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