Sustainability Strategy - ECB Expert - 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

In the context of SMBC Bank EU AG overall growth in the EU region, the bank is further strengthening its capabilities with regards to ECB’s climate- and environmental risk-related expectations.

The main purpose of the job is to co-develop, -own and -lead on key sustainability deliverables as further described below. 

Business Area

This is a senior position within the Sustainability Strategy team in EU, so the role holder will interact with a wide range of departments in EU and wider EMEA, including the Strategic Planning Department, Risk Management Department, Compliance Department, Finance & Control, credit and marketing departments. The role holder will supervise the work of external consultants closely work with the Project Management Office (PMO) for the ECB Programme.

Position Description

Key responsible and lead person within the Sustainability Strategy team for the following work (indicative and non-exhaustive list)

Business environment and Climate Resilience Analysis: co-process owner (with Risk Management Department – RMD) and in close cooperation with 1 LoD

• Define and propose baseline and adverse ESG long-term scenarios
• Perform business model analysis considering different climate scenarios
• Lead the Climate Resilience Analysis in conjunction with the above
• Monitor, review and update the business environment and Climate Resilience analyses

Business and Sustainability Strategy

• In collaboration with 1 LoD functions, review, adjust and enhance the Client Engagement procedure to ensure all relevant ESG risks are addressed and client engagement process appropriately documented,
• Considering the outcome of RMD materiality assessment (including Transmission Channel Analysis), identify most affected clients
• Define scope of counterparties with whom the bank should engage to assess their resilience to ESG risks
• Based on the results of the business environment and Climate Resilience analyses, propose amendments to the business, sustainability and corporate strategy to heads of businesses, sustainability strategy, and strategic planning.

CRD Transition Plan: co-process owner (with RMD)

• Lead the setting up of CRD transition plan and a procedure for CRD transition plan, with relevant internal and external support for SMBC EU Group (i.e. including SNBL)
• Establish comprehensive set of long-term strategic goals and intermediate milestone to ensure resilience of the business model towards ESG risks
• Set targets and metrics
• Monitor, review and update the Transition Plan

Knowledge, Skills, Experience & Qualifications

• Evidence of previous experience in financial services, markets and banking activities, especially at an ECB supervised financial institution
• ESG qualification or sustainability experience in financial services, and in particular, very good knowledge of ECB expectations / EBA guidelines on ESG
• Proven experience in business environment analysis, climate resilience analysis and/or CRD Transition Plan establishment and monitoring.
• Good time management – Ability to manage and monitor progress of various dependencies, must be able to work to deadlines, in an ambiguous environment and under pressure, to ensure deadlines are met.
• Practical and willing to take responsibility and accountability to ensure objectives are achieved
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills. Must in particular be able to communicate with empathy and sensitivity with colleagues across a range of functions and seniorities, bearing in mind cultural and language differences as well as the commercial realities.
• Evidence of effective communication skills both written and verbal including presenting complex information simply and succinctly.
• Able to work collaboratively as well as independently.
• Must be detail orientated, analytical and inquisitive.
• Evidence of innovative thinking and problem-solving
• Able to use “enterprise leadership” skills, considering the impacts of changes at EU entity level on SMBC parent and other subsidiaries
• Passionate about the topic of sustainability and committed to continuous self-directed learning on technical sustainability topics.

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!!