Director, Project Manager (JRI-6809)

The Japan Research Institute (JRI) Limited is a subsidiary of Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation (SMBC) Group. SMBC Group is a Tokyo-based bank holding company that is ranked among the largest 25 banks globally by assets under management. JRI provides comprehensive, highly value-added information services through the coordinated application of its 3 functions. i.e. information systems, consulting and think-tank. As a system integrator, JRI offers services in IT strategy planning, implementation and outsourcing to a broad range of industries and activities. JRI Singapore currently supports the overall IT functions of Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation (SMBC) in Asia Pacific Region.

Responsibilities

Technical Expertise 

• Lead a large size project which involve variety of the banking systems located in Tokyo, Singapore and other regions to enhance the experience of collaboration, performance, security, and service level. 
• Plan and lead IT system implementation projects which involve variety of the IT and non-IT department located in Tokyo and Singapore to enhance the banking IT capability from regional perspective. 
• Provide expertise to regional teams and foster collaboration with stakeholders in the Japan Head Office and APAC regions IT departments. 

Risk and Control 

• Identify potential project issues & risks and consider alternative measures. 
• Provide timely escalation and resolution of major issues to Management and Head Office. 

Client and Stakeholder Engagement 

• Lead structured engagement with stakeholders to understand needs, validate problems, and define outcomes. 
• Partner with IT Planning dept to ensure alignment of all company platform’s architecture processes, standards, strategies and roadmap with that of  SMBC Group 
• Act as liaison between end users and IT team in local market and Japan Head Office to understand business requirements for Forex systems, this includes designing and implementing new solutions or enhancements. 

Project & Other Responsibilities

• Accountable for delivery timelines, cost optimization, and risk mitigation across APAC 
• Responsible for Project Governance - adherence to SDLC procedure, project management guideline, Outsourcing rule, Security rule).
• Prepare and present regular project reports and documentations.
• Prepare and put forward budget plans for identified project initiatives, influencing, and negotiating with Head Office to obtain support for them. 
• Review and develop strategies for resource planning and utilization.
• Lead and motivate team towards development and delivery of strategic priorities for the function 
• Ensure project status and progress are communicated to stakeholders and IT teams in a timely and concise manner.
• Work out full-scaled and precise proposal with technical solution team, coordinate and communicate resources and define clear roles with all project resources. 

Requirements

• Bachelor’s Degree in Information  Technology, Computer Science or  equivalent with around 15 years of experience to provide IT service to Financial Institute.
• Knowledge in cash management service, and remittance service of banks.
• Proven experience managing large-scale, multi-country banking technology initiatives.
• Experience in IT system development project management and delivery service in large organization
• Proven experience in collaboration and workgroup for project delivery
• Knowledge of IT service business for bank or FI which provide services in muti regions.
• Comprehensive knowledge of system development lifecycle.
• Capability to lead and drive IT BAU related tasks with good time and stakeholder management skills and experience.
• Proactively socialize with stakeholders and maintain good relationships to steer tasks.
• Ability to manage ambiguity, complexity, and cross-cultural stakeholders.
• Strong sense of ownership and take responsibility.
• Possess strong and assertive verbal, written communication and presentation skills.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment with constantly changing priorities.
• Good, bi-directional and collaborative attitude to work as a professional in a team.
• Experience to handle regional projects which involves stakeholders in Japan.
• Prior experience working with Japanese headquarters or Japan-based stakeholders.
• Knowledge in core banking system, Trade service.
• Experience in internal control or audit area with a deep understanding of the IT business  process and systems.
• Project Management certification (e.g.PMP, PRINCE2) or equivalent experiences