Executive Director, Head of Trade Services Section

Mizuho Bank, Ltd; Hong Kong; On-site; HKD 1,200,000 - 2,400,000; Full time

Job summary

Mizuho Bank, Ltd in Hong Kong seeks an Executive Director, Head of Trade Services Section to lead the day-to-day operations of the Trade Services Section, ensuring accurate processing of trade finance activities and strong risk controls.

You will drive digital transformation, core banking system migration, and collaboration with outsourcing partners while delivering proactive client support and business enablement.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Finance or related discipline.
• 20 years of trade finance operations experience, including at least 10 years in a supervisory/managerial role with strong leadership capability.
• Demonstrated experience in digital transformation projects, especially core banking system migration.
• Strong background in managing large teams and collaborating with outsourcing partners.
• In‑depth knowledge of trade finance products, processes and relevant regulations.
• Familiarity with ICC rules (UCP600, ISBP, URR725 and URC522 etc.) and international trade business model & product.
• Excellent leadership, communication and stakeholder management skills.
• A Certified Documentary Credit Specialist (CDCS).
• Certified Banker (HKIB) would be an advantage.
• Good command of both written and spoken English and Chinese, including Putonghua.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint.

Responsibilities

• Oversee daily operations of Trade Services Section ensuring accurate processing.
• Lead digital transformation and migration to core banking systems.
• Collaborate with outsourcing team on quality controls and risk management.
• Provide escalation support for complex client issues and partner with stakeholders.
• Monitor regulatory changes and lead cross-functional projects.

Skills

Operational Leadership

Team Management

Digital Transformation

Outsourcing Collaboration

Customer Service & Support

Change Management

Stakeholder Engagement

Regulatory Knowledge

Leadership & Communication

Regulatory Compliance

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Business, Finance or related discipline

CDCS Certification

HKIB Certification

Tools

Microsoft Word

Microsoft Excel

PowerPoint

Job description

Executive Director, Head of Trade Services Section

Trade Services Section ("TDS") is responsible for processing, checking, approval and monitoring the day‑to‑day operations of trade related transactions as well as the related risk control, such as L/C opening, L/C Advising, Confirmation, Transfer L/C, Import & Export documents checking, financing, Collection, settlement, irregular item investigation and periodic reporting.

Role Requirements

• Operational Leadership & Team Management: Oversee the daily operations of a professional team, ensuring timely, accurate and efficient processing of all trade finance activities. Set clear goals, provide coaching, foster a culture of high performance, accountability and continuous improvement. Delegate responsibilities and empower staff to participate in efficiency improvement projects, including Business Process Re‑engineering (BPR).
• Digital Transformation & System Migration: Lead and support the migration to new core banking systems and digital platforms, ensuring seamless transition and minimal disruption. Drive adoption of digital tools and workflows to enhance operational effectiveness, accuracy and scalability. Identify and implement process automation opportunities to support business growth and service excellence.
• Outsourcing Collaboration & Quality Control: Collaborate closely with the outsourcing team, establishing clear standards and monitoring the quality, controls and risk management of outsourced processes. Ensure effective communication and alignment between internal and external teams to maintain service quality and compliance.
• Customer Service & Business Support: Serve as the escalation point for complex or high‑impact client issues, providing expert advice and solutions to internal front‑office teams and external clients. Work proactively with relationship managers, product teams and clients to deliver tailored operational support and drive business opportunities. Consistently review and enhance internal controls to minimise operational, compliance and financial risks. Ensure all activities comply with regulatory requirements, internal policies and industry standards (e.g., AML, UCP, ISBP, URR725, URC522). Report suspicious transactions and operational incidents to management in a timely manner.
• Change Management & Stakeholder Engagement: Monitor regulatory, market and technological changes, recommending updates to policies and procedures as needed. Lead or participate in cross‑functional projects and ad‑hoc assignments to support strategic initiatives and organisational transformation. Achieve successful migration and adoption of core banking and digital systems within the team. Maintain high‑quality, timely trade finance processing with a strong risk and control environment. Collaborate effectively with outsourcing partners and internal stakeholders. Provide proactive customer support and contribute to business development.

Essential Functions

This position serves as the Section Head in TDS. Apart from managing the Section to accomplish overall duties and responsibilities (e.g., conduct daily operation, promote customer satisfaction and other administrative tasks in line with the Bank’s direction and regulatory requirements), this role will assist Management in administration and enhancement goals planning, setting and execution.

We are looking for an individual who has a growth mind‑set to make improvements for higher productivity and performance.

The individual should possess good leadership and people management skills and respect for and commit to high standards of business conduct and integrity in conducting operations, reporting and other duties.

Work Experience, Education and Skills

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Finance or related discipline.
• 20 years of trade finance operations experience, including at least 10 years in a supervisory/managerial role with strong leadership capability.
• Demonstrated experience in digital transformation projects, especially core banking system migration.
• Strong background in managing large teams and collaborating with outsourcing partners.
• In‑depth knowledge of trade finance products, processes and relevant regulations.
• Familiarity with ICC rules (UCP600, ISBP, URR725 and URC522 etc.) and international trade business model & product.
• Excellent leadership, communication and stakeholder management skills.
• A Certified Documentary Credit Specialist (CDCS).
• Certified Banker (HKIB) would be an advantage.
• Good command of both written and spoken English and Chinese, including Putonghua.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint.