At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead data engagement strategies and promote a data-driven culture across the organisation.
- Company: Join SMBC, a top global bank with a commitment to diversity and innovation.
- Benefits: Enjoy hybrid working, competitive pay, and extensive learning opportunities.
- Other info: Be part of a dynamic team focused on continuous growth and cultural change.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by shaping data strategies that drive business success.
- Qualifications: Strong communication skills and experience in stakeholder management required.
The predicted salary is between 84000 - 126000 £ per year.
Who we are
Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation (SMBC) is a core member of Sumitomo Mitsui Financial Group (SMFG), a Tokyo-based bank holding company that is ranked among the largest 25 banks globally by assets under management operating in over 40 countries worldwide. SMBC Group has offices in 20 cities across Europe, the Middle East and Africa (EMEA) including its regional headquarters in London. SMBC's competitive advantages include:
- A strong client base with broad coverage of the Fortune 500
- Worldwide operations that enable us to provide clients with global solutions and that make SMBC the leading choice for US businesses expanding in Asia
- A solid balance sheet and conservative approach
We prize energy, enthusiasm, excellence, and entrepreneurship and aim to attract the highest calibre of staff to join our existing talent and to contribute to the dynamic environment which we have established. With a focus on staff development and creating continual career opportunities, we are committed to our mission of providing a challenging and professionally rewarding work environment for our employees. We operate a range of flexible benefits for our employees and are actively involved in Corporate Social Responsibility through a variety of workplace events and opportunities for staff to contribute to and be involved with the local community. As an employer, SMBC is dedicated to equality and values diversity within our workforce. SMBC group is a proud signatory of the HM Treasury Women in Finance Charter, and as equal opportunity employers, we welcome applicants from all backgrounds. We strongly encourage an inclusive environment that allows all our employees to be their true selves and fully thrive in their roles. Our culture is one of integrity and respect, where we welcome all input and accept it without judgement.
Role Summary
The Data Strategy Adoption Lead (VP) is responsible for shaping and delivering the engagement, communication which supports the adoption strategy for the Data Office. The role ensures that the strategy, data initiatives, services, policies, and products are clearly understood, effectively communicated, and embedded across the organisation to drive adoption, cultural change, and business value. The role plays a critical part in bridging the gap between the Data Office and the business, ensuring that data priorities are translated into clear, relevant, and actionable messaging for different audiences. It also acts as a catalyst for building a data-driven culture, promoting awareness, understanding, and trust in data across the organisation. Through structured engagement, consistent storytelling, and measurable adoption activities, the role helps ensure that investments in data capabilities are fully realised and aligned to strategic business outcomes. The role requires an ability to educate and convince stakeholders at all levels on the opportunities presented by data, as well as a clear understanding and articulation of the benefits it will bring.
Essential:
- Excellent stakeholder management and influencing skills, including at senior level
- Experience of developing and delivering engagement strategies and plans
- Strong written and verbal communication skills, with experience of building effective engagement materials and telling stories with data such as PowerPoint decks
- Proven experience in representing data into the business
- Experience operating in complex, matrixed organisations
- Ability to translate technical concepts into business-relevant outcomes
- Experience defining and tracking value and KPIs
- Passion for driving behavioural and cultural change
The anticipated salary range for this role is £84,000 - £126,000, 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.
Business Area
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 the bank, and it is a great opportunity to join us on this exciting journey.
Position Description
Engagement Strategy & Delivery
- Develop and execute a Data Engagement Strategy aligned to CDAO priorities
- Drive awareness and adoption of key data initiatives, including governance, data products, and data strategy
- Design and deliver structured engagement plans for different stakeholder groups (senior leadership, business users, data community)
- Establish and manage engagement channels (e.g. forums, roadshows, town halls, communities of practice)
Data Journey Storytelling
- Lead the creation of clear, consistent, and compelling data narratives
- Translate complex data concepts into business-friendly messaging
- Develop and maintain key artefacts (Data Office services, strategy, presentations, updates, dashboards, newsletters)
- Ensure alignment of messaging across the Data Office and into the broader organisation
- Working with EMEA Comms build and create external messaging that builds profile and attracts talent from within the Bank and externally
Stakeholder Management
- Act as a key interface between the Data Office and business stakeholders
- Build strong relationships with senior leaders, data owners, and business teams
- Tailor engagement approaches to meet the needs of different functions and regions
- Gather feedback and insights to continuously improve engagement effectiveness
- Drive engagement through 'Better Data' including targeted campaigns, events and business engagement across EMEA
Governance & Alignment
- Ensure communications support key data governance forums and decision-making processes (e.g. DMOC, EDC)
- Align messaging with policies, standards, and regulatory requirements
- Support consistent communication of roles, responsibilities, and accountabilities across the data operating model
- Leading reporting from Data Office pillars providing inputs to KPI measurement and business value
Invested and Engaged Team
- Lead team engagement initiatives (events, communications, collaboration forums)
- Representative on culture working groups and forums
- Promote an inclusive, purpose-led culture including social value and community impact
Enabling New Ways of Working
- Champion adoption of data and AI-enabled ways of working across the business
- Promote collaboration across data, technology, and business teams
- Embed agile, product-led, and user-centric approaches to data adoption
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-being 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!
