Executive Director, Senior Project Manager, Strategic Transformation Office

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.

Responsibilities

Strategic Transformation Leadership

• Lead the planning, execution, and delivery of strategic transformation initiatives aligned with SMBC's regional and global business objectives.
• Partner with senior business leaders to translate strategic priorities into executable programmes and project roadmaps.
• Develop comprehensive business cases, implementation strategies, operating models, and delivery plans to support transformational change.
• Drive front-to-back process improvements, digitalization initiatives, and operating model enhancements across multiple business and support functions.
• Identify opportunities to improve organizational effectiveness, productivity, client experience, and operational resilience through innovation and transformation.

Programme and Project Management

• Establish and manage project scope, objectives, deliverables, timelines, resource requirements, dependencies, and success measures.
• Lead large-scale, cross-functional programmes involving multiple stakeholders, workstreams, and implementation teams across APAC.
• Monitor programme performance through robust governance frameworks, KPIs, milestones, and benefit-tracking mechanisms.
• Ensure projects are delivered within approved scope, budget, quality standards, and timelines while proactively managing risks and issues.
• Drive disciplined project management practices and promote consistent delivery standards across transformation initiatives.

Governance, Risk and Control

• Establish appropriate governance structures and reporting frameworks to ensure transparency, accountability, and effective decision-making.
• Proactively identify, assess, and mitigate project and programme risks, ensuring timely escalation of critical issues to management and steering committees.
• Ensure transformation initiatives comply with regulatory requirements, internal policies, and risk management standards.
• Support management in evaluating strategic, operational, regulatory, and technology-related risks associated with transformation programmes.

Senior Stakeholder Management

• Build strong relationships with senior executives, business heads, functional leaders, and project sponsors across the organization.
• Facilitate executive steering committees, management forums, and governance meetings, providing clear reporting on progress, risks, dependencies, and key decisions.
• Influence stakeholders across diverse business and support functions to build consensus and drive successful outcomes.
• Act as a trusted advisor to senior management on transformation priorities, implementation considerations, and execution risks.
• Manage competing stakeholder interests while maintaining alignment to strategic objectives and delivery commitments.

Global and Regional Collaboration

• Represent APAC in global programme forums, governance committees, and transformation working groups.
• Partner with global teams to ensure alignment of strategic initiatives, operating models, governance standards, and best practices across regions.
• Contribute to the development of global transformation frameworks, methodologies, and operating standards.
• Drive consistency and standardization while balancing regional business requirements and regulatory considerations.

Change Management and Adoption

• Lead organizational change activities to support successful transformation outcomes and user adoption.
• Develop and execute stakeholder engagement, communication, training, and adoption strategies.
• Foster a culture of continuous improvement, innovation, and change readiness across the organization.
• Ensure realization of programme benefits through effective transition planning, operational readiness, and post-implementation reviews.

Digital Transformation and Innovation

• Champion the adoption of digital technologies, process automation, data analytics, AI, and emerging technologies to improve business effectiveness.
• Collaborate with technology, operations, and business teams to identify and implement innovative solutions that support strategic objectives.
• Evaluate opportunities to enhance data-driven decision-making and improve operational performance through technology-enabled transformation.

Requirements 

• Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Banking & Finance, Economics, Technology, Engineering, or a related discipline. Advanced degrees (MBA or equivalent) are advantageous.
• Approximately 10-15 years of experience within financial services, including significant exposure to corporate banking, transformation, change management, and project delivery.
• Proven track record of leading large-scale strategic, front-to-back transformation, digitalization, operating model, or process reengineering programmes.
• Experience managing complex initiatives involving business, operations, technology, risk, finance, compliance, and external stakeholders.
• Working knowledge of Agile, Scrum, Waterfall, and hybrid project delivery methodologies.
• Strong understanding of banking products, client journeys, risk frameworks, regulatory environments, and operational processes.
• Good appreciation of emerging technologies, including data analytics, artificial intelligence, automation, and digital platforms, and their application within the financial services industry.
• Demonstrated ability to engage and influence senior management, drive executive-level discussions, and build alignment across complex organizations.
• Ability to bridge strategic business objectives and technology implementation requirements.
• Strong collaborative leadership style with the ability to challenge constructively, build consensus, and drive change across diverse stakeholder groups.
• Strong project and programme management capabilities, including planning, execution, governance, risk management, budgeting, and benefits realization.
• Demonstrated experience leading complex strategic transformation initiatives within financial services.
• Deep understanding of change management methodologies and organizational transformation practices.
• Professional project management certifications such as PMP, PgMP, PRINCE2, Agile, Scrum Master, or equivalent are highly desirable.
• Proficiency with project and portfolio management tools and reporting frameworks.
• Exceptional communication, presentation, facilitation, and stakeholder management skills.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making capabilities.
• Ability to influence senior executives and drive alignment across diverse stakeholder groups.