Head Strategy, Research And Innovations at National Bank of Kenya

The Position

Reporting to the Managing Director & CEO, the role holder will be responsible for overseeing the development, monitoring and execution of the Bank’s strategic initiatives, facilitating leading-edge research, lead and drive an innovation culture in the Bank.

Key Responsibilities:

•    Work directly and closely with the MD & CEO, Divisional Directors, distribution and channel leaders, other senior strategy executives to lead Bank strategy development in a matrix environment and responsible for integrating Bank strategy with other key Divisional strategies
•    Drive the execution of strategies that grow revenue through acquisitions and partnerships. Work with partners and stakeholders to incubate new ideas for strategic investments
•    Conduct periodic reviews of results against plans to ensure the business is making progress against its long term objectives.
•    Develop and secure approval for Bank strategic assessments and plans including market/environmental scans, voice of the customer analyses, competitive assessments, market sizing, and other studies to ensure the Bank’s strategy is fact based and reflects the latest changes in the environment.
•    Design, develop and manage the research agenda of the Bank on key priorities identified
•    Provide market research, analyses and insights into latest industry trends and new innovations that will inform the business strategies.
•    Lead and drive a culture of innovation, actively seeking ways to enhance the capability and performance efficiency, efficacy and success of the Bank
•    Define and prioritize key innovation projects across themes and Divisions based on a carefully drawn selection criteria.
•    Collect, collate and turn various staff/customers/other stakeholders ideas into business solutions, innovative products and service and enhance operational efficiency.
•    Work with Business Heads to develop and implement both conventional and non-conventional financial products and services.

The Person

For the above position, the successful applicant should have the following:-
•    University Degree in Economics, Finance, Banking, Engineering or its equivalent from a recognized institution.
•    Master’s degree in a relevant field from a recognized institution.
•    Certification in Project Management.
•    Certification in Research.
•    Certification in Change Management.
•    Minimum of eight (8) years’ experience in Finance, Strategy, Research and Innovations environment, five (5) of which must be in a Senior Management position.
•    In-depth knowledge of strategy processes, tools, and frameworks; ability to ideate, develop hypotheses, prove or disprove hypotheses through structured analysis and recommend a path.
•    Excellent research, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
•    Ability to think creatively and develop innovative solutions.
•    Excellent interpersonal, communication and presentation skills.
•    Demonstrated Leadership capacity and ability to operate at Senior Management Level
•    Integrity and courage to challenge the actions within various business Divisions and the status quo.