DFS Manager – Innovation

KCB is seeking an experienced and innovative professional to join its Digital Financial Services (DFS) function as a DFS Manager – Innovation. The role is focused on driving innovation across the Bank by identifying emerging technologies, developing new ideas, improving customer experiences and supporting digital transformation initiatives.

The successful candidate will manage the innovation pipeline from ideation and experimentation through to commercialization and implementation. The position will also involve working with fintechs, startups, technology providers, universities and internal teams to develop solutions that improve customer engagement, generate revenue and strengthen operational efficiency.

Position: DFS Manager – Innovation
Department: Digital Financial Services
Experience Required: Minimum 5 years

Responsibilities

Innovation Strategy and Execution

• Support the development and implementation of the Bank's innovation strategy.

  

• Align innovation initiatives with business objectives and digital transformation priorities.

• Identify emerging market trends, technologies and customer needs.

  

• Develop and manage the Bank's innovation portfolio and pipeline.

• Drive initiatives that support customer acquisition, engagement and revenue growth.

  

• Promote operational excellence through innovation.

• Encourage a culture of innovation and continuous improvement across the Bank.

  

Innovation Ideation and Incubation

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

• Evaluate and prioritize innovative concepts.

• Develop promising ideas into viable business opportunities.

• Establish and manage processes for idea generation, assessment, incubation and commercialization.

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

• Promote experimentation and agile innovation methodologies.

Product and Solution Development

• Work with product teams to transform innovative ideas into customer-focused digital solutions.

• Support the design and development of digital products, channels and service propositions.

• Ensure innovation initiatives address customer pain points and market opportunities.

• Participate in business case development and innovation investment assessments.

• Drive continuous improvement of existing products and services.

Ecosystem and Partnership Development

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

• Identify strategic partnerships that can strengthen the Bank's digital capabilities.

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

• Support innovation ecosystem development initiatives.

• Manage innovation partnerships.

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

Customer Experience and Market Research

• Conduct customer research to identify opportunities for innovation.

• Perform market analysis and trend assessments.

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

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

• Promote human-centered design approaches.

• Encourage customer-centric innovation practices.

Project Management and Governance

• Manage innovation projects from concept through implementation.

• Coordinate cross-functional teams involved in innovation initiatives.

• Monitor project milestones, budgets, performance and outcomes.

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

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

Performance Monitoring and Reporting

• Track innovation initiatives against established business objectives and KPIs.

• Measure innovation outcomes and adoption rates.

• Assess customer impact and commercial benefits.

• Prepare innovation dashboards, reports and management updates.

• Monitor return on investment from innovation projects.

• Track business value realization.

• Develop recommendations to improve the effectiveness and scalability of innovation initiatives.

Qualifications Required

Applicants should have:

• A Bachelor's degree from a recognized university.

• Professional qualifications or training in Product Management, Project Management and/or Agile Practices will be an added advantage.

• A Master's degree in a business-related field will be an added advantage.

Experience Required

Candidates should have:

• At least 5 years of cumulative professional experience.

• Experience in innovation management, digital financial services, product development, digital transformation or a related field.

• Experience managing innovation initiatives from ideation through implementation.

• Experience working with cross-functional teams and external technology partners.

• Experience with agile methodologies, design thinking or product development would be advantageous.

Skills and Competencies

The ideal candidate should demonstrate:

• Strong innovation and strategic thinking skills.

• Excellent project management capabilities.

• Strong understanding of digital products and emerging technologies.

• Customer-centric problem-solving abilities.

• Strong analytical and market research skills.

• Ability to evaluate and prioritize new business ideas.

• Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills.

• Ability to work effectively with fintechs, startups and technology partners.

• Strong understanding of Agile practices and experimentation.

• Ability to monitor KPIs, budgets and return on investment.

• Strong business and commercial awareness.

How to Apply

Interested and qualified candidates should submit their applications through the official KCB recruitment platform. Applicants should provide accurate information and ensure that their academic qualifications, professional certifications and relevant work experience are clearly presented in their applications.

CLICK HERE TO APPLY

Final Thought

The DFS Manager – Innovation position offers an opportunity for an experienced professional to help shape digital transformation and innovation within the banking sector. Candidates with at least five years of relevant experience, strong innovation capabilities and knowledge of digital products, Agile practices and emerging technologies should consider applying for this opportunity.