Senior Manager - International Operations

Introduction

Since 1973, East West Bank has served as a pathway to success. With over 110 locations across the U.S. and Asia, we are the premier financial bridge between the East and West. Our teams of experienced, multi-cultural professionals help guide businesses and community members on both sides of the Pacific looking to explore new markets and create new opportunities, and our sustained growth and expertise in industries like real estate, entertainment and media, private equity and venture capital, and high-tech help build sustainable businesses and expand our associates’ potential for career advancement.

Headquartered in California, East West Bank (Nasdaq: EWBC) is a top-performing commercial bank with a strong foundation, an enterprising spirit and a commitment to absolute integrity. East West Bank gives people the confidence to reach further.

The Senior Manager, International Operations is responsible for the strategic leadership, management, and oversight of the International Operations function, including Documentary Letters of Credit, Standby Letters of Credit, Documentary Collections, Financial Institutions, Supply Chain Finance, Trade Finance Credit Facilities, BSA-related requirements, and other international trade finance products. This role is accountable for developing and executing operational strategies that support the Bank's international business objectives while ensuring operational excellence, regulatory compliance, sound risk management, and exceptional customer service.

The Senior Manager serves as a key partner to Commercial Banking, International Banking, Relationship Managers, Credit Administration, Compliance, Risk Management, and executive leadership to support business growth and deliver effective trade finance solutions. The position requires extensive expertise in international trade finance operations, transaction structuring, trade finance credit facilities, operational risk management, and regulatory requirements. The Senior Manager provides leadership in evaluating complex trade transactions, managing operational risks, identifying potential credit-related risks and exceptions within trade transactions for appropriate escalation and review, implementing strategic initiatives, and driving process improvements that enhance efficiency, scalability, and customer experience.

The successful candidate will possess strong leadership, strategic thinking, and decision-making capabilities, with the ability to influence stakeholders across multiple business functions and organizational levels while fostering a culture of accountability, continuous improvement, operational excellence, and talent development.

• Manage the day-to-day operations of the International Operations department, ensuring the accurate, timely, and efficient processing of international trade finance transactions and related operational activities.
• Lead, mentor, and develop managers, supervisors, and operational staff responsible for trade finance products, fostering a high-performing team focused on service excellence, operational integrity, and continuous improvement.
• Oversee the processing and administration of trade finance products, including import and export letters of credit, standby letters of credit, and related international banking services.
• Monitor departmental performance against established service level agreements (SLAs), key performance indicators (KPIs), productivity goals, and quality standards, implementing corrective actions as needed.
• Partner closely with Relationship Managers, Credit Supervision, Treasury Department, Compliance, Risk Management, and other internal stakeholders to support customer needs and facilitate the effective delivery of trade finance solutions.
• Review and approve trade finance transactions within delegated authority limits, ensuring compliance with customer agreements, approved credit facilities, Bank policies, and regulatory requirements.
• Evaluate complex transaction structures and documentation, providing guidance and recommendations to staff and business partners to ensure operational feasibility, risk mitigation, and adherence to…