Data Product Management Lead Director - SMBC

SMBC: A trusted partner for the long term

Here at SMBC Group, we want to help you find the next step in your career so read on to discover if this opportunity is the one for you. We like to recognise potential in our people, so we welcome your application even when your experience doesn't perfectly align with the job description. Whilst we'll always strive to be better, we're proud of our inclusive culture, and encourage our applicants and colleagues to be their authentic, unique selves.

Who we are

The EMEA Data Office was established in 2022 within the Operations, Planning and Data Department and is responsible for building out the Bank's data capabilities across all EMEA entities and all datasets.

The Data Office initially concentrated on building foundational governance through improved Data Architecture, Data Management and Data Quality but is ultimately committed to exploiting data more effectively and innovatively across SMBC, to drive new ways of working and improved business outcomes. Our Data Strategy defines a vision for a data-enabled organisation and sets out the strategic outcomes that data must support across the bank. We will continue to evolve the strategy while prioritising key foundational initiatives and business priorities for the next financial year.

We are driving data-led transformation through EMEA as well as aligning to the delivery of global capabilities, and it is a great opportunity to join us on this exciting journey.

Role Summary

The Data Products Delivery and Governance Lead is a new role responsible for setting the vision around how data products are delivered to add value to the organisation. The incumbent will ensure data products are:

• business-aligned
• appropriately prioritised
• delivered effectively
• governed appropriately
• well-documented
• trusted and controlled
• adopted and delivering value.

The role will work closely with colleagues across the EMEA Data Office, IT, and business functions ensuring consistency of delivery and governance, coordinating oversight, controls, and reporting, as well as driving cross-product operating discipline.

This role sits in a new pillar of the Data Office, and therefore there is significant opportunity for this role holder to shape the future of Data Products in EMEA.

The candidate must be willing to challenge the status quo in an empathic manner, while helping the wider Data Office team to have an ethos of openness and transparency that will help us nurture real business innovation.

If you want to make a real difference, and not just in one team but across the entire bank, we would love to speak to you.

The anticipated salary range for this role is £108,000 - £162,000 with the final offer determined based on the candidate's skills, experience, role scope, location, and relevant market factors. In addition to base salary, the role may be eligible for a discretionary incentive award and a competitive benefits package, including core benefits such as pension provision.

knowledge, Skills, Experience & Qualifications

Essential:

• Proven experience of driving data products with the business
• Strong communication skills, with ability to engage stakeholders across business, data and technology
• Experience in data delivery / programme delivery
• Understanding of data product operating models
• Good knowledge of data quality, metadata, lineage, and control frameworks
• Experience operating in complex, matrixed organisations
• Ability to translate technical concepts into business-relevant outcomes

Desirable:

• Experience working in regulated frameworks, ideally financial services
• Understanding of AI, data tooling, and analytics ecosystems
• Knowledge of emerging trends and issues within the data landscape

Background

The EMEA Data Office was established in 2022 within the Operations, Planning and Data Department and is responsible for building out the Bank's data capabilities across all EMEA entities and all datasets.

The Data Office initially concentrated on building foundational governance through improved Data Architecture, Data Management and Data Quality but is ultimately committed to exploiting data more effectively and innovatively across SMBC, to drive new ways of working and improved business outcomes. Our Data Strategy defines a vision for a data-enabled organisation and sets out the strategic outcomes that data must support across the bank. We will continue to evolve the strategy while prioritising key foundational initiatives and business priorities for the next financial year.

We are driving data-led transformation through EMEA as well as aligning to the delivery of global capabilities, and it is a great opportunity to join us on this exciting journey.

Competencies

Customer Focus

Driving Change

Driving Results

Embraces Diversity

Enterprise Leadership

Judgement and Decision Making

Risk Management

Strategic and Visionary

Trust and Integrity

What we offer

For all the expertise and experience you bring to help us make a difference, it's only sustainable if we support you to build your career and be your best self so we offer competitive company benefits, centred around promoting positive well-bring and work-life balance. We also believe in fostering a diverse and inclusive work environment, where all team members perspectives and contributions are valued. Initiatives in place which promote a diverse and inclusive culture and healthy work life balance include hybrid working, Sport & Social Clubs and Diversity and Inclusion networks.

As an employee of SMBC you have access to a host of both useful and exciting benefit offerings. See below some of the benefits on offer to you:

• Hybrid and flexible working
• Competitive paid leave days
• Benefits to support your physical wellbeing, including private medical insurance and life and invalidity insurance
• Various policies to support your mental wellbeing, including a robust behavioural health network with counselling and coaching services
• Access a wide range of learning and development opportunities and career progression opportunities
• Ambitious remuneration package

So, if you like a challenge and want to continuously grow and develop in a role where you will be supported along the way by a dynamic and diverse team, apply today!!

We recognise our role as a bank to support social change and welcome all applications, includ