DFS Manager - Innovation
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:
Innovation Strategy & Execution (30%)
- Support the development and execution of the Bank’s innovation strategy aligned with business and digital transformation objectives.
- Identify emerging market trends, technologies, and customers’ needs to inform innovation opportunities.
- Develop and manage the innovation portfolio and pipeline.
- Drive innovation initiatives that support customer acquisition, engagement, revenue growth, and operational excellence.
- Promote a culture of innovation and continuous improvement across the Bank.
Innovation Ideation & Incubation (20%)
- Lead innovation ideation sessions, design-thinking workshops, hackathons, and innovation challenges.
- Evaluate, prioritize, and develop innovative concepts into viable business opportunities.
- Build and manage processes for idea generation, assessment, incubation, and commercialization.
- Facilitate rapid prototyping and proof-of-concept initiatives.
- Drive experimentation and agile innovation methodologies.
Product & Solution Development (10%)
- Collaborate with product teams to convert innovative ideas into customer-centric digital solutions.
- Support the design and development of new digital products, channels, and service propositions.
- Ensure innovation initiatives address customer pain points and market opportunities.
- Participate in business case preparation and innovation investment assessments.
- Drive continuous enhancement of existing products and services.
Ecosystem & Partnership Development (10%)
- Establish and manage relationships with fintechs, startups, accelerators, innovation hubs, universities, and technology providers.
- Identify strategic partnership opportunities that enhance KCB’s digital capabilities.
- Evaluate fintech and technology solutions for potential collaboration or integration.
- Support ecosystem development initiatives and innovation partnerships.
- Represent the Bank in industry innovation forums and engagement platforms.
Customer Experience & Market Research (10%)
- Conduct customer research, market analysis, and trend assessments to identify innovation opportunities.
- Monitor local and global developments in banking, fintech, digital payments, AI, and emerging technologies.
- Utilize customer insights to improve products, services, and customer journeys.
- Promote human-centered design and customer-centric innovation practices.
Project Management & Governance (10%)
- Manage innovation projects from concept to implementation.
- Coordinate cross-functional teams to ensure timely delivery of innovation initiatives.
- Monitor project performance, milestones, budgets, and outcomes.
- Maintain governance controls for innovation projects, pilots, and proof-of-concept initiatives.
- Ensure successful transition of validated innovations into mainstream business operations.
Performance Monitoring & Reporting (10%)
- Track innovation initiatives against defined business objectives and KPIs.
- Measure innovation outcomes, adoption rates, customer impact, and commercial benefits.
- Prepare innovation dashboards, reports, and management updates.
- Monitor return on investment and business value realization from innovation projects.
- Develop recommendations to strengthen innovation effectiveness and scalability.
MINIMUM POSITION QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS
Academic & Professional
- Education: Bachelor’s degree from a recognized university RQ-
- Professional Qualifications: Product Management, Project Management, AGILE Practices AA
- Master’s degree: Business related AA
EXPERIENCE
Total Minimum Cumulative No of Years’ Experience Required- 5Years
