DFS Manager – Innovation at KCB Bank Tanzania

Job Function

Innovation & Digital Transformation

Designation

DFS Manager - Innovation

Level

Manager

Employment Type

Full Time

Workplace Type

Not specified

Location

Tanzania, United Republic of

Job Role

Job Title: DFS Manager - Innovation

Position Overview

The DFS Manager - Innovation will support the development and execution of the Bank’s innovation strategy, driving digital transformation, customer-centric innovation, new product development, strategic partnerships, and the commercialization of innovative solutions.

The role is responsible for identifying emerging technologies and market opportunities, managing the innovation pipeline, leading ideation and incubation initiatives, coordinating innovation projects, and ensuring successful implementation of validated innovations across the Bank.

Key Responsibilities

Innovation Strategy & Execution

• Support the development and execution of the Bank’s innovation strategy aligned with business and digital transformation objectives.
• Identify emerging market trends, technologies, 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.

Innovation Ideation & Incubation

• Lead innovation ideation sessions, design-thinking workshops, hackathons, and innovation challenges.
• Evaluate, prioritize, and develop innovative concepts into viable business opportunities.
• Build and manage processes for idea generation, assessment, incubation, and commercialization.
• Facilitate rapid prototyping and proof-of-concept initiatives.
• Drive experimentation and agile innovation methodologies.

Product & Solution Development

• 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.

Ecosystem & Partnership Development

• Establish and manage relationships with fintechs, startups, accelerators, innovation hubs, universities, and technology providers.
• Identify strategic partnership opportunities that enhance KCB’s digital capabilities.
• Evaluate fintech and technology solutions for potential collaboration or integration.
• Support ecosystem development initiatives and innovation partnerships.
• Represent the Bank in industry innovation forums and engagement platforms.

Customer Experience & Market Research

• Conduct customer research, market analysis, and trend assessments to identify innovation opportunities.
• Monitor local and global developments in banking, fintech, digital payments, AI, and emerging technologies.
• Utilize customer insights to improve products, services, and customer journeys.
• Promote human-centered design and customer-centric innovation practices.

Project Management & Governance

• Manage innovation projects from concept to implementation.
• Coordinate cross-functional teams to ensure timely delivery of innovation initiatives.
• Monitor project performance, milestones, budgets, and outcomes.
• Maintain governance controls for innovation projects, pilots, and proof-of-concept initiatives.
• Ensure successful transition of validated innovations into mainstream business operations.

Performance Monitoring & Reporting

• Track innovation initiatives against defined 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 realization from innovation projects.
• Develop recommendations to strengthen innovation effectiveness and scalability.

Qualifications

Education

• Bachelor’s degree from a recognized university is required.

Professional Qualifications

• Professional qualifications or experience in Product Management, Project Management, or Agile Practices are an added advantage.

Master’s Degree

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

Experience

• Minimum of 5 years of cumulative professional experience is required.

Core Skills & Competencies

• Innovation strategy and execution
• Product management
• Project management
• Agile methodologies
• Design thinking
• Digital transformation
• Customer experience and market research
• Fintech and digital payments
• Partnership and ecosystem development
• Innovation portfolio management
• Business case development
• Performance monitoring and reporting
• Cross-functional stakeholder management
• Strategic problem-solving

Need Type

• RQ: Required
• AA: Added Advantage

Application

Applicants should refer to the official recruitment information for application instructions and submission requirements.