Head of Trade and Working Capital Solutions Data and Emerging Technology

Citi; London; On-site; GBP 100,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading financial institution in London is seeking a Head of Trade and Working Capital Solutions Data and Emerging Technology to lead data strategy and innovative technology initiatives. This senior position demands strong leadership and technical expertise, aiming to optimize operations and foster a culture of excellence. Ideal candidates will possess significant experience in data management and emerging technologies within the trade finance sector, offering a compelling opportunity to drive impactful solutions.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master’s degree in a quantitative field.
• Progressive experience in data management in financial services.
• Proven track record managing diverse teams.

Responsibilities

• Define and execute data and technology strategy.
• Manage product development and governance.
• Lead the integration of emerging technologies.

Skills

Exceptional leadership

Strategic and analytical skills

Client management

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Engineering, Finance

Master’s degree preferred

Tools

Blockchain

Data analytics platforms

Smart contracts

Job description

Overview

Head of Trade and Working Capital Solutions Data and Emerging Technology

Reporting to: Head of Trade and Working Capital Solutions

Job Description

Citi’s Services business operates in over 90 countries delivering a comprehensive suite of financial solutions including Payments, Liquidity, Cash Management, Working Capital, Investor and Issuer Services, crucial for enabling global commerce and client operations. Trade and Working Capital Solutions (TWCS) within the Services organization is a dynamic, high growth global business that provides critical services in Trade Finance, Payables Finance, Receivables Finance and Export Agency Finance to clients across the Corporate Bank, Banking and International and Citi Commercial Bank client segments.

Role Overview: The Head of Trade and Working Capital Solutions Data and Emerging Technology is a managing direct role responsible for leading the strategy and initiatives related to data and cutting-edge emerging technologies across the Trade and Working Capital Solutions business. This senior role is critical in driving innovation, business growth, optimizing operations, and establishing new business capabilities through advanced data practices and the adoption of transformative technologies, particularly in digitization of trade, digital assets and tokenized finance. The role is responsible for defining and executing a forward-looking, multi-year data and emerging technology strategy and roadmap for Trade and Working Capital Solutions, ensuring alignment with Services and the Bank's broader digital transformation and strategic objectives. The role will help manage the product development including technology book of work planning, governance and execution.

Core Responsibilities:

• A. Data Strategy & Execution: Data Management: Establish and enforce robust data governance, quality, and lifecycle management frameworks for all Trade and Working Capital Solutions data, ensuring accuracy, integrity, and compliance with regulatory standards.
• Data Analytics: Lead the development and implementation of advanced data analytics capabilities. Drive the extraction of actionable insights from complex datasets to optimize trade finance operations, identify new business opportunities, and enhance risk management strategies.
• Data Platforms & Engineering: Oversee the design, development, and maintenance of scalable, secure, and resilient data platforms and engineering solutions. Ensure these platforms effectively support the diverse data needs of the business, integrating both traditional and emerging data sources.
• Data Services: Develop and manage a comprehensive portfolio of data services to facilitate seamless data access, integration, and consumption across internal stakeholders and external partners, fostering a data-driven culture.

• B. Emerging Technology: Strategic Exploration & Integration: Drive the strategic identification, evaluation, piloting, and integration of transformative emerging technologies relevant to Trade and Working Capital Solutions.
• Digital Assets & Tokenization: co-Lead initiatives closely with the Product Heads related to the strategic adoption and integration of digital assets, including the tokenization of trade instruments and other assets, to enhance efficiency, liquidity, and transparency within trade finance ecosystems.
• Distributed Ledger Technologies (DLT) & Smart Contracts: Spearhead the assessment and deployment of DLT-based solutions, including smart contracts, for automating trade finance processes, improving data integrity, and enabling new operational models.
• Stablecoin Integration: Evaluate the potential and lead the integration of stablecoin solutions for cross-border payments, settlement, and other relevant use cases within the trade finance landscape.

This is a leadership position responsible for recruiting, mentoring, and leading a high performing and multidisciplinary team of data scientists, data engineers, blockchain specialists, technology innovators and product developers as well as fostering a culture of excellence, innovation, and continuous learning. The role requires operating effectively within a complex global matrix organization, building strong relationships and collaborating seamlessly with business units, product, operations and technology teams, legal, compliance, and risk departments across diverse regions to deliver integrated, high-impact solutions.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's or Master’s degree in Computer Science, Engineering, Finance, or a related quantitative field.
• Progressive experience in data management, data analytics, data platforms, digital products and emerging technologies, with substantial experience in financial services, ideally within trade finance or working capital solutions.
• Proven track record of managing and leading large, diverse, and geographically dispersed teams.
• Extensive experience successfully operating and delivering within a complex, global matrix organizational structure.
• Deep understanding of the trade finance industry, its data, technology, operational flows, and current and future challenges.
• Demonstrable expertise in and practical experience with emerging technologies such as blockchain, digital assets, tokenization, stablecoins, and smart contracts, including successful project implementations.
• Exceptional leadership, communication, and influencing skills, with the ability to articulate complex technical concepts to non-technical stakeholders and drive strategic initiatives across all levels of the organization.

Skills:

• Exceptional leadership, influencing, and execution in a complex matrix organization (regional and global).
• Superior strategic and analytical skills to translate insights into actionable business and product strategies.
• Outstanding execution and prioritization, managing dual mandates and delivering strategic agenda.
• Excellent client management, deal negotiation, and communication (written/verbal) skills at all senior levels.
• Superior organizational skills, managing competing priorities and complex portfolios.
• Commitment to Diversity, Inclusion, and Representation.

Qualifications and Education:

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent required; Master’s degree preferred.

EEO and Accessibility: Citi is an equal opportunity employer, and qualified candidates will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other characteristic protected by law. If you are a person with a disability and need a reasonable accommodation to use our search tools and/or apply for a career opportunity review Accessibility at Citi. View Citi’s EEO Policy Statement and the Know Your Rights poster.