Director, Talent & Partnership Management

Responsibilities Data Capability & Organisational Enablement Define APAC’s data capability strategy aligned with DMO priorities, business requirements and the future-state operating model. Develop strategic capability roadmaps to address priority gaps across Data Management, Data Governance, Data Quality, Analytics and Data Platforms. Establish role-based capability frameworks, proficiency expectations and maturity measures across priority data disciplines. Strengthen specialist data capabilities and talent pipelines through targeted professional development, accreditation, knowledge transfer and access to subject-matter expertise. Partner with Human Resources and business leaders to translate future data capability requirements into workforce development and organisational readiness priorities. Advise senior management on critical data capability gaps, emerging practices, workforce risks and investment priorities. Data Culture, Literacy & Adoption Define and deliver APAC’s Data Culture, Literacy and Adoption roadmap, aligned with CDAO priorities and relevant Group direction. Lead enterprise data literacy and role-based enablement initiatives that strengthen practical data proficiency. Promote data accountability, trusted data practices and data-driven decision-making across APAC. Establish communities of practice, champion networks and knowledge-sharing mechanisms that support sustained capability and adoption. Develop and track measures covering capability maturity, behavioural adoption, business application and realised value. Strategic Partnerships & Ecosystem Development Define and execute APAC’s partnership strategy to advance data capability, specialist talent development and broader data transformation priorities. Build and leverage strategic relationships and external ecosystems across government, regulators, industry, academia and capability partners to access specialist expertise, accelerate knowledge exchange and unlock new capability opportunities. Establish the strategic objectives, governance and success measures for key partnerships, ensuring clear accountabilities and demonstrable value. Represent SMBC in key external engagements, strengthening strategic relationships and positioning the Bank within the broader data ecosystem. Requirements Bachelor’s degree or equivalent professional experience in Business, Technology, Computer Science, Data & Analytics, Engineering, Information Systems or a related discipline. Minimum 10–15 years of relevant experience in data transformation, data capability strategy, organisational enablement or enterprise data adoption, including leadership responsibility within a complex regional or global organisation. Demonstrated experience operating within, or in close partnership with, a Data, Analytics or Technology function, with sufficient data-domain knowledge to shape credible capability and adoption priorities. Strong working knowledge of Data Management, Data Governance, Data Quality, Analytics and Data Platforms. Demonstrated experience translating data strategy, operating-model requirements and capability gaps into practical capability and adoption interventions. Proven experience leading enterprise data capability, literacy, enablement or adoption programmes with measurable outcomes. Strong experience influencing senior stakeholders across business, technology, risk and data functions. Ability to establish effective governance, develop integrated roadmaps and deliver outcomes through a complex, matrixed organisation. Strong consulting and advisory capabilities, with the ability to translate strategic priorities into practical interventions and measurable outcomes. Financial services, technology, consulting or another regulated industry. Experience working across multiple APAC markets and cultures. Experience engaging government agencies, regulators, industry associations, academic institutions or professional ecosystems. Experience developing and managing strategic partnerships and outcome-based programmes. Experience managing programme budgets, external partners and commercial arrangements. Strategic data capability leadership Executive stakeholder management and influence Organisational enablement and adoption leadership Strong consulting and advisory orientation Partnership development and external representation Commercial judgement and outcome orientation Ability to lead across organisational and functional boundaries Strong communication and thought leadership