Assistant Vice President - Operations - Exports

Job Purpose

The incumbent will be responsible for end-to-end management of US Trade and Payment Ops and related sub products ensuring optimal customer delivery, stakeholders management, risk and control measures. The responsibility includes highest customer service for various business segments, providing consultation to internal/external customers in Trade Finance and Payment Operations to CIBG, IBG, FIG. In addition, the incumbent will be responsible for maintaining agreed SLA thresholds for Trade Finance Transactions received by the Bank, creating innovation culture and handle projects related to Process re-engineering. The incumbent will also be responsible for problem solving for different segment of Mashreq Bank customers across different countries related to any business with Mashreq, NY.

Key Result Areas

• Provide advice and consultation to commercial customers related to handling and management of Export Products, Import Products, SBLC Products, Risk Participation, Loans, Payments and Investigations.

• Provide advice and consultation to Product Development Team with respect to Trade Finance and Payment related activities in accordance with International Practices and ICC Publications/OPM/APPM/Local Rules and Regulations.

• Maintain strong relationship with all stakeholders in the Bank.

• Need to have a good understanding of US regulatory requirements including OFAC, Dept. of Commerce requirements.

• Ensure all procedures that are developed comply with Bank Policy and Guidelines.

• Should be able to identify the gaps in the process and implement effective controls before any mishaps.

• Should have strong understanding of all type of Sanctions, AML and Anti-Boycott Laws.

• Customer centric initiative by reducing Referrals/Repairs and improving the TAT for customers.

• Ensure Fed/BNY balances are NIL/reconciled at the end of the day.

• Ensure both internal and external audits are managed successfully.

• Review customer complaints and take immediate action to satisfy them.

• Ensure MBOs achieved in time.

• Ensure all the pending Trade or Payment items are duly reviewed and actioned proactively on daily basis.

• Exercise due diligence in checking applications particularly for Priority Customers, High value transactions.

• Ensure SLA adherence. All processing should be as per SOP/OPM’s and UCP/ISBP applicable and approved as Product Program. Charges recovery to be as per the extant guidelines.

• Perform sanction checking of relevant parties as applicable.

• Handle Commodity Trade Operations documents

• Ensure cross skilling for entire team in at least 2 more products.

Knowledge, Skills and Experience

• Graduate with thorough and in-depth understanding of Trade Finance products and functions.

• CDCS/CITF/CTFP certified

• Thorough understanding of Swift msg types and their respective fields applicable to Trade, Payments, d Inter-Bank messages and Financial Operating Systems.

• Experience on OBTF/OBTFPM/FLEX/E-GIFTS/Fircosoft preferred.

• General Banking knowledge.

• A Minimum of 15-20 years’ experience in Trade Finance.

• Prior experience in managing US Trade and Payment Operations will be an added advantage.

• Strong Communications and interpersonal skills.

• Experience in Transformation, Change Management, Project automation is required.

• Proficiency in MS Office (Word/Excel/PPT)

• Attentive to details, strong analytical skills and interpersonal skills

• Able to work under pressure, excellent organizational skills and good team player.

• End-to-end management of US Trade and Payment Operations, including customer delivery, stakeholder management, and risk control measures.
• Provide consultative support to internal/external customers in Trade Finance and Payment Operations, catering to CIBG, IBG, and FIG segments.
• Maintain agreed SLA thresholds for Trade Finance Transactions, ensuring timely and accurate processing.
• Foster an innovative culture within the team, encouraging creative problem-solving and process improvement.
• Handle projects related to process re-engineering, aiming to streamline and optimize operational efficiency.
• Solve complex problems for Mashreq Bank customers across different countries, ensuring a seamless experience for all business interactions.
• Collaborate with various business segments to understand their unique needs and provide tailored solutions.
• Stay updated with industry trends and best practices in Trade Finance and Payment Operations, implementing innovative strategies.
• Lead and mentor a high-performing team, providing guidance and support to ensure their professional growth and development.

• Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Finance, or a related field, with a preference for a Master's degree in a relevant discipline.
• Minimum 8 years of experience in Trade Finance and Payment Operations, with a proven track record in a leadership role.
• In-depth knowledge of US Trade and Payment regulations, as well as international trade practices and procedures.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to make data-driven decisions.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with a customer-centric approach.
• Ability to work collaboratively across different business segments and build strong relationships.
• Proficiency in using relevant software and systems for Trade Finance and Payment Operations.
• Strong leadership and team management skills, with a track record of mentoring and developing talent.
• Adaptability and flexibility to navigate in a dynamic and fast-paced environment.
• A results-driven mindset, with a focus on continuous improvement and innovation.