A.I. & Digitalization Manager - Vice President (m/w/d)

Job description

SMBC: A trusted partner for the long term Here at SMBC Group, we want to help you find the next step in your career so read on to discover if this opportunity is the one for you. We like to recognise potential in our people, so we welcome your application even when your experience doesn’t perfectly align with the job description. Whilst we’ll always strive to be better, we’re proud of our inclusive culture, and encourage our applicants and colleagues to be their authentic, unique selves. 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 AI & Digitalisation Specialist for our ITSD EU department to join our team. The AI & Digitalisation Specialist is responsible for driving the practical adoption of artificial intelligence and digital technologies across SMBC Bank EU, supporting strategic business objectives and operational efficiency. The role focuses on identifying, designing and implementing AI‑driven solutions that enhance processes, improve decision‑making and support innovation, while ensuring compliance with applicable European regulatory requirements. Working closely with the business, technology and control functions, as well as the AI Centre of Excellence in EMEA, the role helps translate AI capabilities into real‑world use cases across the Bank. A key element of the role is promoting and supporting the AI governance framework, ensuring appropriate testing, control and oversight of AI solutions, and maintaining a strong understanding of regulatory expectations, including the EU AI Act. The role also plays an important enablement function, supporting responsible adoption through upskilling, awareness and guidance for teams across SMBC Bank EU. The anticipated annual salary range for this role is 78,000 - 118,000 €, 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. Business Area As AI technologies mature and regulatory expectations increase, the Bank is focused on adopting AI in a controlled, compliant and value‑driven manner. This role has been created to support the structured introduction of AI and digitalisation initiatives across SMBC Bank EU, ensuring alignment with strategic priorities and regulatory expectations. The role works across multiple business and Technology teams to identify suitable AI use cases, support solution development and ensure solutions are deployed safely and effectively. It has a strong collaborative dimension, working closely with the AI Centre of Excellence in London to leverage existing frameworks, methodologies and best practices, while tailoring solutions to local business needs. Position Description Accountabilities & Responsibilities Role spans SMBC Bank EU, working across multiple business and Technology teams to identify and support AI and digitalisation use cases. Supports a growing portfolio of AI‑enabled initiatives focused on process improvement, operational efficiency and user productivity. Works closely with the AI Centre of Excellence in London (SMBC BI) to leverage group‑wide AI frameworks, tooling and expertise. Engages regularly with business, Technology, Risk, Compliance and Legal teams to support safe and compliant use of AI. Focus on both solution delivery and enablement, including training, workshops and adoption of tools such as Microsoft Copilot. No direct budget ownership, but contributes to shaping AI initiatives and prioritisation aligned to strategic objectives. Drive the adoption of AI and digital technologies across SMBC Bank EU in support of strategic business objectives. Identify, assess and support AI use cases that improve processes, operational efficiency and user experience. Support the design, development and implementation of AI‑driven solutions in collaboration with business and Technology teams. Awareness of European regulatory expectations related to AI and data, including GDPR and familiarity with the EU AI Act Knowledge, Skills, Experience & Qualifications Strong understanding of AI and machine learning concepts, including large language models and natural language processing. Practical experience designing or implementing AI‑driven or automation solutions in a business environment. Good understanding of banking processes and operations, with the ability to identify relevant AI use cases. Experience leveraging Microsoft Copilot or similar AI tools across different use cases. Proficiency in handling, processing and analysing data using appropriate data tools and techniques. Awareness of European regulatory expectations related to AI and data, including GDPR and familiarity with the EU AI Act. Ability to communicate complex AI concepts clearly to non‑technical audiences. Strong collaboration skills, with experience working across Technology, business and cross‑border teams. Structured, pragmatic mindset with a focus on practical outcomes rather than experimentation alone. Competencies Customer Focus Driving Change Driving Results Embraces Diversity Enterprise Leadership Judgement and Decision Making Risk Management Strategic and Visionary Trust and Integrity 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 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! We recognise our role as a bank to support social change and welcome all applications, including those from groups often under-represented in financial services. We value the uniqueness of professional and personal, backgrounds and perspectives as they play a vital role in continuing the sustainable growth of our organisation. We’ll ensure reasonable adjustments to our recruitment process are offered due to a disability or long-term condition whenever requested. We are committed to transparent and equitable pay practices. Compensation is determined using objective criteria, including skills, experience, and role responsibilities, and applied consistently throughout our recruitment processes. We do not request candidates' pay history and are committed to preventing unjustified pay disparities.