banking growth ambitions

Required Knowledge & Experience

• Engaging with senior stakeholders across branches, regions and Head Office, including board level
• Ability to educate and convince stakeholders at all levels on the essential nature of best practice and alignment to industry and peer standards, as well as a clear understanding and articulation of how the transformation can be implemented within SMBC EMEA
• Operational management - experience of either managing and / or transforming payment services at an operational level or have experience of managing the risks related to the provision of payment services.
• Industry Knowledge.
  • In-depth knowledge of best practice in Payments across the financial services industry and an ability to utilise that knowledge to enhance the capability at SMBC.
  • Knowledge and expertise of the operation of CSM’s where the Bank is an indirect or direct participant
  • Experience of analysing regulatory text in the payment service space in the financial sector and applying the appropriate interpretation of said text.
  • Expertise in service management and experience of implementing/running service strategy, service management, service delivery and continual service improvement within financial services or similar complex, multi-product, multi-region organisations.
  • Knowledge of operational resilience and business continuity; experience of defining and implementing operational resilience policies and processes in financial services organisations.
  • Enterprise Leadership; Empowers and inspires others by being authentic and open in communication. Engages and influences across hierarchies and boundaries, breaking down silos and encouraging collaboration.
  • Translating strategy into goals and objectives for the functional team to support the holistic delivery
  • Capable of developing and communicating a compelling vision for the future and inspiring others to adopt the vision.
  • Diplomatically challenges objections to change with logical and well supported logic; remaining positive in the face of setbacks and maintaining forward momentum.
  • Track record of building high performing team that is recognised for their contribution to the performance of the department and region.
  • Demonstrates timely and sound judgement; is aware of the key priorities for SMBC EMEA and rigorously evaluates alternative courses of action in light of this. Is comfortable working with and making decisions with incomplete information 
  • Impactful management, modelling visions and values; actively developing themselves and assessesing skills and seeking opportunities for the development of team members.

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!!