Who we are

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

Is the next step in your career at SMBC Group EMEA?
We are seeking a Director‑level Product COO to drive strategic product initiatives across Global Markets Fixed Income, with a focus on cash products spanning Credit and Macro Rates.

The role partners closely with Trading Desk Heads and the S&T Head of Product to define and deliver the strategic product roadmap. You will ensure trading platforms and technology solutions evolve to meet desk and client needs, while aligning with the broader S&T mid‑term strategy across AD and EMEA.

• Lead the definition and execution of the strategic product roadmap, aligned to the overall S&T strategy.
• Collaborate with global credit and rates trading teams and IT partners to ensure cross‑regional alignment and effective delivery.
• Champion simplification through a single flow per product, driving sustainability and operational efficiency across the combined AD/EMEA technology estate.
• Engage confidently with senior Sales and Trading management, providing clear, structured updates on priorities, progress and delivery.

• Strong understanding of credit and rates products, market structure, regulatory frameworks, trading technologies and key industry vendors.
• Proven experience developing and maintaining multi‑year product roadmaps, crafting robust business cases and socialising product vision with senior stakeholders.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively with Technology, Operations, Risk, Legal, Compliance and other control functions to shape solutions, manage constraints and deliver to market.
• Ability to translate trading desk requirements into clear technology deliverables and influence cross‑regional and cross‑functional teams.
• Assertive, credible communicator with strong interpersonal skills; self‑motivated, collaborative and able to influence outcomes while operating as part of a broader team.

Business Area

EMEA Fixed Income Credit and Rates department comprises Goverment Bond, Credit EM, and Structured Products traders based in London, supported by sales teams located across major european financial centres. The trading desk provides market-making services to a broad client base, including real money accounts and leading hedge funds. There is a clear strategy for combined technolodgy and client solutions across regions to better meet our client's needs and grow our franchise.

Position Description

• Product Strategy and Vision - Partner with desk heads to define and articulate a clear technolody vision aligned to desk priorities, S&T growth plans and the wider international strategy. Support buy vs build decisions, system decommisioning, IT resourcing and investment planning. Communicate strategy to senior management and incorporate feedback.

• Roadmap Development - Create, own and maintain the technology roadmap for the desk’s application suite. Communicate the roadmap to stakeholders and continuously re‑prioritise based on user feedback, desk strategy and business plans. Ensure alignment with S&T strategic objectives and drive a simplified, efficient operating model.

• Requirements and Prioritisation - Develop business cases, product vision and detailed requirements for new products and enhancements. Provide senior stakeholders with clear options and analysis on feature scope, sequencing and trade‑offs. Partner with the S&T Head of Product on prioritisation, communicate priorities to IT teams, and keep users informed of delivery plans. Maintain a strong understanding of end‑to‑end product flows across the technology stack.

• Cross‑Functional Collaboration - Represent desk interests in discussions with IT, architects, Quants/Strats and other forums. Work closely with Quants, project managers and business analysts to translate the roadmap into executable plans and oversee delivery. Engage senior IT management to identify skills, resourcing and investment required to meet business objectives.

• Performance Monitoring and Reporting- Define KPIs to measure product success. Gather post‑release user feedback and drive continuous improvement. Report progress against strategy and roadmap to desk heads, users and wider stakeholders, contributing to S&T book‑of‑work updates as required.

• Market Research and Analysis - Stay current on industry developments, electronic trading innovations, vendor platforms and competitor offerings. Understand client needs to drive innovation in the roadmap. Monitor market and regulatory changes, ensuring mandatory initiatives are incorporated into.

  
  

Competencies

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-bring 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!!