Fin Crime Project Manager - SMBC1JP

We are seeking a skilled and inclusive Project Manager with specialist knowledge in Financial Crime and Trade Sanctions to lead and deliver high-impact regulatory and risk mitigation initiatives. This role involves managing complex projects across multiple departments and regions, ensuring compliance with evolving sanctions regimes and industry best practices.

About the Team

The Transformation Change Management Group (TCMG) is a centre of excellence for project, programme, and portfolio management. It provides strategic oversight, governance, and delivery of change initiatives across the organisation. The team is made up of professionals from diverse backgrounds, working collaboratively on complex, regulatory-driven, and strategically important projects.

TCMG promotes a culture of continuous learning, inclusion, and professional development. We welcome individuals who bring different perspectives and experiences to help us deliver meaningful change.

Scope of Role

• Accountable for project budgets
• Project durations range from 6 months to 2 years
• Manages up to 10 workstream leads and 0-2 contractors or subject matter experts
• Operates across multiple regional offices with varying regulatory requirements
• Interfaces with senior stakeholders including project sponsors and governance committees
• May manage multiple concurrent projects with differing priorities and deliverables

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the full lifecycle of financial crime-related projects
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams across regions to deliver project outcomes
• Develop and maintain project documentation including business cases, regulatory requirements, roadmaps, budgets, and testing plans
• Ensure governance, transparency, and compliance throughout project execution
• Escalate risks and issues appropriately, with clear mitigation strategies
• Deliver project benefits and ensure successful transition to business-as-usual operations
• Promote inclusive team practices and foster a collaborative working environment

Candidate Profile

Education & Qualifications:

• Degree-level education or equivalent specialist knowledge
• Project management certification (e.g. PMP, APM) preferred

Skills & Attributes:

• Strong understanding of trade sanctions, particularly in trade finance and cross-border transactions
• Experience with sanctions screening, risk assessment, and escalation procedures
• Ability to work with regulators, auditors, and internal compliance teams
• Excellent leadership, communication, and stakeholder engagement skills
• Ability to manage multiple deadlines and adapt to change
• Commitment to inclusive leadership and team development

Challenges of the Role

• Motivating teams in a business-as-usual focused environment
• Navigating resource constraints with creativity and persistence
• Driving change in a traditionally structured organisation

Pontoon Solutions is an employment consultancy.

We put expertise, energy, and enthusiasm into improving everyone's chance of being part of the workplace. We respect and appreciate people of all ethnicities, generations, religious beliefs, sexual orientations, gender identities, and more. We do this by showcasing their talents, skills, and unique experience in an inclusive environment that helps them thrive.