Head of Trade Services (HKD80k base)

Charterhouse Partnership Asia; Hong Kong; Sur place; HKD 1 800 000 - 3 000 000; Plein temps

Résumé du poste

Charterhouse Partnership Asia in Hong Kong seeks a seasoned Team Head of Trade Services to lead its Trade Services Operations. Reporting to Head of Operations, this role demands deep trade finance expertise, a risk-aware mindset, and success transforming operations, digitization, and system migrations.

You will oversee end-to-end trade services, lead a sizeable team, manage key stakeholders, ensure compliance with regulatory standards, and drive efficiency and exceptional client service.

Qualifications

• Minimum 15 years of trade finance operations experience in banking.
• At least 5 years of team management leading sizeable operations.
• CDCS certification highly preferred.
• HKIB qualification preferred.
• Fluent in English and Chinese (Mandarin).

Responsabilités

• Lead and manage the Trade Services team in Hong Kong.
• Oversee Import/Export Letters of Credit, Collections, Documentary Credits, Trade Financing, Settlements, Amendments, Guarantees, and related activities.
• Drive performance through coaching, mentoring and talent development.
• Lead digital transformation and system migration projects.
• Ensure robust controls, regulatory compliance and risk management.
• Manage outsourcing arrangements and vendor relationships.
• Collaborate with Relationship Managers, Product, Compliance, Technology and senior management.

Connaissances

Team leadership

Stakeholder management

Digital transformation

Process improvement

Regulatory compliance

Operational risk controls

Vendor management

Trade finance knowledge

Communication skills

Formation

Bachelor's degree

Description du poste

Job description

Hong Kong | Banking Operations Leadership | Permanent

A leading international bank is seeking an experienced Team Head of Trade Services to lead its Trade Services Operations function in Hong Kong. Reporting to the Head of Operations, this is a strategic leadership opportunity for a senior professional with deep trade finance expertise, a strong risk and control mindset, and a proven track record in driving operational transformation, digitalization, and system migration initiatives.

The successful candidate will oversee end-to-end trade services operations, lead a sizeable team, manage key stakeholder relationships, and play a pivotal role in enhancing operational efficiency, customer service excellence, and regulatory compliance.

Key Responsibilities

Trade Finance Operations Leadership

• Lead and manage the Trade Services team, ensuring accurate and timely processing of all trade finance transactions.
• Oversee Import and Export Letters of Credit, Collections, Documentary Credits, Trade Financing, Settlements, Amendments, Guarantees, and related activities.
• Establish a high-performance culture through effective coaching, mentoring, and talent development.
• Drive operational excellence and continuous process improvement initiatives.

Digital Transformation & System Migration

• Lead trade operations participation in core banking system migration and digital transformation projects.
• Identify opportunities to streamline workflows through automation and process re-engineering.
• Drive the adoption of new digital tools and operating models to enhance scalability and service delivery.

Risk Management & Regulatory Compliance

• Ensure robust operational controls and governance across all trade finance activities.
• Maintain compliance with regulatory requirements, internal policies, and industry best practices.
• Provide oversight on operational risk, incident management, audit findings, and remediation actions.
• Ensure adherence to international trade finance standards including UCP600, ISBP, URR725, and URC522.

Vendor & Outsourcing Management

• Manage relationships with outsourced processing teams and service providers.
• Establish service standards, performance monitoring frameworks, and quality controls.
• Ensure effective communication and alignment between internal stakeholders and external partners.

Client & Stakeholder Management

• Act as the key escalation point for complex trade finance issues and high-value client matters.
• Partner closely with Relationship Managers, Product, Compliance, Technology, Operations, and senior management teams.
• Support business growth through strong client service and operational advisory capabilities.

Requirements

• Bachelor's Degree in Finance, Business Administration, Accounting, or a related discipline.
• Minimum 15 years of trade finance operations experience within Banking is a MUST.
• At least 5 years of team management experience leading sizeable operations function.
• Certified Documentary Credit Specialist (CDCS) is highly preferred.
• Certified Banker (HKIB) qualification is preferred.
• Strong expertise across:
  • Import & Export Letters of Credit
  • Documentary Credits
  • Trade Finance Processing
  • Collections
  • Trade Settlement & Financing
  • Operational Risk & Controls
• Demonstrated experience leading:
  • Core banking system migration projects
  • Large-scale operational transformation programs.
  • Digital transformation initiatives
  • Process automation and operational efficiency programs
• Proven experience managing outsourcing arrangements and offshore processing teams.
• Strong knowledge of ICC rules, including:
  • UCP600
  • ISBP
  • URR725
  • URC522
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
• Fluent in English and Chinese is a MUST, including Mandarin