PMO Project Portfolio - 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.

The EMEA IT Project Portfolio Management function plays a critical role within EMEA Technology. 

It is responsible for setting and maintaining standards for project governance in EMEA IT; ensuring compliance with said governance and regulations (such as DORA), ensuring alignment with other change areas of SMBC both in EMEA and Americas Division from a process and tooling perspective; and is the central source of information regarding the status of all EMEA IT projects. 

The function plays a key role in managing the EMEA Technology investment budget which comprises both project and non-project budget lines split across several entities.  Given the size of the investment budget (over $150m) the portfolio is split between the members of the team who provide support to IT Heads of Domain (Business Products, Cross Product, Infrastructure, Architecture and Engineering, Information Security and Strategic Technology). 

The team has only been in place for a couple of years and its’ function and ways of working are still developing; the job holder will be expected to play a part in that development with ideas and then making it work. 

The Microsoft Office suite of products is currently the primary tool used by the team though we are in the process of making more use of the ServiceNow PPM tool used by Americas Division.  Will need experience to lead EMEA to onboard onto SNOW. 

Role Summary

Operational Activities 

• Ensure information regarding the IT project portfolio is kept up to date.  This includes, but is not limited to, project approvals, project completions, timescales, milestones, benefit realisation and financial information. 
• Ensure IT projects are following EMEA IT project governance and SMBC’s wider governance requirements. 
• Ensure the operations of the team comply with the DORA regulation. 
• Provide feedback on project documents submitted for approval at the IT Project Forum. 
• Review and provide feedback (‘check and challenge’) project status reports. 
• Administer (create pack, write minutes and record actions and decisions)  
• Develop and produce MI for IT Management, Executive Committee, Board and Head Office and others as required. 

Supporting Domain Heads 

• Provide guidance and advice regarding relevant processes and procedures. 
• Provide guidance and advice to TDMs in the domains. 
• Provide MI as required. 
• Assist with the compilation of the annual budget as required 

Project Delivery Framework Development 

• Ensure alignment with other change areas such as CMG and Transformation, including exchange of information and ideas as well as commenting on proposals for processes and ways of working.
• Develop and document tracking of project financial information – particularly to the non-project element of the investment budget. 
• Define and document all project processes and procedures to be followed by staff in IT; communicate them to relevant staff and provide advice as required. 
• Define and document all processes and procedures needed by the EMEA IT Project Portfolio Management team. 
• Develop the team’s use of appropriate tools – specifically ServiceNow PPM and SharePoint. 

Compilation of the Annual Investment Budget

• Work closely with the Heads of Domain and others in their team to ensure they complete what is required by the relevant deadlines. 
• Review and challenge budget entries; discuss and agree changes with the Heads of Domain. 
• Support the articulation of benefits including confirmation of revenue generation and cost saving initiatives to support approval of the business case. 

Experience

The EMEA IT Investment budget has around 290 lines totalling ~$165m. Budget lines vary from a few thousand dollars to tens of millions. Engaging with IT and non-IT colleagues at all levels in EMEA and North America is key to being successful in this role. 

• Office environment minimum 5 days per fortnight (split 2-3 days per week). 
• May require occasional travel to other company locations.  

Experience 

The candidate should be familiar with all aspects of project delivery having either worked as a member of a project team or as a member of a PMO engaged in management of project portfolios and development of project governance and delivery frameworks.  They should have 3+ experience in the field. 

The job-holder should also  

• Have a ‘can do’ attitude 
• Be a team-player 
• Be able to communicate clearly in both writing and orally with colleagues at all levels in the organisation 
• Be organised 
• Be self-motivated 
• Be keen to learn and expand their project, business and system knowledge (eg the use of AI) 
• Actively want to expand their role and involvement in project delivery 
• Pay attention to detail 
• Be numerically confident and capable 

Technical Skills  

• Good knowledge of Microsoft Excel and keen to develop their excel skills 
• Proficient in the use of other MS Office tools such as Word, Powerpoint, SharePoint and Teams 
• Has knowledge of PPM tooling. 
• Has knowledge of Jira (preferred not essential). 

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!!