Job Description

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 $171,000.00 and $260,000.00. 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.

Role Description

We are seeking an experienced and visionary Head of Data Technology to lead the strategy, development, and delivery of enterprise data platforms supporting our global markets business. This role is critical in enabling high-quality, scalable, and compliant data solutions across trading, risk, and operations.

Role Objectives

• Define and execute a comprehensive data technology strategy aligned with the bank’s business and regulatory objectives.
• Oversee the architecture, development, and maintenance of platforms supporting Reference Data, Market Data, Security Data, and related domains.
• Ensure systems are scalable, resilient, and compliant with data governance and regulatory standards.
• Champion modernization initiatives across data platforms and practices.
• Build, mentor, and manage a high-performing team of data engineers, architects, and technical leads.
• Foster a culture of innovation, accountability, and continuous improvement.
• Demonstrate leadership that emphasizes collaboration, transparency, accountability, and clear communication.
• Drive talent development and succession planning across the data technology organization.
• Lead the development and maintenance of enterprise data warehouses, data lakes, and data layers.
• Ensure high availability, performance, and reliability of data platforms.
• Promote best practices in data engineering, including modular architecture, metadata management, and data quality frameworks.
• Leverage modern cloud platforms such as AWS, Azure, and other large-scale data technologies to deliver scalable solutions.
• Collaborate with infrastructure and middleware teams to ensure seamless integration and optimal performance of data platforms.
• Drive modernization efforts including cloud adoption, containerization, and microservices architecture.
• Ensure data platforms support real-time and batch processing needs across the enterprise.
• Build strong relationships with business leaders, technology peers, and enterprise partners to drive alignment and progress.
• Partner with risk, compliance, and operations to understand priorities and deliver impactful data solutions.
• Act as a liaison between technology and business stakeholders to ensure alignment and effective communication.
• Manage relationships with external vendors and technology partners.
• Stay abreast of industry trends in data architecture, analytics, and regulatory technology.
• Drive innovation by exploring new tools, technologies, and methodologies to enhance data capabilities.
• Lead initiatives to improve data accessibility, reduce operational risk, and enhance decision-making.
• Apply SAFe (Scaled Agile Framework) principles to improve delivery efficiency and cross-team collaboration.

Qualifications and Skills

• 15+ years of experience in data technology leadership roles, with deep expertise in enterprise data platforms.
• Proven track record of delivering complex data solutions in a global financial services environment.
• Strong understanding of Reference Data, Market Data, Security Data, and data governance principles.
• Experience with cloud platforms such as AWS, Azure, and large-scale data technologies.
• Familiarity with SAFe or other scaled agile methodologies.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and stakeholder management skills.
• Ability to build strong relationships across business, technology, and enterprise functions to drive transformation and modernization.
• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or related field; Master’s degree 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.

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