VP, Project Manager, Strategic Transformation Office

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 7-10 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.