About SMBC
A trusted partner for the long term United by a sense of purpose towards our customers - to be a trusted partner for the long-term - and our universal banking platform in EMEA, we deliver a full suite of corporate finance products and solutions to our customers, including corporate, structured and trade finance, leveraged finance, loan market and treasury products. We can also provide investment banking and advisory services and a range of innovative solutions in global capital markets.
Data Strategy Adoption Lead - SMBC in London employer: SMBC
At SMBC, we pride ourselves on being a forward-thinking employer that values diversity and inclusion, fostering a culture where every employee can thrive. Located in a dynamic environment, our team enjoys access to extensive professional development opportunities and the chance to work on impactful projects that drive sustainable growth. Join us to be part of a collaborative atmosphere that not only supports your career aspirations but also encourages you to bring your authentic self to work.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Data Strategy Adoption Lead - SMBC in London
✨Tap into Campus Networks
If you're still in uni, don’t forget to engage with your campus's career services and attend finance-related events. Banks often do presentations and recruitment drives on campus, so put yourself out there and make use of these opportunities to show off your passion for the field.
✨Get Certified
Consider pursuing relevant certifications like the CFA or ACCA while you’re job hunting. They not only beef up your CV but also connect you with professional bodies which can lead to networking opportunities and even job openings in banking and financial services.
✨Connect on Professional Platforms
Join finance-focused groups on platforms like LinkedIn and engage in discussions. This can really help you stand out from the crowd, allowing potential employers to see your knowledge and interest in industry trends. Plus, you might stumble upon job postings shared exclusively within the group.
✨Apply Directly and Be Proactive
Don’t shy away from reaching out directly to firms like SMBC. Use their websites and apply through them, but also consider following up with a polite email to express your enthusiasm. Being proactive can make a huge difference in getting noticed in the competitive financial services sector.
We think you need these skills to ace Data Strategy Adoption Lead - SMBC in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Numbers!:In the banking and financial services world, quantifiable achievements are key. Make sure your CV highlights your grades in relevant subjects, any financial certifications you hold, and specific projects where you've delivered measurable results. Employers love to see how your skills translate into real-world success.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to the Role:When applying for a full-time position, your cover letter should make a direct connection between your experience and the job description. Don't just state your enthusiasm for finance—dive into how your background in banking or financial analysis sets you apart. Let your passion shine through while being specific about what you can bring to SMBC.
Include Relevant Financial Software Experience:If you've worked with financial modelling tools or software like Excel, SAP, or specific analytical tools during your studies or internships, bring that up! Highlighting your proficiency can really make your application pop and show you're ready to hit the ground running in a full-time role.
Research and Reflect:Before hitting that 'apply' button on SMBC's website, do a little digging. Look up their recent projects, values, and culture. Reflecting their ethos in your application can make a huge difference and show you’re genuinely interested in being part of the team!
How to prepare for a job interview at SMBC
✨Brush Up on Financial Analysis Skills
Make sure you're well-versed in financial concepts and analytical techniques relevant to banking and financial services. Get comfortable with tools like Excel for modelling or financial forecasting, as technical questions in this area are common during interviews with SMBC.
✨Prepare for Case Studies
Expect to tackle case studies that demonstrate your problem-solving skills in real-world banking scenarios. Familiarise yourself with the types of problems you might face—think risk assessments or investment evaluations—and be ready to articulate your thought process clearly.
✨Show Your Passion for Finance
Since this is a full-time position, employers at SMBC will be keen to see your genuine interest in finance. Be prepared to discuss recent industry trends or news articles that excite you, showcasing your enthusiasm and engagement with the field.
✨Network with Industry Professionals
Before your interview, reach out to current or former SMBC employees on platforms like LinkedIn. They'll offer unique insights into the company's culture and the interview process, which can give us a delightful edge in showcasing a good fit for the team.