EMEA Early Careers Programme Manager - AVP/VP

Location: London, LND, GB

EMEA Early Careers Programme Manager - AVP/VP

10 Sept 2026

London, LND, GB, EC2M 2AT

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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

Is the next step in your career at SMBC Group EMEA? We’re looking for an EMEA Early Careers Program Manager join our team.

This is a strategic and hands-on early careers opportunity, responsible for driving alignment and regional consistency across Early Careers Program Management. Responsibility includes executing the end-to-end Analyst program construct, providing coaching support to the Analysts and managing their ongoing development by partnering with the Business, Learning Teams and HR business partners.

The anticipated salary range for this role is £78,000–£118,000, 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.

Position Description

Program Delivery & Experience Ownership

Own end‑to‑end delivery of the EMEA Analyst Program, acting as the single point of contact for all Analysts through the full 2‑year lifecycle.

Manage rotations, performance processes, engagement activities, learning experiences and final placements to ensure a consistent global program experience.

Learning & Development Management

Partner with the Global team, to design and manage the EMEA Analyst learning journey, informed by global program frameworks and business capability requirements.

Partner with Learning teams to evaluate, select and manage training vendors and ensure learning content remains relevant and high‑quality.

Stakeholder & Business Engagement

Partner with business leaders and HR Business Partners to define rotational opportunities, performance expectations and program success metrics.

Build strong relationships with business sponsors and working groups, ensuring Analyst development is aligned to business priorities and supported across the region.

Program Analytics, Reporting & Continuous Improvement

Produce and present program insights, data dashboards, performance themes, and ROI measures for business and global stakeholders.

Gather feedback continuously from Analysts, managers and stakeholders; implement iterative improvements to enhance experience and retention.

Global Collaboration & Cohort Experience

Collaborate with global Program Managers to ensure global consistency of Analyst experiences, including orientation, training, social events and communication flows.

Lead EMEA delivery of global initiatives such as Welcome Day, global orientation programs and cross‑regional Analyst networking activities.

Recruitment Handover & Onboarding Support

Partner with Recruiters on pre‑start engagement (“keep warm” strategy) to ensure smooth onboarding from internship or direct hire into the Analyst Program.

Skills and Experience

Proven experience in early careers, talent management and HR Business Partner.

A track record of project managing and implementing large complex talent / early career programs.

Strong stakeholder management skills including the ability operate effectively within a matrix structure across all levels, internally and externally.

Creative thinker with experience designing and implementing attraction and assessment strategies aligned with business goals.

A change agent with an agile approach who has an ability to operate across regional lines, drive consensus and influence outcomes.

Results oriented professional who drives outcomes to successful conclusion in a timely manner.

Able to build trust, be credible and ‘hold their own’ at different levels, within and outside the organization.

Consultative style along with the determination and patience to achieve results.

Constructively critical with the desire to drive continuous improvement.

Excellent project management skills

Strong understanding of diversity and inclusion principles and ability to integrate them into recruitment strategies.

Willingness to travel as required and a solid understanding of the current recruitment landscape.

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 perspective