Vice President HCMAP Planning

Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation; Singapore; On-site; SGD 120,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading financial services firm in Singapore is seeking a VP of HR. This role is pivotal in driving HR strategies aligned with business objectives in the APAC region. Key responsibilities include overseeing HR operations, managing stakeholder relationships, and leading transformation initiatives. The ideal candidate will have at least 3 years of HR experience in the banking sector, a Bachelor’s degree, and fluency in Japanese due to close coordination with Head Office in Tokyo. This is an exceptional opportunity for those looking to impact organizational growth in a multicultural setting.

Qualifications

• Minimum 3 years of relevant HR experience, preferably in banking or financial services.
• Exposure to HR planning and project management is a plus.
• Ability to communicate and influence effectively with senior management.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development and execution of HR strategies for APAC.
• Oversee HR operations and support transformation initiatives.
• Act as a key liaison with Head Office Tokyo and other stakeholders.

Skills

HR strategy development

Stakeholder management

Change management

Interpersonal skills

Fluency in Japanese

Education

Bachelor’s degree or higher

Job description

Human capital is a key driver for sustainable business growth. The HCMAP team aims to attract, retain, and develop strong talent to support SMBC’s business in the Asia Pacific Region (APAC).

The VP will play a pivotal role in designing, driving, and executing HR strategies and initiatives across the region, ensuring alignment with business objectives and supporting organizational transformation. This position will lead a team and act as a key partner to senior management and stakeholders in both regional and global contexts.

Strategic HR Planning & Execution

• Lead or assist in the development and implementation of HR strategies and plans aligned with APAC business needs.
• Drive and contribute to scalable and sustainable HR initiatives to build organizational capacity and support business growth.
• Champion employee engagement and culture initiatives to enhance productivity and retention.

Operational and Project Support

• Oversee day-to-day HR operations, ensuring effective execution and continuous improvement.
• Manage day-to-day HR tasks and ensure timely execution.
• Support HR transformation initiatives and process improvements.
• Assist in ad-hoc projects as needed.

Stakeholder Management & Collaboration

• Act as a key liaison with Head Office Tokyo (HR Department, Global HR, Global Banking Unit) and other regional/global stakeholders.
• Represent the APAC HR function in cross‑functional and global projects, ensuring regional perspectives are reflected.
• Support expert guidance to country HR teams and SMFG subsidiaries in APAC on Head Office policies and strategic initiatives.

Transformation & Change Leadership

• Lead or support HR transformation projects and process improvements.
• Drive change management efforts to support organizational transformation and new ways of working.
• Identify and address HR risks and opportunities proactively.

Ad-hoc Projects

• Support HCMAP members and senior leadership team on various strategic and operational projects as required.

Role Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree or higher.
• Minimum 3 years of relevant HR experience, preferably in banking or financial services, ideally with a managerial capacity.
• Exposure to HR planning, policy implementation, and project management will be an added advantage.
• Ability to communicate and influence effectively with senior management and diverse stakeholders.
• Experience working in a multicultural, regional organization. Collaborative mindset with good interpersonal skills.
• Fluent Japanese language skill is highly preferred, as the role requires regular communication with Tokyo Head Office and stakeholders whose main language is Japanese.
• Experience presenting to senior management in a Japanese organization is highly advantageous.