DFS Manager – Innovation at KCB Bank Tanzania

KCB Bank Tanzania is seeking a qualified and experienced professional for the position of DFS Manager – Innovation in Dar es Salaam. The successful candidate will support the development and implementation of the Bank’s innovation strategy while identifying emerging technologies, market trends and customer needs that can create new business opportunities and strengthen digital capabilities.

The role focuses on turning innovative ideas into practical business solutions through ideation, prototyping, partnerships, product development and agile experimentation. The successful candidate will work with internal teams and external partners such as fintechs, startups, universities and technology providers while measuring the commercial and customer impact of innovation initiatives.

Responsibilities

• Support the development and execution of the Bank’s innovation strategy.

  

• Identify emerging technologies, market trends and customer 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.

  

• Lead ideation sessions, design-thinking workshops, hackathons and innovation challenges.

• Evaluate and prioritise innovative concepts and develop them into viable business opportunities.

  

• Establish processes for idea generation, assessment, incubation and commercialisation.

• Facilitate rapid prototyping and proof-of-concept initiatives.

• Drive experimentation and agile innovation methodologies.

• 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.

• Establish relationships with fintechs, startups, accelerators, innovation hubs, universities and technology providers.

• Identify strategic partnerships that can enhance KCB’s digital capabilities.

• Evaluate fintech and technology solutions for potential collaboration or integration.

• Support ecosystem development and innovation partnerships.

• Represent the Bank at industry innovation forums and engagement platforms.

• Conduct customer research, market analysis and trend assessments.

• Monitor developments in banking, fintech, digital payments, artificial intelligence and emerging technologies.

• Use customer insights to improve products, services and customer journeys.

• Promote human-centred design and customer-centric innovation practices.

• Manage innovation projects from concept through implementation.

• Coordinate cross-functional teams to ensure timely delivery of innovation initiatives.

• Monitor project milestones, budgets, performance and outcomes.

• Maintain governance controls for innovation projects, pilots and proof-of-concept initiatives.

• Ensure validated innovations are successfully transitioned into mainstream business operations.

• Track innovation initiatives against 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 generated by innovation projects.

• Develop recommendations to improve innovation effectiveness and scalability.

Qualifications and Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree from a recognized university.

• Minimum 5 years of cumulative professional experience.

• Professional qualification in Product Management is an added advantage.

• Professional qualification in Project Management is an added advantage.

• Professional qualification in AGILE Practices is an added advantage.

• Master’s degree in a Business-related field is an added advantage.

How to Apply

Interested and qualified candidates should submit their applications through the KCB Bank Tanzania careers portal.

Application Link: KCB Bank Tanzania Careers – DFS Manager, Innovation

Deadline: 28 August 2026.

Conclusion

The DFS Manager – Innovation position offers an opportunity for an experienced professional to contribute to KCB Bank Tanzania’s digital transformation and innovation agenda. Candidates with experience in innovation, digital products, project management, fintech or related areas, particularly those with the preferred professional qualifications, should consider applying before the deadline.