Head of Aircraft Finance

Role Summary

In this role, you will play a pivotal role in advancing Aviation Finance in Japan. You will lead and manage the aviation investment portfolio, identify and originate new investment opportunities, and optimize existing assets to enhance profitability and drive growth. This position demands a strong understanding of the aviation industry, investment structuring, and asset management, with a strategic focus on maximizing returns through investments in aircraft leasing, aviation infrastructure, and related financial instruments.

Your Key Contributions

• Lead the overall arrangement of Japanese Operating Lease (“JOL”) and Japanese Operating Lease with Call Option (“JOLCO”) loan origination and execution, covering underlying assets such as aircraft, ships, and other transportation assets.
• Oversee the management of the Tokyo department, with functional reporting to regional and global heads, as well as local managers.
• Source and close various financing opportunities, involving extensive client engagement and frequent travel.
• Provide debt solutions, manage syndication activities, and oversee the loan portfolio.
• Collaborate closely with relevant teams across the Société Générale group, ensuring seamless coordination and knowledge sharing with global aviation teams in Paris and New York during the origination process.
• Ensure full compliance with applicable regulatory requirements, both locally and globally.
• Adhere to Société Générale's internal policies, guidelines, and rules. 

Minimum qualifications, capabilities and skills 

• Strong capability in arranging JOL/JOLCO debt. Experience in JOLCO equity underwriting, including origination and execution, is an added advantage.
• Proficiency in managing internal processes, such as credit applications, KYC, and other regulatory requirements.
• Established network and strong relationships with key stakeholders in the JOL/JOLCO industry.
• Solid understanding of banking operations and compliance requirements.
• Fluency in English. 

Preferred qualifications, capabilities and skills 

• Ability to communicate in Japanese at a business level.

Our ambition

We have an ambition to be the relationship-focus bank, a reference on its markets, chosen for the quality and commitment of its teams. You will play a vital role in bringing the ambition to life, leveraging [on your skills and expertise / on your major at your school]  to drive success and make a meaningful impact.

Diversity and Inclusion 

We are determined to be a company where employees feel good as they are, reflecting the diversity of the clients we serve and the society in which we operate. In APAC, we have 5 dedicated networks covering different topics – Gender, LGBT+, Differently Abled, Cross-Generations and Culture.

Supporting Success 

We provide exceptional benefits to support your overall well-being, ranging from various flexible working arrangements, family friendly leaves and beyond.

Maximizing Potential 

We offer a top-tier, comprehensive training catalogue and talent development programs. Additionally, we offer diverse career growth opportunities, including internal mobility and international assignments, empowering you to advance and expand your career.

Societe Generale is one of the leading European financial services groups. Founded in 1864, we have been playing a vital role in the economy for over 150 years. With more than 148,000 employees based in 76 countries worldwide, we accompany 32 million clients throughout the world on a daily basis. Based on a diversified universal banking model, the Group combines financial strength with a strategy of sustainable growth.

Our expertise in the Asia Pacific region ranges from Corporate & Investment Banking (Advisory, Financing and Global Markets) to Asset Management, Securities Services, Trade Finance and Cash Management Services. Leveraging on our formidable global footprint, we serve corporates, financial institutions, and the public sector. With our regional headquarters in Hong Kong, we operate in 11 countries across Asia Pacific, employing over 6,600 employees. You can find us in Beijing, Seoul, Tokyo, Singapore, Mumbai, Sydney and other locations in the region.

Introduction

We are seeking an aviation finance professional who can join Global Banking and Advisory in Société Générale, a global financial institution that aims to support businesses, trades and transformations financially since its foundation in 1864. Societe Generale have been playing a vital role in the economy for over 150 years.

About Global Banking and Advisory

Global Banking and Advisory (GLBA) is at the heart of supporting societal and environmental progress. As bankers, we advise our clients and provide them with direct and indirect capital to support projects that have a huge positive impact.

GLBA combines a recognized wholesale coverage with world-class product, financing and advisory expertise within one team, enabling us to best support our clients.

GLBA platform is worldwide with expert teams across France and Europe, the META region, the Americas and Asia, leveraging local client and regulatory insight within a global GLBA business framework to drive domestic, international and cross-border business, recognizing the global nature of our clients.