Data Business Partner

Role 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 Chief Data & Analytics Office (CDAO) at SMBC Americas Division is driving a transformative data and analytics strategy as part of a multi-year effort to build out leading data capabilities across the firm. This includes enterprise-wide initiatives in data governance, data management, and regulatory compliance, with a focus on key areas such as BCBS 239, Risk, Compliance, RWA, and Liquidity reporting. 

We are seeking an experienced and strategic Executive Director of Data Business Partnerships to serve as the primary liaison between the CDAO and key business and functional units—including Risk, Finance, Compliance, and the Front Office. This is a high-impact, hands-on leadership role responsible for aligning data initiatives with business priorities and delivering integrated, front-to-back data solutions. 

Role Objectives

•    Strategic Partnership & Advisory 
Act as a trusted advisor to senior leaders across business and functional areas. Champion the CDAO’s capabilities and ensure alignment of data initiatives with enterprise and business/function goals. 
•    Solution Delivery 
Lead the resolution of the complex execution blockers. Engage with cross functional stakeholders to implement process and technology solutions. 
Drive the build out and adoption of new data Lakehouse repository to support firm wide data needs
Lead data sourcing workstream for prioritized data related projects 
•    Program Intake Management 
Oversee the intake and prioritization of data initiatives. Maintain a clear and actionable book of work that reflects business needs and regulatory requirements. 
•    Stakeholder Engagement & Governance 
Drive adoption of data governance frameworks by partnering with data owners, stewards, and technology teams. Ensure consistent implementation of policies and standards. 

Qualifications and Skills

• Minimum 10 years of experience in data governance, program delivery, or change management, with at least 5 years in a leadership capacity. 

• Proven success managing complex, cross-functional programs in large financial institutions. 

• Deep understanding of data governance principles, tools, and regulatory frameworks. 

• Strong knowledge of financial products, risk management, and regulatory reporting (e.g., BCBS 239, RWA, CCAR, Liquidity). 

• Exceptional communication, stakeholder management, and influencing skills. 

• Demonstrated ability to build strong relationships and drive collaboration across diverse teams.