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

1. Academic & Professional

1. Experience