Credit Risk Management 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.

Purpose of Job

• This Director Role is responsible for the credit management of distressed (G7 or worse) and potentially distressed cases in the EMG portfolio (in conjunction with deal teams)
• This will involve significant interaction and support to the portfolio managers in the Core and Growth teams responsible for the day to day management of distressed/potentially distressed cases and also leading the banks market facing restructuring operations.
• The Head of Restructuring & Workout will lead this team and have 3 key responsibilities:

1. Manage all forums and processes in relation to distressed and watch cases including SCT and Self assessment whilst also working with CD and senior EMG management on analysis and reporting of credit costs in the EMG portfolio.
2. A critical market facing role (50%) that works with external advisors, Banks and service providers to manage individual work out processes always with the goal of limiting the Banks exposure to credit loss.
3. Lead key projects within EMG in conjunction with EMG management

Facts / Scale:

• Main interfaces: Head & Deputy Head of EMG, ISD General Management, Front Office teams and department members up to GM level

Background

• EMG is part of ISD and its principal function is the portfolio management of c500 Project and 200 indirect corporate counterparties with an exposure f c$30bn and which generates c$280mil pa interest income for the Bank. This function has both internal control & support plus market facing aspects.

• As ISD evolves its business to pursue newer sectors (For example  Digital & Energy Transition) and implements a ROE model, EMG must also adjust its approach to manage a portfolio with newer technologies and potentially higher credit risk whilst also being an important contributor in the introduction of an RoE driven approach to new business in ISD]. This will include more focus on higher risk transactions in a new Growth team while the legacy portfolio will be managed by a new Core team. This will also include frequent portfolio sale project execution, important feedback on new sector transaction performance & supporting the screening of new transactions through the provision of important sector/sponsor/technical data. EMG will also continue its role in managing and executing distressed asset workout and restructuring across its portfolio.

• In particular the nature of the ISD business has altered to focus on new opportunities within Digital Infrastructure, New Energies and Entry Finance (together New Business) while retaining a complex and diverse portfolio of more traditional “Legacy” Project Finance transactions in the Core team (Private Finance Initiative/Public Private Partnerships, Thermal Power, Oil & Gas etc).
• This role will work with both Core and Growth teams to manage any individual transactions exhibiting credit stress whilst also being the SME on credit workout market trends and leading the reporting and analysis of credit costs within the EMG portfolio.

Accountabilities & Responsibilities

• Deliver distressed portfolio reviews on a timely basis and within KPI criteria
• Management of key cases as agreed with EMG Mgt.
• Oversee amendment/ waiver requests within defined timelines requested by customers or as reasonable as per KPI disciplines.
• Monitor and assess all aspects of risk (Credit, Reputational etc) associated within distressed projects, related counter-parties and influencing factors. 
• Manage the Credit Cost reporting and analysis associated with the EMG portfolio.
• Support senior management in the management and delivery of projects & ad hoc tasks
• Operate as a senior and highly credible representative of SMBC for key interactions with the external restructuring market (Agent banks/Other lenders, Advisors, Sponsors/Borrowers etc)
• Lead role in executing financial restructuring and workout of distressed debt in conjunction with market counterparts.
• Develop the knowledge base and profile of SMBC in Project Financing through regular attendance and presentation at market events

Knowledge, Skills and Experience

• Significant knowledge and experience of Project and Corporate Credit methodologies in association with other Grading methodologies.
• Strong numerical and financial / risk assessment skills essential and financial modelling experience desirable
• Good working knowledge of corporates in general across different sectors.
• Previous experience of working in Corporate Credit in a relevant institution and significant experience of Project Finance transactions. This would include debt structuring and distressed debt management.
• The ability to work on multiple tasks in parallel under pressure and to time constraints with significant changing priorities.
• The ability to work well with colleagues in multiple roles and at most levels of seniority across EMEA and other regions

Challenges

• Set up and run a new restructuring unit whilst facing numerous existing credit challenges in the EMG portfolio
• Ability to perform at a high level in stressful external and internal forums given the extreme sensitivity associated with distressed credit.
• Ability to maintain a professional attitude while facing potentially challenging timelines and/or under pressures of general credit processes
• Potentially short deadlines and ability to think clearly whilst working under pressure

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!!