Senior Manager, Group DFS Configurations at Equity Bank Kenya

The Senior Manager, Group DFS Configurations is the head of the DFS Core Platform, responsible for developing and executing the strategy, overseeing the budget, managing costs, and driving delivery of the Core Mobile Money Systems. This role involves leadership at both the operational and strategic levels, working closely with teams to ensure alignment with organizational goals and maintaining high levels of performance, availability, and security across all facilities. The key drive of the Senior Manager, Group DFS Configurations will be to drive delivery of Core DFS platform across all of Equity subsidiaries, while ensuring that the system is designed and delivered in the most cost-effective way. This means standardizing the configurations across all subsidiaries, and building a Center of Excellence with regards to DFS Core Platforms 

Job Responsibilities/ Accountabilities: 

Technical Leadership 

• Provide guidance and leadership to the configuration of Core DFS Platforms. 
• Ensure that all Core DFS systems are delivered within defined timelines, focusing on quality, performance, and re-usability. 
• Ensure re-use of common functionality across all subsidiaries hence reducing costly Change Requests 
• Ensure management of configurations across all subsidiaries
• Strategic Management 
• Develop and implement the overall Core DFS Platforms to ensure alignment with the organizations long-term business objectives. 
• Oversee the planning and execution of strategic initiatives, such as infrastructure upgrades, capacity planning, and technological advancements of the DFS Platform. 
• Lead long-term planning for Core DFS expansions, features and upgrades, ensuring scalability and sustainability.
• Budgeting and Cost Management 
• Develop, manage, and control the Core Platforms DFS budget, ensuring alignment with financial goals and optimizing costs. 
• Monitor and manage operational expenditures (OPEX) and capital expenditures (CAPEX) related to DFS Core Platforms. 
• Identify cost-saving opportunities and efficiency improvements in DFS applications and infrastructure.
• Operational Leadership 
• Provide guidance and leadership to the DFS Managers and other direct reports, ensuring the efficient implementation of Core Mobile Money systems. 
• Ensure that all Core DFS systems are delivered within defined timelines, focusing on quality, performance, and reliability. 
• Ensure re-use of common functionality across all subsidiaries hence reducing costly Change Requests 
• Risk and Compliance Management
• Ensure compliance with industry standards, certifications (e.g., PCI DSS, ISO), and regulatory requirements across all systems 
• Oversee the development and implementation of risk management and disaster recovery plans. 
• Ensure DFS system is designed and implemented securely and that all security measures comply with organizational policies.
• Audit Management 
• Manage both internal and external audits related to Core DFS systems, ensuring full compliance with regulatory requirements and industry standards. 
• Coordinate audit preparation activities, ensuring all necessary documentation and processes are in place. 
• Address audit findings and recommendations, implementing corrective actions to mitigate risks and improve operational efficiency. 
• Liaise with internal audit teams, external auditors, and regulatory bodies, ensuring clear communication and timely responses.
• Essential Knowledge 
• In-depth knowledge and experience of Mobile money systems 
• Strong understanding and appreciation of Huawei Core DFS Platform 
• Understanding and proven working experience with API integration  
• Excellent knowledge of industry standards and best practices including compliance and risk management. 

Qualifications

Requirements: 

• University degree in Information Technology, Electrical Engineering, or a related field. 
• Minimum 10 years of experience in FinTech Systems, with a focus on strategy, budgeting, and operational leadership.
• Proven experience managing large-scale Mobile Money/Fintech teams.
• Experience in managing CAPEX/OPEX budgets and vendor contracts.
• Excellent leadership and communication skills, with the ability to collaborate with both technical and non-technical stakeholders.
• Willingness to travel regionally based on business need