About this role
SMBC: A trusted partner for the long term Here at SMBC Group, we want to help you find the next step in your career so read on to discover if this opportunity is the one for you. We like to recognise potential in our people, so we welcome your application even when your experience doesn’t perfectly align with the job description. Whilst we’ll always strive to be better, we’re proud of our inclusive culture, and encourage our applicants and colleagues to be their authentic, unique selves. 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 The purpose of the role is to provide independent Assurance of controls which mitigate non-financial risks. This role is key in driving the Assurance approach and strategy to support the Bank in enhancing its First Line of Defence (1LoD) risk & control capability regards non-financial risks (NFR). The Assurance Team is a new team established as part of the EMEA Control Office. The role holder is the owner of the Control Management & Assurance Framework (CM&AF) which was introduced in March 2026, and sets out the various Assurance methodologies. As this is a new discipline in SMBC a significant level of maturing will be required for the bank in terms of educating control owners regards designing controls in line with the CM&AF . Control Ownership and operation of controls resides across Front Office and Control Support Functions. The Assurance Team is based in Dublin, this role can be based in Dublin. Travel will be required between London and Dublin. The team is accountable for performing control design assessment and control operational effectiveness testing. Given the maturity of the bank there will be instances where the Assurance team may be required to act in an advisory role. The anticipated salary range for this role is €92,000 - €172,000, with the final offer determined based on the candidate’s skills, experience, role scope, location, and relevant market factors. In addition to base salary, the role may be eligible for a discretionary incentive award and a competitive benefits package, including core benefits such as pension provision. Business Area Position Description Driving the execution of Control Assurance activities applying a risk based approach to evidence the effectiveness of controls. This is key in enhancing the Bank’s 1LoD’s risk and control governance. Produce the annual control testing plan and execute on a timely basis, ensuring 3LoD and 2LoD have been engaged. Collaborating closely with control owners and control operators to enable effective understanding of process, risk and control relationship. Production of clear and concise reporting on control testing results- including design effectiveness and operating effectiveness. Collaborating closely with Business Control Officers to provide clarity on outcomes. Performing thematic reviews as required by management on an ad-hoc basis. Provide regular Governance updates to the 1LoD Control Forum, Operational Risk and Resilience Committee, and ExCo. Collaborating with the Control Office Governance Lead to ensure the Controls testing updates meet required standards. Ensure the Controls Management and Assurance Framework is reviewed annually and updated as required, engaging 2LoD and regional stakeholders. To succeed in the role, you’ll need to have: • Extensive experience in operating a Assurance / Control testing related roles and insuring management information packs provide the relevant information in a concise manner, providing transparency to management. • Business/Domain Knowledge - basic knowledge of Corporate and Investment Banking products and services. Familiarity with Risk Management frameworks (especially Non-Financial Risks and associated Controls) and an understanding of best practice in 1LoD-led governance of risks and controls. • Market Best Practice – strong awareness of industry best-practice for risk and control governance. Knowledge, Skills and Experience • Analysis. Good analytical skills and inquisitive mindset, able to analyse data to generate insight and recommend action. • Communication. Strong communication skills. Able to communicate effectively at all levels of the organisation. Able to convey complex topics simply and to articulate issues in a way that eases decision making and drives action. • Stakeholder Management. Ability to build positive and productive working relationships with stakeholders. Technical skills. Proficiency in data analysis tools and software (e.g., Excel, SQL, Tableau, Power BI). Good knowledge of emerging technologies to accelerate the control assurance outputs. In addition, the individual will also be responsible for: • Providing periodic and ad-hoc reporting to support the day-to-day management of the Bank’s control environment. • Supporting Business Control Officers with control design reviews when new controls are being designed. Competencies Customer Focus Driving Change Driving Results Embraces Diversity Enterprise Leadership Judgement and Decision Making Risk Management Strategic and Visionary Trust and Integrity 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!! We recognise our role as a bank to support social change and welcome all applications, including those from groups often under-represented in financial services. We value the uniqueness of professional and personal, backgrounds and perspectives as they play a vital role in continuing the sustainable growth of our organisation. We’ll ensure reasonable adjustments to our recruitment process are offered due to a disability or long-term condition whenever requested. We are committed to transparent and equitable pay practices. Compensation is determined using objective criteria, including skills, experience, and role responsibilities, and applied consistently throughout our recruitment processes. We do not request candidates' pay history and are committed to preventing unjustified pay disparities.