Audit Cross-Function Director

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. 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, SMBC Group has an international growth agenda and award-winning products, meaning we provide exciting opportunities to work on a diverse range of projects and initiatives.

We deliver a full suite of corporate finance products and solutions to our customers as well as investment banking and advisory services, and a range of innovative solutions in global capital markets. Read on to find out how you could enhance your skills and gain valuable experience, by joining us to support our clients transition to a sustainable future.

Role Summary

We are seeking an Audit Director (Operations) to join the Internal Audit Department (ADIA) in London. This role reports directly to the Audit COO (ACOO) and will support the operational strategy and its execution across EMEA audit functions. The Director will be responsible for driving operational excellence, shaping the department’s target operating model, and ensuring seamless delivery of audit operations. This position requires a leader who can balance strategic initiatives with operational rigor, fostering innovation and efficiency across the department.

Business Area

The Audit Department is an independent function comprising Internal Audit and Credit Review teams within SMBC Bank International plc, reporting to the Board Audit Committee. AD assesses the design and operating effectiveness of key controls across the organisation, delivering approximately 80 audit reports annually across EMEA. The Audit Business Operations function ensures the department operates efficiently, transparently, and in full compliance with internal and external standards.

Position Description

Reporting to the ACOO, the Audit Director will:

• Ensure delivery of the ongoing and new strategic initiatives to enhance audit operations, resource optimisation, and technology adoption.
• Support the annual audit planning cycle activities, risk assessments, departmental skills assessment and ensure alignment with organisational priorities.
• Ensure compliance with regulatory standards and enhancement of internal audit methodology within EMEA.
• Provide support and guidance to improve EMEA audit methodology and oversee the work of the QA team for timely delivery.
• Champion process improvements and automation to strengthen operational resilience.
• Support the operations team to ensure effective delivery of operational activities (MI reporting, vendor onboarding, system enhancements, expense approvals etc) across the Internal Audit Department in EMEA.

This role demands cross-regional coordination, and the ability to deliver transformational change in audit operations. The role will also have line management responsibilities.

Key Responsibilities

• Strategic Leadership: Support ACOO in effective execution of the operational strategy for Internal Audit across EMEA. Drive innovation in audit operations through technology, data analytics, and process automation.
• Operational Excellence: Support audit planning, scheduling, and resource allocation for optimal delivery. Support ACOO in monitoring audit delivery progress, QA, and Data Analytics activities, ensuring timely and high-quality outputs. Monitor KPIs and performance metrics to measure operational efficiency.
• Governance & Compliance: Maintain robust governance frameworks and ensure adherence to regulatory and internal standards. Oversee documentation management, including audit templates, policies, and methodologies.
• Stakeholder Engagement: Oversee the quality of MI being delivered to the Co-GMs for reporting to the Executive Committees, Board Audit Committees, and Head Office. Support Audit Partners and AICs by aligning operational priorities to their needs while improving efficiency within the department.
• Risk & Methodology: Work with the ACOO on the annual risk assessment process and ensure audit plans reflect emerging risks. Drive and support enhancements in audit methodology and QA processes.

Other Competencies

• Leadership Experience: Proven track record in leading operational teams within Internal Audit or related functions.
• Audit Expertise: Deep understanding of audit methodology, governance frameworks, and regulatory expectations.
• Operational Mastery: Expertise in managing complex planning cycles, resource optimization, and cross-regional operations.
• Data-Driven Decision Making: Strong analytical skills and proficiency in audit systems (e.g., Archer).
• Influencing Skills: Ability to engage and guide less experienced team members.

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

• 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, including those from groups often under-represented in financial services. We value the uniqueness of professional and personal backgrounds and perspectives as they play a vital role in continuing the sustainable growth of our organisation. We’ll ensure reasonable adjustments to our recruitment process are offered due to a disability or long-term condition whenever requested.