Managing Director, Strategic Planning (SMBC India Division)

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.

Strategy & Architecture (incl. Digital Transformation)

• Formulate and execute the Division IT strategy aligned with SMBC’s global architecture and business goals.
• Drive cloud migration, data governance, and automation tailored to India’s regulatory/operational landscape.
• Ensure interoperability of core applications (core banking, risk, compliance, finance, data platforms).

GRC (Governance, Risk, and Compliance), Security & Resilience

• Ensure compliance with regulations (e.g., RBI, SEBI) and SMBC policies/standards; maintain audit readiness and drive remediation.
• Establish and oversee IT risk frameworks, including incident response, change management, information security, and DR/BCP.
• Liaise with regulators and internal audit to ensure transparency and accountability of IT operations.

IT Portfolio, Delivery & Operations

• Approve and allocate the IT budget following the business budget.
• Approve, prioritize, and govern the project portfolio across selection, acquisition, development, rollout, and service transition.
• Define corporate plans, policies, and standards for acquiring, implementing, and operating IT applications; measure performance via SLAs/OLAs and KPIs.
• Ensure resilient service delivery and proactive incident/problem management; monitor trends and total cost of ownership and continuous improvement.

Organization & Ecosystem (GCC, Vendors, Talent)

• Leverage GCC scale/expertise for development, maintenance, and innovation.
• Optimize resourcing and delivery via cross‑functional collaboration; promote knowledge sharing across IT and non‑IT domains.
• Manage vendors and technology partners; negotiate contracts and SLAs aligned with strategy and regulatory standards; pursue master agreements.
• Lead direct/indirect teams (incl. vendor resources); recruit, develop, and retain talent; mentor future leaders; promote diversity & inclusion.

Stakeholder & Enterprise Management

• Report IT matters to the Head of Division and keep relevant SMBC Group site heads informed.
• Liaise with Tokyo Head Office, regional divisions, regulators, and internal audit to ensure transparency and alignment.
• Develop, track, and control annual OPEX/CAPEX; assess and communicate risks associated with IT investments.
• Define and monitor KPIs/KRIs; communicate progress and outcomes to executives; recommend organizational improvements or re‑engineering as needed.

Expectations and Measurement:

• Strategic Execution: Delivery of an IT roadmap aligned with business and regulatory goals; KPIs on performance, cost efficiency, and risk mitigation.
• Operational Excellence: High availability and resilience; proactive incident/problem management; audit readiness.
• Regulatory Compliance: Full adherence to local/global standards; effective engagement with RBI and relevant authorities.
• Vendor & Resource Management: Optimized vendor performance and cost; effective utilization of GCC and contract staff.
• Team Development: High performing team with clear development plans and succession readiness.

Requirements:

• 10+ years in Information Technology strategy, system planning, and governance within financial services in a global capacity
• Strong understanding of IT architecture and governance frameworks in a global organization
• Hands on experience with legal entity transformation in regulated markets.
• Familiarity with regional regulators (RBI, SEBI, FSA), knowledge of DR/BCP and information security controls.
• Proven cross functional and cross border leadership; vendor negotiation and portfolio governance.
• Japanese language proficiency is preferred for communication and coordination with Tokyo Head Office.