Director, Team Leader, Operations Planning Unit

Headquartered in Tokyo, Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation (SMBC) is a leading global financial institution and a core member of Sumitomo Mitsui Financial Group (SMBC Group). Built upon our rich Japanese heritage since 1876, we put our customers first and provide seamless access to, from and within the Asia Pacific region. SMBC is one of the largest Japanese banks by assets and maintain strong credit ratings across our global integrated network.  We work closely as one SMBC Group to offer personal, corporate and investment banking services to meet the needs of our customers.

With sustainability embedded within our strategy and operations, we are committed to creating a society in which today’s generation can enjoy economic prosperity and well-being, and pass it on to future generations.

SUMITOMO MITSUI BANKING CORPORATION MALAYSIA BERHAD

Job Summary

To lead the Operations Planning Unit within the Planning Department and oversee the Bank's Business Continuity Management (BCM), Outsourcing and Third-Party Risk Management (TPRM), operational governance, and departmental risk and compliance activities.

The position is responsible for ensuring operational resilience, effective third-party risk oversight, sound governance practices, and compliance with regulatory requirements as well as SMBC Group policies and standards.

Key Responsibilities

1. Business Continuity Management (BCM)

Lead and maintain the Bank's BCM framework to ensure operational resilience and compliance with regulatory and Group requirements.

Responsibilities

• Develop, maintain, and enhance BCM policies, procedures, and governance frameworks in accordance with BNM, PayNet, and SMBC Group requirements.
• Coordinate and oversee the Bank-wide Risk Assessment (RA), Business Impact Analysis (BIA), and recovery strategy reviews.
• Identify and assess Critical Business Functions (CBFs) and ensure appropriate business recovery strategies are established and approved.
• Plan, coordinate, and oversee annual BCP and DRP testing exercises across the Bank.
• Coordinate end-to-end BCM testing involving relevant outsourcing service providers.
• Review testing results and provide reports and recommendations to Management Committees and the Board.
• Manage BCM-related governance, including committee meetings, minutes, reporting papers, and regulatory submissions.
• Conduct BCM awareness programmes, training sessions, and e-learning initiatives.
• Support the Crisis Management Team (CMT) during actual crises and contingency situations.

Expected Outcomes

• Compliance with BCM regulatory requirements.
• Effective disaster recovery and business continuity capabilities.
• Strong operational resilience across the Bank.

2. Outsourcing, Insourcing and Third-Party Risk Management (TPRM)

Lead governance and oversight of outsourcing, insourcing, and vendor management arrangements.

Responsibilities

• Maintain outsourcing and third-party risk management policies, procedures, and governance frameworks in accordance with BNM requirements and SMBC standards.Review due diligence assessments for outsourcing service providers and critical vendors.
• Oversee performance monitoring, KPI management, and risk assessments of outsourcing and non-outsourcing service providers.
• Coordinate annual reviews of all outsourcing and non-outsourcing arrangements.Review contractual arrangements and work closely with Legal Department to ensure compliance with regulatory requirements.
• Monitor and assess outsourcing and third-party risks, escalating significant issues to Management and Board Committees.
• Maintain regular engagement with service providers and key vendors to ensure service quality and risk management effectiveness.
• Provide advisory support and awareness programmes to relevant stakeholders on outsourcing requirements and governance standards.

Expected Outcomes

• Effective management of third-party and outsourcing risks.
• Strong vendor governance and performance management.
• Regulatory compliance for outsourcing arrangements.

3. Operations Planning and Governance

Support operational governance and planning initiatives across the Bank.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate operational planning activities in accordance with Head Office and Regional Office requirements.
• Manage and coordinate In-Office Inspection exercises and reporting to Regional Office.
• Coordinate periodic review and maintenance of Policies, Manuals, Executive Handbooks, and Delegation of Authority (DOA) documents.
• Monitor and report on projects, initiatives, and action plans assigned to the Operations Planning Unit.
• Support operational improvement initiatives and governance-related projects.

Expected Outcomes

• Effective operational governance and policy management.
• Timely completion of assigned projects and initiatives.
• Alignment with Head Office and Regional Office requirements.

4. Business Compliance Officer (BCO) Responsibilities

Support departmental risk management and compliance activities.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate periodic updates of Risk Registers and Risk & Control Self-Assessment (RCSA).
• Facilitate identification, assessment, monitoring, and reporting of operational risks within the department.
• Support operational risk management activities, including Key Risk Indicators (KRIs), Key Control Testing (KCT), scenario analysis, and risk assessments.
• Coordinate compliance reviews, gap analyses, and remediation tracking activities.
• Promote risk awareness and a strong risk culture within the department.
• Liaise with Operational Risk Management (ORM), Compliance, Internal Audit, and other stakeholders on risk and compliance matters.

Expected Outcomes

• Effective identification and mitigation of operational risks.
• Strong departmental governance and compliance culture.
• Timely remediation of risk and control gaps.

Job Requirements

• Degree in Business Administration, Finance, Risk Management, Information Technology, or related disciplines.
• Minimum 8-10 years of experience in banking operations, operational risk management, BCM, outsourcing/vendor management, or related governance functions.
• Strong understanding of BNM requirements relating to BCM, outsourcing, operational risk, and governance.
• Experience in committee governance, Board reporting, and regulatory engagement.
• Strong stakeholder management and communication skills.
• Ability to lead cross-functional initiatives involving multiple departments.
• Proficiency in English (written and verbal). Japanese language capability would be an advantage.