Head of Digital & Innovations at SBM Bank

Job Summary:

The Head of Digital and Innovations is a critical leadership role responsible for establishing and leading a team focused on driving digital transformation. This individual will be responsible for the strategic direction, development, and delivery of new digital channels, process automation initiatives, and spearheading innovations preferably in domestic and international payments landscape. This role requires a good technical understanding, coupled with excellent leadership skills and a passion for innovation. The ideal candidate will be able to build a high-performing team from the ground up while ensuring alignment with the Bank’s overall digital transformation objectives.

Key Responsibilities:

Digital Channel Development:

• Lead the innovations around digital channels (e.g., web, mobile apps, APIs). 
• Work closely with business stakeholders to understand their requirements and translate them into technical specifications. 
• Ensure the digital channels are user-friendly, secure, and scalable. 
• Drive continuous improvement of existing digital channels based on user feedback and performance data.

Process Automation:

• Identify opportunities for processing automation across various business functions. 
• Lead the design and implementation of automation solutions using relevant technologies (e.g., RPA, BPM). 
• Monitor the performance of automation initiatives and make necessary adjustments.
• Collaborate with stakeholders to ensure smooth integration of automation solutions with existing systems.

Payment Landscape Modernization:

• Lead the development and implementation of a modern and robust payment engine.
• Identify and develop strategic partnerships with payment providers and other relevant partners. 
• Ensure compliance with industry regulations and security standards for payments processing.

Strategic Planning & Execution:

• Develop and maintain a clear roadmap for the build team, aligned with the overall digital transformation strategy.
• Translate business objectives into actionable technical plans and deliverables. 
• Track and report on progress against key performance indicators (KPIs).
• Stay abreast of emerging technologies and trends in digital channels, automation, and payment solutions. 
• Identify and mitigate risks associated with digital transformation initiatives.

Stakeholder Management:

• Communicate effectively with stakeholders at all levels of the organization. 
• Build strong relationships with business teams to understand their needs and ensure alignment. 
• Present progress updates and report key findings to senior management. 
• Manage expectations and proactively address concerns from stakeholders.

People Leadership & Development:

• Build and lead a lean, agile, and highly motivated
• Define clear roles, responsibilities, and performance expectations for the build team. 
• Foster a culture of innovation, collaboration, and continuous improvement within the team. 
• Recruit, onboard, mentor, and develop team members to ensure the team's growth and success. 
• Manage the team's resources effectively, including budget and tools.

Performance Management:

• Analyze the overall business performance scorecard(s) and derive effective deliverables and key performance indicators for Operations. 
• Ensure departmental budgets are in place and cost-saving initiatives are tracked. 
• Ensure adherence to documented Service Level Agreements and to align policies and procedures to actualize high quality standards and service delivery.
• Oversee the Business Process Re-engineering initiatives with a sole purpose of continuously improving processes and policy alignment and guarantee a favorable impact on the bottom-line and attendant unlocking of operating capacity. 
• Undertake initiatives to interact with Business Units to innovate and digitalize processes.
• Preventing frauds and financial losses to the Bank.

Qualifications & Experience:

• Minimum of 10-12 years of experience in Banking sector with a significant portion spent on innovative product, channels development and partnerships.
• Proven experience in building and leading high-performing teams. 
• Strong understanding of modern digital technologies, including web/mobile, APIs, automation, and cloud platforms. 
• Solid experience in payment processing and developing payment solutions.
• Experience with agile methodologies and project management. 
• Good knowledge of the Kenyan Fintech space 
• Experience of integrating domestic parastatals and Utility Companies 
• Experience in partnering with vendors, negotiating contracts, and managing vendor relationships.

Skills: 

• Excellent leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills. 
• Ability to think strategically and execute tactically.
• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously. 
• Strong understanding of security principles and best practices. 
• Technical Acumen
• Ability to manage budgets and resources effectively. 
• Adaptable, willing to embrace change, and proactive approach.

Education: 

• Bachelor’s degree in science, Information Technology, Commerce or a related field. • Master's degree preferred