Japan Desk - VP Banker - Ciudad De Mexico

Japan Desk (Mexico) – Global Network Banking, Citibank

This is a role for an ambitious VP banker to champion the cultivation and expansion of a high-growth portfolio of Japanese multinational corporations (MNCs) operating in Mexico. This role demands forging trusted relationships with senior decision-makers, understanding their evolving needs, and delivering the entire suite of Citi’s network and product capabilities to support our clients’ objectives. This will drive revenue growth, increase wallet share, and unlock new business opportunities.

Mexico represents a cornerstone growth corridor for Japanese MNCs, driven by its strategic geographic location, competitive manufacturing base, extensive trade network, and deep integration with North American supply chains. As a key member of the USMCA trade bloc, Mexico has solidified its position as one of the most important destinations for Japanese investment in the Americas, serving both as a gateway to the US and Canada markets and as a growing domestic market in its own right.

Japanese MNCs continue to expand their footprint across Mexico, leveraging the country's leadership in advanced manufacturing, automotive production, electronics, industrial machinery, logistics, renewable energy, and infrastructure development. The ongoing trend toward nearshoring and supply chain diversification has further accelerated Japanese investment into Mexico, creating significant demand for sophisticated banking solutions. This dynamic presents exceptional opportunities for the Japan Desk banker to originate cross-border financing solutions, support strategic M&A activities, facilitate treasury and trade flows, and help clients capitalize on Mexico's role as a critical manufacturing and export platform for North America.

Key Responsibilities

Drive Strategic Growth

Lead and execute strategic growth initiatives, leveraging in-depth market analysis and collaborative account planning. Build robust pipelines and dynamically manage client strategies to unlock revenue expansion through close partnership with Subsidiary Account Managers (SAMs), Regional Account Managers (RAMs), Parent Account Managers (PAMs), and product specialists. The development of inbound Japanese investment into Mexico is a strategic priority for Citi Japan and Citi Mexico.

Cultivate Senior Relationships

Cultivate and deepen strategic relationships with senior decision-makers, including Japanese expatriate executives and regional management teams, fostering dialogue that shapes client engagement and identifies emerging opportunities.

Orchestrate Tailored Solutions

Proactively identify client needs and drive cross-functional collaboration with Japan Desk colleagues, SAMs, RAMs, PAMs, and product and industry experts to deliver tailored banking solutions across Treasury and Trade Solutions, cash management, trade finance, foreign exchange, derivatives, capital markets, corporate finance, and working capital optimization.

New Business Development

Generate new business opportunities by strategically prospecting, expanding professional networks, and leveraging existing relationships to broaden the client base and capture market share among existing and newly established Japanese investors in Mexico.

Bridge Cultural and Linguistic Differences

Serve as a critical cultural and linguistic bridge between Japanese headquarters, local Mexican operations, and Citi’s global network. Expertly navigate Japanese, Mexican, and international business practices to foster trust, align strategic objectives, and facilitate seamless communication among stakeholders, laying the foundation for long-term strategic partnerships.

Provide Proactive Strategic Counsel

Maintain a forward-looking perspective, continuously analyzing industry trends, nearshoring developments, supply chain shifts, trade policy changes, and regulatory developments impacting Japanese clients operating in Mexico and across North America.

Deliver Exceptional Business Outcomes

Consistently achieve ambitious origination targets, revenue goals, and key performance indicators, demonstrating a relentless focus on client success, business growth, and franchise development.

Ensure Robust Governance

Uphold the highest standards of integrity and governance, ensuring compliance with all regulatory frameworks, internal policies, and risk management protocols.

Internal Leadership

Act as the "Quarterback" for Citi’s Japan franchise in Mexico. Continuously monitor market trends, investment flows, client developments, and competitor activity, proactively sharing insights and opportunities with colleagues in Tokyo, Mexico, and across North America. Ensure Citi’s Japan business strategy remains agile, informed, and aligned across regions.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or higher.
• Multi-year experience in corporate banking, commercial banking, or relationship management roles.
• Strong understanding of corporate banking products and services, including cash management, lending, trade finance, treasury solutions, and capital markets.
• Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills, with a proven ability to build rapport, negotiate effectively, and influence senior stakeholders in a multicultural environment.
• Highly motivated self-starter with a demonstrated track record of managing complex client relationships and delivering significant revenue growth.
• Ability to analyze financial statements, assess credit risk, and structure financial solutions.
• Demonstrated problem-solving skills, strong attention to detail, and resilience in fast-paced environments.
• Ability to collaborate effectively across product, industry, and regional teams in a complex global organization.
• Fluency in Japanese, English, and Spanish (spoken and written) is essential, with the ability to effectively communicate and build relationships across Japanese headquarters, Mexican operations, and Citi’s global network.

Closing Statement

Thank you for reading the briefing for this exciting coverage banking role based in Mexico City. If this job description and commercial vision are appealing to you, we would love to hear from you.

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Job Family Group:

Institutional Banking

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Job Family:

Corporate Banking

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Time Type:

Full time

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Most Relevant Skills

Please see the requirements listed above.

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Other Relevant Skills

For complementary skills, please see above and/or contact the recruiter.

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Citi is an equal opportunity employer, and qualified candidates will receive consideration without regard to their race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other characteristic protected by law.

 

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