Head of International Department - Los Angeles - Julison Sell Search Team

Description

Senior Vice President – Head of International Banking: Los Angeles, CA

Opportunity Overview:

One of our bank clients in Los Angeles is seeking a Senior Vice President to lead its International Banking department. This is a senior leadership role responsible for the strategy, growth, and day-to-day oversight of the bank's international platform, serving as the primary internal and external leader for international banking capabilities.

The department generates more than $1.5MM in annual revenue and supports commercial clients with global trade and cross-border banking needs. The team consists of five experienced professionals and has grown steadily in recent years as client demand for international services has increased.

Key Qualifications:

• Strong experience with letters of credit, including both commercial and standby, and the ability to review, negotiate, and advise clients on documentation and transaction structure.

• Experience with document negotiation and international trade documentation, particularly related to import transactions.

• Knowledge of foreign exchange (FX) and supporting clients with currency conversion for international purchases.

• Familiarity with trade finance products and processes, including documentary collections and related services.

• Ability to advise both clients and internal bankers on international transactions and trade finance solutions.

What They're Looking For:

• 10–15+ years of experience in international banking, trade finance, or global banking services.

• Deep expertise in letters of credit, documentary collections, and international trade documentation.

• Experience advising clients and bankers on trade finance structures and transaction risk.

• Leadership experience managing or mentoring teams within a banking environment.

• Knowledge of foreign exchange and correspondent banking relationships is preferred.

• Strong communication and relationship-building skills with both clients and internal banking teams.

The Opportunity:

The current department head is retiring after a long tenure. The ideal successor will bring strong expertise in international trade finance, particularly letters of credit, and the ability to advise clients and bankers on structuring transactions and navigating documentation requirements.

While experience with foreign exchange is valuable, the existing team is already strong in that area. Deep knowledge of letters of credit and trade documentation is considered the most critical technical skill for this role.

Equally important are leadership and interpersonal skills, as this individual will lead a seasoned team and serve as a trusted resource for both internal bankers and external clients.

Leadership Responsibilities:

• Lead and grow the bank's International Banking department, including strategic direction and revenue growth.

• Oversee trade finance activities including letters of credit, documentary collections, and documentation review.

• Advise relationship managers and clients on international trade transactions and structuring.

• Support business development by helping bankers identify opportunities related to cross-border transactions and FX needs.

• Maintain and develop correspondent banking relationships supporting international activity.

• Lead and mentor a team of five experienced international banking professionals.

• Ensure compliance with applicable regulations related to international banking transactions.

The Team:

The department is a highly experienced and collaborative group that works closely together and supports the broader bank.

The new leader will manage five seasoned team members, including a long-tenured second-in-command who has been with the bank for more than two decades. The group operates like a well-oiled machine, and the incoming leader will need the credibility and expertise to earn the trust and respect of this experienced team.

Why This Role Is Attractive:

• Opportunity to lead an established international banking department.

• Collaborative culture with strong integration across the bank.

• Boutique, relationship-focused commercial bank environment.

• Leadership opportunity ideal for someone currently in a second-in-command or senior trade finance role ready to step into a department head position.

• Strong work-life balance and supportive, family-oriented culture.

Location & Work Structure:

• Downtown Los Angeles

• Full-time in office initially, transitioning to a hybrid schedule (3 days in office / 2 days remote) after the first several months.

Compensation:

• Base salary: Target $200,000–$210,000, with flexibility for the right candidate. Additional compensation includes bonus potential and a full benefits package.