Head of Trade & Structured Finance

Job description

At ABB, we help industries outrun - leaner and cleaner. Here, progress is an expectation - for you, your team, and the world. As a global market leader, we’ll give you what you need to make it happen. It won’t always be easy, growing takes grit. But at ABB, you’ll never run alone. Run what runs the world. This role sits within ABB's Robotics business, a leading global robotics company. We're entering an exciting new chapter as we’ve announced the plan for SoftBank Group to acquire ABB Robotics. SoftBank is a globally recognized technology group and investor/operator focused on AI, robotics, and next-generation computing. By joining us now, you’ll be part of a pioneering team shaping the future of robotics—working alongside world-class experts in a fast-moving, innovation-driven environment. This Position reports to: Head of Treasury Reporting to the Corporate Treasurer of ABB Robotics, you will own and lead the Trade & Structured Finance function for the standalone company. You will be accountable for the full bank guarantee portfolio and facilities, and for developing the structured finance, receivables and supply chain finance solutions that optimize working capital and unlock liquidity for the business. You will design the operating model, systems and controls that support these activities, drive automation and AI across trade processes, and partner commercially with the business and banking market. Supported by a Trade Finance Specialist, and working closely with Treasury leadership, Finance, Legal, the business and banking partners, you will build and run a scalable, independent trade finance capability. The work model for the role is hybrid; #LI-hybrid The location of the role is within Europe You will be mainly accountable for: Trade finance leadership & ownership: Owning the Trade & Structured Finance function end to end – setting strategy, standards and policy and acting as the accountable owner for guarantees, structured finance and working capital solutions across the group. Bank guarantees & instruments: Owning the full guarantee portfolio and facilities – bank guarantees, parent company guarantees, surety bonds and standby letters of credit – including facility negotiation, the day-to-day lifecycle (issuance, amendment, extension, reduction, renewal, cancellation, claims), and guarantee fee management. Guarantee operating model & systems: Owning the operating model and system solution for guarantee management: a structured process for subsidiary requests, tracking and approval, electronic transmission to banks, and record keeping (Komgo) Structured finance, AR factoring & supply chain finance: Developing and implementing receivables (AR) factoring based on business requirements, supply chain / payables finance and structured trade finance solutions to optimize working capital and release liquidity; assessing feasibility, structuring programs, negotiating with providers, and ensuring correct documentation and accounting treatment. Bank relationships: Managing trade finance banking relationships and the wider counterparty set; leading new bank onboarding, account opening and KYC / AML processes, and negotiating commercial terms and limits. Covenants, controls & governance: Owning covenant monitoring and lender reporting for the trade finance perimeter, and establishing the internal controls, governance and compliance framework for the function. AI & automation of trade processes: Driving automation and AI across the trade finance process – from request intake and issuance to tracking, reconciliation and reporting – leveraging the Trade Finance System and ERP (SAP S4), analytics and emerging tooling to build a low-touch, scalable operation. Commercial partnering: Partnering with the business on tenders, bids and contracts, providing guarantee and financing solutions that support commercial wins while protecting the group’s risk and liquidity position. Qualifications for the role: Extensive treasury experience in global, multinational companies, with a strong track record leading trade finance and bank guarantee management. Deep, hands-on expertise across guarantee instruments – bank guarantees, PCGs, surety bonds, standby letters of credit – including facility negotiation and guarantee-wording review. Solid knowledge of structured finance, receivables (AR) factoring and supply chain / payables finance, including program structuring, provider negotiation and the accounting implications. Practical experience of bank onboarding, KYC / AML, covenant frameworks and lender reporting in a multi-entity, multi-country context. Experience applying AI and / or automation to trade finance processes. A dynamic, highly agile and commercially aware professional with a strong ownership mindset, who thrives in fast-moving, international environments; carve-out or standalone build experience is an advantage. Experience leading, developing and getting the best from a small team or direct report. Fluent in English; additional languages are a plus. What’s in it for you: We empower you to take initiative, challenge ideas, and lead with confidence. You’ll grow through meaningful work, continuous learning, and support that’s tailored to your goals. Every idea you share and every action you take contributes to something bigger. We value people from different backgrounds. Could this be your story? Apply today or visit www.abb.com to read more about us and learn about the impact of our solutions across the globe.