PERM - SPD - Planning - Securitized Products - Director

6 Jun 2025

London, LND, GB, EC2M 2AT

SMBC: A trusted partner for the long term 

 

Here at SMBC Group, we want to help you find the next step in your career so read on to discover if this opportunity is the one for you. We like to recognise potential in our people, so we welcome your application even when your experience doesn’t perfectly align with the job description. Whilst we’ll always strive to be better, we’re proud of our inclusive culture, and encourage our applicants and colleagues to be their authentic, unique selves. 

 

 

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

This is a growth leadership role, working closely with the head of the Structured Lending Programs team and other colleagues, to execute, develop and assist with the maintenance of Specialised Product Department (“SPD”) structured lending program transactions, new product and distribution initiatives along with special projects. Structured lending program transactions, which vary in structure and approach, focus on sourcing third party capital from a variety of investors and private credit participants across a variety of SMBC products in an effort to optimize SMBC’s balance sheet and position the bank for continued growth New product development involves analysis on market attractiveness, market sizing, risks and returns, distribution and the coordination of internal approval for new products and amendments to existing products which are part of SPD's (and the vertical within which SPD sits, Structured Finance Solutions (SFS)), growth plans. Special projects are varied in nature and span a variety of products and topics.

This is a growth leadership role, working closely with the head of the Structured Lending Programs team and other colleagues, to execute, develop and assist with the maintenance of Specialised Product Department (“SPD”) structured lending program transactions, new product and distribution initiatives along with special projects.

Structured lending program transactions, which vary in structure and approach, focus on sourcing third party capital from a variety of investors and private credit participants across a variety of SMBC products in an effort to optimize SMBC’s balance sheet and position the bank for continued growth

New product development involves analysis on market attractiveness, market sizing, risks and returns, distribution and the coordination of internal approval for new products and amendments to existing products which are part of SPD's (and the vertical within which SPD sits, Structured Finance Solutions (SFS)), growth plans.

Special projects are varied in nature and span a variety of products and topics. 

Business Area

SPD consists of 7 groups.  Origination Group 1 (“OG1”) is LBO origination and relationship management for PE sponsors.  Origination Group 1 (“OG2”) is LBO portfolio monitoring and business promotion through existing borrowers. Real Estate Finance (“REF”) is Real Estate Finance business. Subscription Finance (“SSF”) is Subscription Secured Finance business. NAV Financing (“NAV”) lends to Funds based on Fund net asset value. Planning Team (“PICG”) oversees i) Strategy Planning and Reporting and ii) PA and Administration Business Operations (“Biz Ops”) oversees transaction execution support. Structured Lending Program team is a newly established team which will (i) develop new and support existing structured lending programs and distribution thereof and (ii) lead SPD's new product development and approval and (iii) manage special projects.

SPD consists of 7 groups. 

  • Origination Group 1 (“OG1”) is LBO origination and relationship management for PE sponsors. 
  • Origination Group 1 (“OG2”) is LBO portfolio monitoring and business promotion through existing borrowers. 
  • Real Estate Finance (“REF”) is Real Estate Finance business.
  • Subscription Finance (“SSF”) is Subscription Secured Finance business. 
  • NAV Financing (“NAV”) lends to Funds based on Fund net asset value.
  • Planning Team (“PICG”) oversees i) Strategy Planning and Reporting and ii) PA and Administration
  • Business Operations (“Biz Ops”) oversees transaction execution support.
  • Structured Lending Program team is a newly established team which will (i) develop new and support  existing structured lending programs and distribution thereof and (ii) lead SPD's new product development and approval and (iii) manage special projects.

Position Description

The Director of Structured Lending Programs will be actively involved in all aspects of the programs, including new product development and special projects. Responsibilities include negotiating all relevant financing documentation in collaboration with partners, internal and external legal counsel, external advisors, and investors.

The role involves developing and maintaining strong relationships with a diverse range of investors and private credit participants to expand the bank’s origination and distribution pipeline.

The Director will oversee deal-related negotiations, internal approval processes, and profitability analysis (e.g., RWA, ROE). They will lead the execution and overall project management of each program, product, or initiative, manage cross-functional project teams to operationalize new product development, and ensure appropriate training is provided to colleagues upon product launch.

They will assist in the credit review and analysis of programs and products, including ongoing updates throughout their lifecycle. This includes assessing risks and strengths to support a thorough and diligent credit process, presenting a clear and objective view of all risks, and providing balanced recommendations.

The Director will also leverage various information sources to contribute to SMBC Group’s understanding of market trends, deal comparisons, and structural recommendations.

Finally, the role includes managing multiple transactions, interacting with senior stakeholders, and providing oversight, guidance, and management of junior team members, including direct line management responsibilities.

Competencies

Customer Focus
Driving Change
Driving Results
Embraces Diversity
Enterprise Leadership
Judgement and Decision Making
Risk Management
Strategic and Visionary
Trust and Integrity

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!!

 

We recognise our role as a bank to support social change and welcome all applications, including those from groups often under-represented in financial services. We value the uniqueness of professional and personal, backgrounds and perspectives as they play a vital role in continuing the sustainable growth of our organisation. We’ll ensure reasonable adjustments to our recruitment process are offered due to a disability or long-term condition whenever requested.  

 

About SMBC

A trusted partner for the long term
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, we deliver a full suite of corporate finance products and solutions to our customers, including corporate, structured and trade finance, leveraged finance, loan market and treasury products. We can also provide investment banking and advisory services and a range of innovative solutions in global capital markets.
Find out more about what we do and who we are at www.smbcgroup.com/emea