Account Manager, Leveraged Finance Portfolio Management (AVP, Paris)

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 an Account Manager, AVP in our Specialised Products Department (SPD) to join our Large Cap Leveraged Finance Portfolio Management team in Paris.  

This role is focused on ensuring the effective, proactive management of our European Large Cap Leveraged Finance Portfolio to manage the associated credit risks and ensure any material adverse developments are reported in a timely manner to key stakeholders. 

The primary objectives are to:

1. proactively manage our portfolio of European Large Cap Leveraged Finance Borrowers across multiple products with Direct & Indirect exposures. 
2. work closely with our Sponsor Coverage and Origination colleagues to help drive new business opportunities from the existing portfolio.
3. develop client / borrower relationships with CEO, CFO, Treasurer etc. in order to help identify and execute new business opportunities arising from the portfolio including the cross selling of ancillary products (FX, Derivatives, Trade Finance, Deposits etc.)  

Ideally we are looking for a candidate with: 

1. Knowledge and understanding of European Leveraged Finance market
2. Sound credit / risk analysis skills gained preferably through exposure to European leveraged finance transactions with an ability to analyse / interpret Audited/Unaudited Historic Financial Statements, Financial Due Diligence, and forward looking financial data (Budgets. Forecasts, Projections etc.) along with Cash Flow modelling skills and sound knowledge for Excel   
3. Good Communication Skills with an ability to work as part of team both internally within SPD and outside SPD with other parts of the Bank.

Business Area

This role is based in Paris and part of the Leveraged Finance Portfolio Management Team within Origination Group 2 (“OG2”) of Specialised Products Department (SPD) where the overall OG2 team of 45 manage SPD’s c$9.1Bn+ portfolio of c185+ European leveraged loans with direct (on SMBC Balance Sheet) and Indirect (through Term Loan B JVCo programmes) exposure. 

The role forms part of our Large Cap Leveraged Finance, Portfolio Management team of 15 people across Dublin, Frankfurt, London & Paris.

Reporting into a Director, SPD Origination Group 2 in Paris Branch, with a functional line to a Director or Team Leader, in Origination Group 2 in London.

Position Description

Background

The primary objectives are to:

1. proactively manage our portfolio of European Large Cap Leveraged Finance Borrowers across multiple products with Direct & Indirect exposures - this requires the first level credit/financial/risk analysis to be undertaken within SPD and to be presented to Credit Sanctioning Department.    
2. work closely with our Sponsor Coverage and Origination colleagues to help drive new business opportunities from the existing portfolio.
3. develop client / borrower relationships with CEO, CFO, Treasurer etc. in order to help identify and execute new business opportunities arising from the portfolio including the cross selling of ancillary products (FX, Derivatives, Trade Finance, Deposits etc.)

Under the guidance and support of a VP and/or Director, the role also entails ongoing / close interaction with and reporting to key internal and external stakeholders.

Key Responsibilities:  

Portfolio Management: With support from a VP and/or Director, pro-actively manage a portfolio of European Large Cap Leveraged Loans with direct (on SMBC Balance Sheet) and Indirect (through various Joint Venture programmes) exposure, including:

1. ongoing analysis of a Borrower’s financial performance;
2. the preparation of required Monitoring Reports,
3. regular reporting to Line Manager, Group Head, SPD Management and Credit Department on Borrower’s performance;
4. assigning / reviewing Borrower internal ratings at least annually; and
5. analysis / interpretation of Bank’s Cash Flow Model.   

Relationship Management: Developing / Maintaining Relationships with Company Management through working closely with the SMBC BI London base Directors on the team to:

1. ensure the team are up to date with developments at the Company; and
2. drive new business opportunities from the portfolio.  

New Business: Ongoing liaison with Sponsor Coverage, Origination and Loan Capital Markets colleagues on Portfolio Origination to drive new business opportunities arising from the portfolio, including being part of SPD Leveraged Finance Deal Teams, pitching activities / idea generation and pro-active asset recycling activities.      

Credit Analysis: Conducting in depth financial / credit analysis of transactions and the preparation of Credit submissions for:

1. new transactions arising from the portfolio working as part of an SPD Leveraged Finance Deal team;
2. amendments / waivers on existing allocated portfolio accounts; and
3. add-on / re-financing opportunities on existing allocated portfolio accounts.

Role also includes the presentation of recommendations to SPD Management and Credit Department

Execution: Liaison with all Back and Middle Office teams (Limit Control, Loans Admin, Static Data, KYC etc) to ensure satisfaction of all internal booking and operational requirements necessary to successfully book transactions.

Compliance: with all regulatory and internal policies and procedures, regulations and guidelines

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!!