Vice President Trade Finance Governance & Control (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? We’re looking for a Vice President for our Global Trade Finance Department. Act as a key control and governance partner to GTFD EU Frankfurt, ensuring robust internal control, effective planning, and execution of Trade Finance activities. Take ownership of the ongoing management and optimization of the Trade Finance portfolio, including facility renewals, utilization, and client engagement, while ensuring full alignment with internal policies and regulatory requirements. Drive portfolio oversight and performance management, ensuring effective control of assets, utilization, profitability, and capital efficiency, and supporting informed strategic decision-making. The anticipated salary range for this role is EUR 80,000 - EUR 120,000 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 The role sits within GTFD EU Frankfurt, reporting to the Head of GTFD EU Frankfurt, and supports internal control activities, including assisting group marketing activities from a control perspective. Acts as a central coordination and control point for the Trade Finance business across multiple regions, including DACH, the Netherlands and Nordics, CEE, and CBD1 clients Be-Lux-Fra as well. Represents the Trade Finance function in dealings with internal stakeholders, including control functions and relevant business units and planning-related activities Position Description 1. Portfolio Monitoring & Performance Management Monitor the GTFD Frankfurt portfolio and challenge performance against defined KPIs (income, RWA, profitability, etc) and ensure effective tracking. Provide forward-looking analysis and actionable insights to support strategic growth decisions. Partner with Planning teams across GTFD EMEA to maintain control over portfolio performance and financial targets. 2. Business Governance & First Line Control Act as the key First Line of Defence (1LOD) governance lead for Trade Finance Frankfurt, including preparation for ECB onboarding and related questions. Ensure robust governance frameworks across: Operational & Credit processes, portfolio monitoring, internal controls Maintain oversight of facility utilization, renewals, and compliance with internal limits and policies. Ensure adherence to internal procedures, regulatory requirements, and compliance standards. Client onboarding, KYC lifecycle, AML and sanctions risk management (as applicable) 4. Commercial Support: Assist in the execution workflow, including guarantees and two-step guarantees, ensuring compliance with approval authorities and internal control requirements. Coordinate with internal stakeholders (Compliance, Product Development, Risk, etc.) to ensure timely and accurate deal execution. 5. Business Optimization & Process Improvement Identify and remove structural and process inefficiencies across Trade Finance activities. Clarify governance frameworks and approval pathways to enhance transparency and speed. Enable faster, more secure, and compliant deal execution. Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives within GTFD EU Frankfurt. 6. Planning, Reporting & Controls Prepare management information and reporting on portfolio performance, KPIs, and risk metrics. Support planning, budgeting, and forecasting processes for the Frankfurt Trade Finance portfolio. Ensure data quality, consistency, and transparency in reporting. 7. Deal Execution Support & Structuring (depending on team priorities) Work closely with Sales and deal teams to: Prepare profitability calculations, deal memos, and credit applications Support facility structuring and documentation in line with internal policies Support cross-selling initiatives (e.g. Transaction Banking) in coordination with Trade Finance Sales. Contribute to marketing and business development activities through financial and portfolio insights. 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 as well as 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.