Vice President of Global Trade Finance Department

Job Responsibilities:

Business Development & Deal Origination

• Identify and pursue new trade finance opportunities, including receivables, payables, and conventional trade flows.
• Originate and structure bespoke trade finance solutions in collaboration with marketing managers and product teams.
• Actively engage with clients to understand their needs and propose tailored solutions that enhance SMBC’s wallet share.
• Lead the preparation of pitch books and proposal materials, ensuring alignment with SMBC’s risk appetite and product capabilities.
• Lead or support client meetings and negotiations to drive deal closure and strengthen long-term relationships.

Sales Enablement & Execution Support

• Support front-line sales teams with market insights, product expertise, and customized proposals.
• Coordinate with internal departments (e.g., credit, operations, compliance) to ensure smooth execution of transactions.
• Prepare or coordinate credit applications and manage deal pipelines to achieve revenue targets.

Strategic Collaboration

• Work closely with the Head of TWCS to execute strategic initiatives aligned with SMBC’s trade finance growth objectives.
• Collaborate with regional and global teams to ensure consistent client experience and seamless product delivery across markets.
• Facilitate communication between internal planning teams and front-line sales teams to ensure strategic alignment.
• Contribute to internal planning discussions and provide feedback from client interactions to refine business strategy and product positioning.

Flow Banking Promotion

• Drive initiatives to promote deposit mobilization and FX transaction growth, enhancing SMBC’s funding base and supporting clients’ cross-border trade activities.
• Identify opportunities to integrate trade finance solutions with flow banking products to maximize client wallet share.
• Support country-specific campaigns and sales activities aimed at increasing deposit and FX penetration.

Job Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Business, Economics, or a related field.
• Minimum 5 years of experience in trade finance (strongly preferred), corporate banking, or a related area.
• Proven track record in sales, deal origination, and client relationship management.
• Strong understanding of trade finance products, market trends, and regulatory requirements in the APAC region.
• Excellent communication and negotiation skills, with the ability to engage effectively across departments and regions.
• Proficiency in English; Japanese language skills are a plus.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities, with keen attention to detail.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.

Flexibility to perform other ad hoc duties as assigned.