Company Overview
SMBC Group is a leading global financial institution with roots dating back over 400 years. Headquartered in Tokyo, the Group provides a broad spectrum of financial services, including banking, leasing, securities, credit cards, and consumer finance. With more than 150 offices and a workforce of over 120,000 employees across nearly 40 countries, SMBC Group operates on a truly global scale. It is part of Sumitomo Mitsui Financial Group, Inc. (SMFG), one of Japan’s top three banking groups. SMFG is publicly traded on the Tokyo and Nagoya stock exchanges, with American Depositary Receipts (ADRs) listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol SMFG.

Role Overview

SMBC’s Human Resources team is undergoing a significant transformation, having recently implemented SAP SuccessFactors as part of a broader strategic initiative. As we continue to evolve and enhance our HR functions, we are seeking a Change Management Lead to drive and support our change efforts across the organization.

This individual will play a pivotal role in guiding change management strategies and ensuring a smooth transition for all stakeholders. The ideal candidate is someone who takes ownership, champions a positive employee experience, and works closely with the PMO and other teams to deliver impactful, well-communicated initiatives.

We’re looking for a seasoned professional with a strong background in HR transformation projects who can:

Lead structured change management initiatives
Develop and implement strategies to support successful adoption of new processes
Design and deliver effective communication plans
Assess organizational readiness and stakeholder impact
Support the planning and rollout of training programs

Key Responsibilities

Change Management Delivery

Conduct assessments to understand the scope and impact of change initiatives
Identify risks and develop mitigation strategies
Anticipate and manage resistance to change
Coach and consult with project teams on best practices
Develop key deliverables, including communication plans, sponsor roadmaps, coaching plans, training strategies, and resistance management approaches
Contribute to defining organizational roles and responsibilities during transformation
Collaborate with other functional specialists to align change efforts
Integrate change activities into the overall project timeline
Ensure stakeholder engagement and readiness across all levels
Monitor progress, track issues, and report on change effectiveness
Define success metrics and evaluate results
Lead change efforts at both project and organizational levels
Manage a portfolio of change initiatives across the enterprise

Qualifications & Skills

In-depth understanding of change processes and how individuals adapt to change
Proven experience applying change management methodologies, tools, and frameworks
Strong written and verbal communication skills
Excellent listening, interpersonal, and relationship-building abilities
Skilled at influencing and guiding stakeholders toward common goals
Comfortable navigating ambiguity and adapting to evolving needs
Resilient, persistent, and proactive in problem-solving
Strategic thinker with strong planning and organizational skills
Capable of working across all organizational levels
Effective team player who collaborates well across functions
Strong business insight and awareness of organizational dynamics
Familiar with project management practices and lifecycles
Demonstrated success leading large-scale organizational change initiatives
Experience at a Big Four consulting firm is preferred
Familiarity with SAP implementations is a plus
Bachelor’s degree required; MBA preferred

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HR Change Management Lead

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