Executive Director, India Business Development, Global Trade Finance Dept.

Lead and manage the trade finance team based in India, focusing on the execution, origination, negotiation, and documentation of trade finance deals. Emphasize solutions related to Working Capital Trade (ARP/SCF), conventional trade, structured trade, and Financial Institutions (FI) trade in the APAC region, particularly regarding transactions involving India.

Oversee the trade finance team's marketing efforts and customer engagement strategies aimed at both Non-Japanese and Japanese corporate clients. Target APAC local companies, subsidiaries of multinational corporations in the region, and financial institutions within the Indian market.

Provide trade finance solutions that support cross-regional collaboration across APAC and beyond, with a particular focus on India. Facilitate coordination with Head Office departments, relevant departments in Japan, and the APAC region, as well as closely with the Relationship Management (RM) department for customer needs.

Lead the team in developing new solutions tailored to the Indian market, including product development and digital solutions. This includes leveraging digital platforms and collaborating with third-party vendors to enhance trade finance offerings.

Establish and implement the strategic direction for Trade Finance in India, guiding the team to achieve established goals and objectives.

Job Responsibilities

• Team Leadership:

Lead and manage the trade finance team located in India, overseeing the execution, origination, negotiation, and documentation of trade finance deals, with a strong focus on Working Capital Trade solutions (ARP/SCF), conventional trade, structured trade, and FI trade within the APAC region, particularly for transactions related to India.

• Marketing and Customer Engagement:

Oversee the trade finance team's marketing initiatives and customer engagement strategies, targeting both Non-Japanese and Japanese corporate clients, including local APAC companies, subsidiaries of multinational corporations, and financial institutions operating in the Indian market.

• Trade Finance Solutions:

Provide comprehensive trade finance solutions that promote cross-regional collaboration across the APAC region and beyond, specifically tailoring offerings to meet the unique needs of the Indian market.

• Cross-Regional Solutions / Coordination and Collaboration:

Provide comprehensive trade finance solutions and promote business initiatives through cross-regional collaboration, ensuring effective coordination with Head Office departments and relevant divisions in Japan and the APAC region.

• Product Development:

Lead the development of innovative trade finance solutions customized for the Indian market, focusing on product development and the integration of digital solutions. Work collaboratively with third-party vendors to enhance and expand trade finance offerings.

• Strategic Planning:

Establish and implement the strategic direction for Trade Finance in India which is aligning efforts with Global and Regional strategies of the Global Trade Finance Department (GTFD) to expand the trade finance business.Guide the team in achieving established goals and objectives while ensuring alignment with broader organizational strategies and initiatives.

• Market Research and Analysis:

Conduct thorough research and analysis of customers, market trends, industry developments, and regulatory environments for India.

• Transaction Management:

Oversee the administration related to processing and executing deals, while supporting other team members to enhance customer service and maximize performance as a cohesive team within SMBC.

Job Requirements

• At least 13 years of relevant experience 
• Demonstrated strong leadership abilities with a proven track record in delivering innovative value to clients through trade finance products and solutions, in partnership with Relationship Managers (RMs), while ensuring alignment with market trends and the bank's strategic goals.
• A proactive approach to supporting colleagues and fostering teamwork within the organization, promoting a collaborative work environment.
• Exceptional communication skills, capable of effectively engaging with both internal and external senior stakeholders. Strong skills in managing remote team members.
• Extensive experience in trade finance marketing promotion, deal execution, origination, structuring, and documentation.
• A strong customer-centric mindset combined with an active marketing attitude to successfully engage with and meet client needs.
• Basic understanding of trade finance, trade markets, financial principles, and digitalization, particularly within the APAC region, with a specific focus on India.
• Proven ability to develop and implement marketing strategies for business promotion across various sectors for India.
• Strong willingness to learn about new cultures and internal bank regulations, along with the ability to adapt effectively within the team.
• Excellent English communication skills and proficiency in Japanese are essential, as the role involves regular collaboration with the Tokyo head office