Trade Finance Processing Section Head

As Singapore's longest established bank, we have been dedicated to enabling individuals and businesses to achieve their aspirations since 1932. How? By taking the time to truly understand people. From there, we provide support, services, solutions, and career paths that meet their individual needs and desires.

 Today, we're on a journey of transformation. Leveraging technology and creativity to become a future-ready learning organisation. But for all that change, our strategic ambition is consistently clear and bold, which is to be Asia's leading financial services partner for a sustainable future.

 We invite you to build the bank of the future. Innovate the way we deliver financial services. Work in friendly, supportive teams. Build lasting value in your community. Help people grow their assets, business, and investments. Take your learning as far as you can. Or simply enjoy a vibrant, future-ready career.

Your Opportunity Starts Here.

Title: Trade Finance Processing Section Head

Description: Trade Finance Processing Section Head – Bank Guarantee & Trade Documentary Checking Unit

Job Summary

We are seeking an experienced and dynamic leader to head the Bank Guarantee and Trade Documentary Checking Unit within Trade Finance Operations. The Section Head will manage a team responsible for processing Bank Guarantees, Standby Letters of Credit (SBLC), and Trade Documentary Checking. This role requires strong leadership, strategic oversight, and deep knowledge of trade finance instruments, banking regulations, and international trade practices. The candidate must also have experience handling trade service requests and managing stakeholders across multiple regions and ensuring service delivery within SLA with a strong customer service mindset and commitment to quality and accuracy.

Key Responsibilities

1. Leadership & Team Management

• Lead and manage Team Leads and their teams, ensuring alignment with departmental goals.

• Provide coaching, mentoring, and career development for Team Leads and staff.

• Drive team performance through clear KPIs, succession planning, and talent development.

• Foster a culture of collaboration, accountability, and continuous improvement.

2. Strategic Oversight

• Oversee end-to-end processing of Bank Guarantees, SBLC, and Trade Documentary Checking

• Ensure service delivery within agreed SLAs, maintaining high standards of accuracy and customer satisfaction.

• Develop and implement strategies to enhance operational efficiency and customer experience.

3. Governance & Compliance

• Ensure full adherence to internal policies, AML/TBML regulations, URDG, ISP, and UCP guidelines.

• Collaborate with compliance, legal, and risk teams to address complex issues and mitigate operational risks.

4. Stakeholder Management:

• Act as the primary point of escalation for internal and external stakeholders.

• Manage relationships with stakeholders across regions and multiple company locations to ensure seamless service delivery.

• Build strong relationships with clients, relationship managers, and correspondent banks to support business growth

5. Risk & Performance Management

• Identify, assess, and mitigate risks associated with bank guarantee and documentary trade transactions.

• Monitor outstanding guarantees and ensure timely renewals or cancellations.

• Prepare and present performance reports to senior management.

6. Process Innovation:

• Drive continuous improvement initiatives to streamline workflows and leverage automation where possible.

• Champion best practices and digital transformation within the unit.

Education:

• Bachelor's degree in Banking & Finance, Business Administration, or related field.

Experience:

• Minimum 5 years of experience in team management, including managing Team Leads and large operational teams.

• Strong expertise in Bank Guarantees, Documentary Trade Checking, Letters of Credit, and handling trade service requests.

• Proven track record in managing stakeholders across regions and multiple company locations.

• Demonstrated ability to lead teams and deliver operational excellence within SLA and quality standards.

Skills & Competencies:

• Exceptional leadership and people management skills, including managing managers.

• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making abilities.

• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.

• Customer service mindset with focus on accuracy and quality.

• Proficiency in trade finance systems and Microsoft Office Suite.

Industry Certifications (Added Value):

• CTFP (Certified Trade Finance Professional)

• CITF (Certificate in International Trade and Finance)

• CDCS (Certified Documentary Credit Specialist)

• CSDG (Certificate for Specialists in Demand Guarantees)

Competitive base salary. A suite of holistic, flexible benefits to suit every lifestyle. Community initiatives. Industry-leading learning and professional development opportunities. Your wellbeing, growth and aspirations are every bit as cared for as the needs of our customers.