Job Summary

The Executive Director of Business Development and Strategic Alliances, SME Banking, is a key leader within the SME Banking division responsible for building a strategic ecosystem and cultivate effective partnerships. You will grow New-to-Bank (NTB) client referrals through alliances including the China Nexus and the Greater Bay Area (GBA)-linked small and medium enterprises (SMEs).  You will identify and leverage segment and industry-specific growth opportunities and champion innovative initiatives that underpin scalable business growth.

Key to success in this role is the management of multilateral relationships, deepening of cross-border collaboration, and a comprehensive approach towards client acquisition and onboarding, especially for SMEs with GBA and cross-border financial needs. You will oversee the end-to-end client journey management, ensuring exceptional customer experience under frameworks such as GBA One while consistently meeting profit and revenue key performance indicators (KPIs).

Day-to-day responsibilities will include business pipeline management, performance tracking, internal coordination across various functions, and leading a high-performing team dedicated to operational enablement and portfolio development. This leadership role demands a strategic mindset combined with hands-on management of client portfolios to facilitate sustainable business expansion in a dynamic and competitive environment.

Key Responsibilities

Strategy

Lead and direct teams of Relationship Managers to acquire new-to-bank accounts and strategic partners, and to grow and retain client portfolios—particularly across the Greater Bay Area (GBA). Drive delivery of agreed financial and non-financial outcomes by building a profitable SME franchise, contributing to overall team targets and optimising portfolio returns. Build strong partnerships across the coverage network and key stakeholders, including other RMs, team leaders, segment heads, Product, Risk, Compliance, and other support functions, to deliver a seamless client experience and sustained performance.

Business

Formulate and execute the country SME Banking business plan and implementation programmes in partnership with the Sales/Segment Head, translating strategy into clear priorities and measurable performance outcomes. Drive sustainable portfolio growth through new client acquisition and expansion of existing relationships, while managing performance against agreed financial and non-financial targets.

Set and communicate client, account and revenue goals for Relationship Managers, and ensure consistent delivery through regular monitoring, coaching and capability building in sales and relationship management. Work closely with branches, service channels, strategic partners and associations to improve workflows, seize global Chinese opportunities, increase NFI and attract high-quality NTB SME clients, with a focus on the GBA, and partner with Credit to improve turnaround times and strengthen credit discipline.

Processes

Drive continuous improvement in operational efficiency and process effectiveness, ensuring consistent, scalable systems and controls that support the safe execution of the business strategy. Maintain a strong operational risk and control framework, ensuring compliance with internal policies and applicable laws and regulations, including robust oversight of KYC, CDD and AML standards through quality checks, supervision and team capability building. Where applicable, act in a supervisory capacity for regulated activities, ensuring appropriate conduct across securities, insurance and MPF-related services, and fulfil EO/RO responsibilities by providing guidance and oversight in line with HKMA, SFO, AI and MPFA requirements.

Talent

Champion and role-model the Group’s values and culture, building a high-performing team capable of delivering the business’s short- and long-term objectives. Develop Relationship Manager capability, effectiveness and productivity through clear goal-setting, coaching and performance management, while fostering a collaborative environment where issues are surfaced early and resolved effectively.

Provide strong people leadership across resourcing and recognition, and demonstrate effective supervision in line with risk and control expectations. Ensure fairness, consistency and transparency in accountability and disciplinary decisions, uphold the highest standards of integrity and conduct, and supervise regulated activities as required to ensure compliance with the Bank’s Code of Conduct and delegated authorities.

Risk Management

Act as the first line of defence by maintaining a strong risk and control environment, with clear accountability and adherence to approved procedures. Embed risk awareness through regular team engagement, training and timely escalation of issues to ensure effective and consistent execution.

Key stakeholders

This role works closely with a broad range of internal stakeholders across SME Banking, CDD, Credit, Product, Operations, Financial Crime Risk, Compliance and other support functions to deliver client outcomes. In addition to clients, you will also engage with external parties including regulators and related industry bodies.

Skills and Experience

• Required banking certifications and extensive experience serving business, commercial and corporate clients, with cross‑border exposure an advantage
• Strong financial acumen with proven ability to assess creditworthiness, risk considerations and mitigants
• Demonstrated leadership capability, including driving transformation and managing change
• Deep understanding of market dynamics, competitors and client needs
• Strong product knowledge across trade, cash, lending and FX, with insight into local industries and supply/value chains
• Solid grasp of commercial banking operations, regulatory requirements and compliance standards
• Excellent communication and presentation skills, with the ability to engage senior stakeholders effectively
• Desirable competencies -  action oriented, collaborative, customer focus, instills trust, nimble learning.

About Standard Chartered

Standard Chartered is a leading international bank with a rich heritage spanning over 170 years. We leverage our global reach and deep market insight to make a positive difference for our clients, communities, and colleagues worldwide. Our culture values innovation, courage, and a commitment to doing the right thing, rooted in integrity and client-centric principles.

Our purpose is to drive commerce and prosperity through our unique diversity, and our brand promise, 'Here for good', reflects our dedication to sustainable impact. We cultivate an inclusive workplace where difference is celebrated, and all employees are empowered to realise their full potential.

Together, our valued behaviours encourage us to:

• Do the right thing: Act assertively and with integrity, placing clients at the heart of all decisions.
• Never settle: Pursue continuous improvement and innovation, learning from every experience.
• Be better together: Foster inclusivity and collaboration to build enduring success.

What we offer

What We Offer:

Aligned with our Fair Pay Charter, we provide a competitive compensation package alongside comprehensive benefits designed to support your wellbeing across mental, physical, financial, and social dimensions.

• Core bank funding for retirement savings alongside extensive medical and life insurance coverage, complemented by flexible and voluntary benefit options tailored to various locations.
• Generous leave policies including annual leave, parental and maternity leave up to 20 weeks, sabbaticals up to 12 months, and volunteering leave of 3 days, ensuring a minimum combined annual and public holiday entitlement of 30 days.
• Flexible working arrangements that balance home and office commitments with adaptable work patterns for a healthy work-life integration.
• Proactive wellbeing initiatives including access to Unmind, a leading digital wellbeing platform, resilience-building development courses, global Employee Assistance Programs, mental health first-aiders, and an array of self-help resources.
• A continuous learning environment that encourages professional growth, offering substantial opportunities for reskilling and upskilling via physical, virtual, and digital learning modalities.
• An inclusive and values-driven culture where diversity is valued and every team member is respected and empowered to thrive.