International Managers Programme

At A Glance

• Requirements
  • Degree from a recognised University with 5 to 10 years of working experience
  • Proven track record of notable business achievements, leadership qualities, global outlook, as well as stature and ability to connect with clients at the senior level; currently at Vice President level and above if in the Banking and Finance industry, or equivalent if in other industries
  • Prior Banking and Finance experience, as well as experience working overseas will be viewed favourably
  • Good communications skills and a strong command of the English language; proficiency in at least one other Asian language will be highly desirable
  • Willing to be relocated to any country according to the Bank’s needs for an initial 12-year period

Roles

• Manage pricing, promotion and distribution across various sales channels
• Lead a team to perform market research and develop appropriate strategies to enhance existing products and services
• Develop new products for our retail and corporate clients
• Lead a team to build, maintain and manage a portfolio of retail or corporate clients
• Oversee all aspects of sales, customer service and operations of a branch
• Prepare credit reviews to support our Relationship Managers in the region
• Review and implement systems to manage and control risks across our businesses
• Lead business process re-engineering projects to improve operational efficiency and effectiveness
• Build new systems to support the roll out of new/enhanced products and services
• Compile and maintain operations and financial data to support decision-making and strategic planning
  
  This breadth of experiences will enable International Managers to have a solid grounding in business development as well as good understanding of the operational processes that support various aspects of the Bank’s business.

FAQs

• Q1. Should I apply for the International Managers Programme?
  • First of all, the prospect of an international career in banking must excite you. You must also be keen to be exposed to the breadth of the Bank’s business, rather than specialising in one specific field. Most importantly, you must carefully consider whether you can take on international assignments for the next 12 years.
• Q2. I have never worked in the banking industry. Can I still apply?
  • Certainly. The UOB International Managers Programme welcomes mid-career professionals with at least five years of working experience with or without prior banking experience.
• Q3. I don’t speak a second language. Can I still apply?
  • Yes, however it will be advantageous if you are able to conduct business in English plus at least one other Asian language at the time of application.
• Q4. What are the selection criteria for the Programme?
  • To be selected as an International Manager, you should have a track record of good performance. We are looking for people with strong business acumen who are able to connect with internal and external clients at a senior level. Of course, you have to be internationally-mobile and versatile enough to work in any of the locations that the Bank does business in.
• Q5. What is the selection process?
  • The selection process includes interviews, psychometric assessments and as well as an assessment centre where you will take part in group and/or individual assessment exercises.
• Q6. How long will the selection process take?
  • The whole selection process is expected to take up to four months.
• Q7. How can I succeed as an International Manager?
  • Firstly, you must be internationally-mobile. Dealing with ambiguity and being adaptable to quickly cope with new work experiences is another key success factor. You must be culturally sensitive and resourceful and be able to make a strong and immediate impact to the business in whichever geographic location you are posted to. In addition, you need to have the ability to manage diversity and get the most out of a team comprising of members from different cultures. We also expect our International Managers to have the learning agility to develop deep understanding of their business environment as well as their host country’s culture and business regulations. Finally, you must have the drive for results to constantly seize new business opportunities and overcome the challenges of constant change.
• Q8. Can I choose which part of the business or which country to work in?
  • No. Your assignment will be based on the Bank’s needs and the availability of roles. Whilst we want to ensure that you make good use of your skills and experiences, the decision on your role and location is entirely at the Bank’s discretion. If you apply to be an International Manager, it is essential that you understand that you must have the flexibility to work in any of the countries and territories in which we operate in, at minimal notice.
• Q9. What happens if during the Programme, I no longer am able to commit to being internationally mobile?
  • You will have to leave the Programme and the completion bonus will not be awarded to you. Depending on the opportunities available at that point in time, you could apply for a role within the UOB Group.
• Q10. What happens at the end of 12 years?
  • International Managers who perform well will have the opportunity to continue their careers with UOB. Depending on the Bank’s needs, you may be asked to continue in your role, take on another expatriate assignment or be re-assigned back to another position in your home country.

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