Head of Innovation

Job Description

NMB Bank Plc is recruiting a Head of Innovation to lead its innovation and enterprise architecture agenda in Dar es Salaam. This senior leadership position is responsible for developing and executing the bank’s innovation strategy, driving digital transformation, fostering a culture of continuous improvement, and ensuring that technology investments align with business objectives. The role also oversees enterprise architecture, fintech partnerships, and research and development initiatives to strengthen the bank’s competitive position and deliver exceptional customer experiences.

The successful candidate will provide strategic leadership in identifying emerging opportunities, developing innovative banking solutions, modernizing technology platforms, and building strategic partnerships that support sustainable growth and operational excellence.

Responsibilities

• Develop and continuously refine the bank-wide innovation strategy aligned with corporate goals and customer-centric objectives.
• Establish and manage a multi-year innovation roadmap covering product innovation, digital transformation, and operational improvements.
• Identify and prioritize innovation opportunities that enhance revenue growth, operational efficiency, and competitive advantage.
• Build and manage a structured innovation pipeline supported by performance metrics and key performance indicators.
• Leverage market, technology, and industry trends to identify high-impact innovation opportunities.
• Ensure all products, services, and technology innovations are designed around customer needs and experience.
• Lead the development of disruptive products, services, and business models.
• Define and maintain the bank’s enterprise architecture vision, principles, and target architecture.
• Develop technology roadmaps that promote scalability, resilience, integration, and digital innovation.
• Align business strategy with technology investments and enterprise architecture standards.
• Lead technology modernization initiatives, including cloud adoption, API strategies, microservices, and data platforms.
• Establish governance frameworks to guide enterprise architecture and technology decisions.
• Develop and implement fintech partnership and ecosystem strategies.
• Identify and manage strategic fintech partnerships, alliances, and innovation collaborations.
• Promote open banking initiatives and platform-based business models.
• Coordinate implementation of innovation initiatives across departments.
• Foster a culture of innovation, agility, collaboration, and accountability throughout the organization.
• Lead research and development activities, including ideation, experimentation, prototyping, testing, and commercialization.
• Collaborate with internal teams, fintechs, academic institutions, industry partners, and other innovation stakeholders.
• Drive data-driven decision-making using customer insights, research findings, and market intelligence.
• Manage the Innovation Department budget and allocate resources effectively.
• Evaluate business cases and funding requests for innovation initiatives.
• Monitor project performance and ensure measurable return on investment.
• Lead cost optimization initiatives while maintaining service quality.
• Promote lean, agile, and efficient delivery methodologies.
• Build, mentor, and develop a high-performing innovation team.

Qualifications Required

• Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Finance, Information Technology, Engineering, or a related field.
• Master’s degree (MBA or equivalent) in Business, Innovation, Technology Management, or Digital Transformation is an added advantage.
• Postgraduate banking qualifications or professional banking certifications are an added advantage.
• Minimum of 7 years of relevant experience in innovation, digital transformation, or strategy within the banking or financial services sector.
• Proven experience leading innovation initiatives from concept through implementation and scaling.
• Experience with enterprise architecture, digital platforms, and emerging technologies.
• Experience managing fintech partnerships or innovation ecosystems is an advantage.
• Strong understanding of banking products, services, operations, and regulatory frameworks.
• Expertise in innovation methodologies such as Design Thinking, Lean Startup, and Agile.
• Knowledge of enterprise architecture, cloud technologies, APIs, data platforms, and digital transformation frameworks.
• Strong analytical, planning, presentation, and report writing skills.
• Excellent leadership, stakeholder management, and interpersonal skills.
• Proactive approach to identifying emerging trends and innovation opportunities.
• Professional certifications such as TOGAF, Agile/SAFe, Design Thinking, Innovation Management, or Project Management are an added advantage.

How to Apply

Interested candidates should submit their applications through the NMB Bank Careers Portal before 15 July 2026.

CLICK HERE TO APPLY

Conclusion

This is an outstanding opportunity for an experienced innovation and digital transformation leader to shape the future of one of Tanzania’s leading financial institutions. The Head of Innovation will play a strategic role in driving enterprise-wide innovation, strengthening digital capabilities, building strategic partnerships, and delivering transformative solutions that enhance customer value and long-term business growth.