Operations Cross-Function Executive Director

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 We are seeking an experienced and strategic Executive Director – Lending Services to support the Managing Director in leading a critical and growing area of the bank. The role provides executive oversight of Lending Services, encompassing Middle Office operations and Lending Quality Assurance, with responsibility for approximately 25 employees across three specialist functions. This is a high-profile leadership position focused on driving business growth, operational excellence, governance and risk management within a complex lending environment. The successful candidate will lead strategic initiatives, strengthen the control environment and ensure the continued independence and effectiveness of the Lending Quality Assurance function. Working closely with Front Office, Risk, Compliance, Internal Audit and senior stakeholders across the organisation, the Executive Director will play a key role in shaping the future direction of Lending Services, enhancing operational resilience and delivering sustainable business performance. Business Area Lending Services is part of the Operations & Administration Department (OAD) and supports the bank's commercial and syndicated lending activities across EMEA. The function is responsible for the operational execution and servicing of lending transactions, agency and middle office activities, and independent quality assurance across the lending portfolio. The team works closely with Front Office, Risk, Compliance and other support functions to deliver high-quality service to clients and stakeholders while ensuring lending activities are accurately processed, controlled and supported throughout their lifecycle. As a critical function supporting the bank's lending business, Lending Services plays an important role in maintaining operational efficiency, service excellence and a strong control environment across a diverse portfolio of lending products. Position Description Key Responsibilities Provide strategic leadership and oversight across Lending Services, including Middle Office operations and Lending Quality Assurance. Support the Managing Director in delivering business objectives, driving operational excellence and implementing strategic initiatives. Lead business transformation, process improvement and technology initiatives to enhance efficiency, scalability and resilience. Maintain a strong governance, risk and control framework, ensuring effective management of operational, audit and regulatory obligations. Provide executive sponsorship and oversight of the Lending Quality Assurance function, ensuring its independence and effectiveness. Oversee operational performance, resource planning, capacity management and service delivery across the function. Act as deputy to the Lending Services Important Business Service Owner, supporting Operational Resilience, incident management and regulatory requirements. Build and maintain strong relationships with Front Office, Risk, Compliance, Internal Audit, Technology and other key stakeholders. Lead, develop and mentor direct reports, fostering a culture of accountability, continuous improvement and operational excellence. Essential Skills & Experience Significant experience in commercial lending operations, loan administration, middle office, agency services or a similar banking environment. Proven leadership experience managing operational teams within a complex financial services organisation. Strong understanding of syndicated lending products, operational processes, governance and control frameworks. Demonstrable experience of risk management, audit remediation and maintaining strong operational controls. Experience leading strategic change, transformation programmes and process improvement initiatives. Strong stakeholder management and influencing skills, with the ability to engage effectively at senior management level. Excellent communication, decision-making and problem-solving skills. Understanding of Operational Resilience requirements and the governance associated with important business services. Experience developing high-performing teams and driving a culture of continuous improvement and accountability. 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 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!! 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.