SMBC Group is a top-tier global financial group. Headquartered in Tokyo and with a 400-year history, SMBC Group offers a diverse range of financial services, including banking, leasing, securities, credit cards, and consumer finance. The Group has more than 130 offices and 80,000 employees worldwide in nearly 40 countries. Sumitomo Mitsui Financial Group, Inc. (SMFG) is the holding company of SMBC Group, which is one of the three largest banking groups in Japan. SMFG’s shares trade on the Tokyo, Nagoya, and New York (NYSE: SMFG) stock exchanges.
In the Americas, SMBC Group has a presence in the US, Canada, Mexico, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, and Peru. Backed by the capital strength of SMBC Group and the value of its relationships in Asia, the Group offers a range of commercial and investment banking services to its corporate, institutional, and municipal clients. It connects a diverse client base to local markets and the organization’s extensive global network. The Group’s operating companies in the Americas include Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corp. (SMBC), SMBC Nikko Securities America, Inc., SMBC Capital Markets, Inc., SMBC MANUBANK, JRI America, Inc., SMBC Leasing and Finance, Inc., Banco Sumitomo Mitsui Brasileiro S.A., and Sumitomo Mitsui Finance and Leasing Co., Ltd.
The anticipated salary range for this role is between $223,000.00 and $255,000.00. The specific salary offered to an applicant will be based on their individual qualifications, experiences, and an analysis of the current compensation paid in their geography and the market for similar roles at the time of hire. The role may also be eligible for an annual discretionary incentive award. In addition to cash compensation, SMBC offers a competitive portfolio of benefits to its employees.

QUALIFICATIONS AND SKILLS

Qualifications and Skills

• Strategic thinker with the ability to translate vision into actionable plans.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to generate insights and develop effective strategies.
• Self-motivated and resilient, with a high degree of initiative.
• Comfortable navigating ambiguity and complex organizational dynamics.
• Exceptional interpersonal and leadership skills, with the ability to influence and engage stakeholders at all levels.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (eg,Word, Excel, PowerPoint).

Work Experience:

• Minimum 15 years of experience in leveraged finance or corporate finance portfolio management at a leading financial institution.
• Deep understanding of credit analysis and associated legal documentation.
• Strong knowledge of regulatory frameworks, including regulatory risk rating classifications.
• Proven track record in managing and mentoring professional teams.
• Prior workout experience is a plus.

Education:

• Required: MA, MS, or MBA in Finance, Accounting, Business Administration, or a related field.
• Formal credit training is preferred.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

SMBC’s employees participate in a Hybrid workforce model that provides employees with an opportunity to work from home, as well as, from an SMBC office. SMBC requires that employees live within a reasonable commuting distance of their office location. Prospective candidates will learn more about their specific hybrid work schedule during their interview process. Hybrid work may not be permitted for certain roles, including, for example, certain FINRA-registered roles for which in-office attendance for the entire workweek is required.
SMBC provides reasonable accommodations during candidacy for applicants with disabilities consistent with applicable federal, state, and local law. If you need a reasonable accommodation during the application process, please let us know at accommodations@smbcgroup.com

ROLE DESCRIPTION

SMBC Special Credits Group is seeking an Executive Director to lead the Corporate Product Team. This is a key leadership role reporting to the Head of Special Credits, responsible for managing a portfolio of substandard or lower-rated corporate and LBO transactions transferred from the Front Offices, leading a team of 8–10 professionals, and driving strategic initiatives within the group.

ROLE OBJECTIVES: DELIVERY

Role Responsibilities:

The Corporate Product Team Head will be responsible for:

• Leading the team with accountability, identifying early signs of credit deterioration, and recommending appropriate exposure management strategies.
• Facilitating timely and coordinated discussions with internal stakeholders.
• Collaborating with restructuring advisors and guiding the team in effectively communicating, influencing, and negotiating with internal and external stakeholders to secure optimal loan structures and documentation that minimize losses.
• Overseeing accurate and timely reporting of reserve estimates (JGAAP and US GAAP) and updates on accrual/non-accrual status.
• Preparing periodic reports and account-level information for senior management, and proactively escalating credit, operational, or event-driven risks as appropriate.
• Ensuring compliance with internal policies, external regulations, and industry best practices.
• Driving strategic initiatives and transformation efforts within the Special Credits Group, including operational process documentation, policy and procedure readiness, and the development of operational metrics and monitoring frameworks.
• Attracting, developing, and retaining top talent, while fostering a collaborative, high-performance culture grounded in transparency, agility, and continuous improvement.