The posting
The Executive Director, Senior Project Manager role within the APAC Strategic Transformation Office (STO) is responsible for leading and delivering strategic transformation initiatives that support SMBC's regional and global priorities. The role provides executive leadership across the full project lifecycle, from strategy formulation and business case development through execution, governance, stakeholder alignment, and realization of business benefits.
As a key member of the STO, the incumbent will partner closely with senior management, business leaders, technology teams, operations functions, and global stakeholders to drive complex, cross-functional transformation programmes that enhance operational efficiency, strengthen risk and control frameworks, improve client outcomes, and support the Bank's digital and business transformation agenda.
The role requires a strong combination of strategic thinking, project execution excellence, regulatory awareness, stakeholder management, and change leadership to deliver sustainable business outcomes across the APAC franchise.
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.
Qualifications
- 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.
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.
Leadership Expectations
- Demonstrate executive presence, strategic thinking, and sound judgment in managing complex transformation initiatives.
- Operate as a trusted partner to senior management and business leaders.
- Lead with accountability, integrity, and a continuous improvement mindset.
- Inspire confidence across stakeholders while driving measurable business outcomes.
- Foster collaboration across regional and global teams to deliver transformational value to the organization.
