Relationship Management - Coverage 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.

Role Summary

Is the next step in your career at SMBC Group EMEA?

We're looking for an Executive Director, GFIG Coverage – Relationship Management for our Global Financial Institutions Group to join our team in Paris.

This is a senior client-facing opportunity to help drive the continued expansion of SMBC’s Financial Institutions franchise across Southern and Eastern Europe. You will contribute to define and execute relationship strategies for an assigned portfolio, originate multi-product opportunities, and lead senior client dialogue with banking groups, broker-dealers, exchanges, insurance companies, asset managers, financial sponsors, and other non-bank financial institutions.

About this role

The Global Financial Institutions Group provides relationship coverage and tailored financial solutions to banks, broker-dealers, insurers, funds, and other financial institutions. This role will lead the development of selected client relationships across Southern and Eastern Europe, connecting clients with SMBC’s global product capabilities and contributing directly to the growth of the EMEA franchise. As such, it is anticipated that there will be travels across the EU countries.

In this role you will be responsible for:

• Contributing to define and execute relationship strategies for an assigned portfolio of Financial Institutions across Southern and Eastern Europe, with potential coverage of selected clients in France
• Originating and developing multi-product opportunities across lending, capital markets, securitisation, treasury, clearing, trade finance, leasing, and structured finance
• Building senior relationships with clients, identifying their strategic priorities, and positioning relevant SMBC Group solutions
• Leading the structuring and execution of lending transactions while coordinating Credit, Legal, Compliance, Operations, and relevant product teams
• Managing financial and operational objectives for the assigned portfolio, including revenue delivery, pipeline development, fee reporting, and credit risk considerations
• Coordinating global client dialogue with GFIG teams and product partners across EMEA, Japan, the US, and Asia-Pacific
• Leading and developing junior team members while contributing to the strategy and continued expansion of GFIG’s European coverage platform

The anticipated salary range for this role is €160,000 - €200,000, with the final offer determined based on the candidate’s skills, experience, role scope, location, and relevant market factors. In addition to base salary, the role may be eligible for a discretionary incentive award and a competitive benefits package, including core benefits such as pension provision.

Profile Description

For you to succeed in this role

• Significant experience (more than 15 years) in Financial Institutions coverage, relationship management, corporate and investment banking, or a related front-office role
• Strong knowledge of the Financial Institutions sector, supported by established relationships with relevant senior client counterparts
• Demonstrated expertise in credit and financial analysis, transaction structuring, and the origination and execution of lending or broader banking solutions
• Degree-level education in Finance, Economics, Business Administration, or a related discipline
• Excellent written and spoken English, ideally combined with fluency in French, Spanish, or Italian

What will you bring to the role?

• Strong commercial judgement and a proven ability to develop client relationships, originate opportunities, and convert them into sustainable revenues
• Excellent communication, networking, and influencing skills, with the credibility to engage senior clients and internal stakeholders
• Sound risk judgement, with the ability to balance ambitious commercial objectives with appropriate credit discipline
• Strong leadership capabilities, including the ability to coordinate complex transactions and develop junior colleagues
• A collaborative and internationally minded approach, with the ability to work effectively across products, regions, and cultures

Desirable

• An established network across banking groups, broker-dealers, exchanges, insurers, asset managers, financial sponsors, or specialist finance companies in Southern and Eastern Europe
• Experience leading cross-border and multi-product Financial Institutions relationships
• Knowledge of capital markets, securitisation, treasury, trade finance, structured finance, or clearing solutions
• Additional European language skills

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!!