Export & Agency Finance, Transportation UK, Europe & MEA Director

Career Opportunity: Director, Export & Agency Finance (Transportation) - London

Are you a seasoned finance professional with a passion for driving growth in the global transportation sector? Citi's Export & Agency Finance (EAF) team in London is seeking a dynamic Director to spearhead our business development in the UK, Europe, and MEA regions. This is a unique opportunity to join a leading global financial institution and play a pivotal role in facilitating significant economic progress.

At Citi, we are committed to being a trusted partner to our clients, providing responsible financial services that fuel growth and innovation. Our Treasury and Trade Solutions (TTS) division is renowned for its award-winning capabilities in cash management, cards, and trade. Within TTS, the EAF team specializes in arranging short, medium, and long-term structured financings, leveraging the support of Official Agencies like Export Credit Agencies (ECAs), Development Finance Institutions (DFIs), and Multilateral Development Banks (MDBs).

The Opportunity: Shape the Future of Transportation Finance

This Director-level role is at the forefront of EAF's ambitious growth plan, with a specific focus on expanding our Transportation team. You will have end-to-end responsibility for the development of our business within designated markets, focusing on clients in the Shipping & Aviation industries, as well as companies involved in maritime assets and the energy transition. This position offers a high degree of autonomy in both origination and execution, allowing you to actively seek and pitch for new opportunities where Official Agency support can significantly benefit Citi's clients.

Key Responsibilities and Advantages for Candidates:

• Strategic Leadership: Develop and implement a comprehensive strategy to grow the EAF business across the UK, Europe, and MEA. This involves managing financial, capital, risk, talent, technology, and operational objectives, offering a chance to showcase your strategic vision and leadership capabilities.
• Deal Origination and Execution: Assume responsibility for lending decisions and portfolio risk management. You will be empowered to identify, structure, arrange, underwrite, syndicate, and lend under bespoke debt financings, leveraging your corporate finance and lending expertise.
• Client and Agency Engagement: Drive strong relationships with both clients and Official Agencies (ECAs, DFIs, MLAs, etc.). This presents an excellent opportunity to hone your interpersonal and negotiation skills while building a robust network.
• Market Influence: Play a key role in articulating and implementing strategy for designated markets, collaborating with various internal stakeholders including TTS, Banking & International, and the Citi Commercial Bank (CCB). Your insights will directly influence the strategic direction of the business.
• Risk Management: Ensure all EAF business activities within EMEA are conducted within Citi's robust risk and control framework, aligning with global policies and procedures. This offers a chance to demonstrate your commitment to best practices in financial risk management.
• Industry Expertise: Deepen your understanding and application of financial solutions within the dynamic Shipping and Aviation sectors, while also exploring emerging opportunities in the energy transition space.
• Global Reach: Leverage Citi's extensive global network to support its growth agenda, working within a geographically distributed and highly effective team.

What You Bring to the Table:

We are looking for a highly motivated and experienced individual with:

• A minimum of 8-10 years of industry experience with a detailed understanding of both the Transportation industry and the ECA and Agency finance market.
• Proven ECA experience in Shipping and Aviation, coupled with a solid grasp of market dynamics across the UK, Europe, and MEA.
• High-level knowledge of liquidity, capital management, and balance sheet optimization.
• Strong corporate finance and lending skills, including experience in asset, infrastructure, or project finance.
• A track record of successfully managing ECA transactions within a comparable institution and a history of working effectively in high-performing, geographically dispersed teams.
• The vision, capability, and energy to devise and implement strategic initiatives.
• Superior organizational skills and experience working in a multi-cultural team environment.
• A willingness to travel to relevant markets across the region.
• Fluency in a second language (French) is preferred but not essential.
• An undergraduate or postgraduate qualification.

What Citi Offers You:

Joining Citi means becoming part of an organization dedicated to making a positive financial and social impact. We prioritize our employees and offer a comprehensive benefits package designed for well-being and financial security:

• Competitive Compensation: A competitive base salary that is reviewed annually, alongside a discretionary annual performance-related bonus.
• Work-Life Balance: A hybrid working model with up to 2 days working from home per week, in a business casual workplace.
• Generous Leave: A holiday allowance starting at 27 days plus bank holidays, increasing with tenure.
• Health and Well-being: Private medical insurance packages, an Employee Assistance Program, and comprehensive pension plan.
• Family Support: Paid Parental Leave.
• Employee Perks: Special discounts for employees, family, and friends.
• Professional Growth: Access to an extensive array of learning and development resources.

Citi is committed to fostering an inclusive workplace where everyone can thrive. We encourage talented individuals from around the world to join us and contribute to our mission.

Important Note for Candidates: This role is classified as a Certified Role under the FCA and PRA Certification Regime. Candidates will be assessed for fitness and propriety, which includes honesty, integrity, reputation, financial soundness, competence, and capability. This assessment involves rigorous interviews, self-disclosures, background checks, and reference checks.