Head of Innovation
NMB Bank Plc | Head Office, Hq
Position
Company
NMB Bank Plc
Location
Head Office, Hq
Job Purpose
To lead and drive the bank's innovation agenda by defining and executing a comprehensive innovation strategy that positions the institution as a market leader in financial services, fosters a culture of creativity and continuous improvement, and delivers transformative solutions that enhance customer experience, drive revenue growth, improve operational efficiency, and strengthen competitive advantage, while overseeing Enterprise Architecture to ensure the bank's technology landscape remains strategically aligned with business objectives.
Main Responsibilities
Innovation Strategy
Develop and continuously refine a bank-wide innovation strategy aligned with corporate vision, growth targets, and customer-centric objectives.
Establish a multi-year innovation roadmap covering product innovation, digital transformation, and operational enhancements.
Identify and prioritize high-impact innovation opportunities that drive revenue growth, cost optimization, and competitive differentiation.
Build and manage a structured innovation pipeline
Leverage macroeconomic, industry, and technology trends to identify high-impact innovation opportunities and establish robust innovation metrics and performance indicators applicable across core and disruptive innovation portfolios.
Ensure that all product, technology, and service innovations are deeply customer-centric, integrating end-to-end customer journey mapping and experience design principles throughout the development process.
Drive the exploration and development of disruptive innovations, focusing on “game-changing” initiatives, including the introduction of new-to-market products, services, and business models.
Enterprise Architecture Strategy
Define and maintain the enterprise architecture vision, principles, and target state architecture aligned with business strategy.
Develop a technology roadmap that supports scalability, resilience, integration, and digital innovation.
Ensure alignment between business strategy, IT investments, and architecture standards.
Drive modernization initiatives (cloud adoption, API strategy, microservices, data platforms).
Establish architecture governance frameworks to guide technology decisions and ensure compliance.
Fintech & Ecosystem Strategy
Design and execute a fintech partnership and ecosystem strategy to accelerate innovation and expand digital capabilities.
Identify, assess, and prioritize strategic fintech partnerships, investments, and alliances aligned with business priorities.
Develop collaboration models (e.g., partnerships, accelerators, venture programs, APIs, embedded finance).
Build an open banking and platform strategy to position the bank within broader financial ecosystems.
Monitor global fintech trends and integrate best-in-class external capabilities into the bank's offerings.
Strategy Implementation
Drive the execution of the Innovation Department's strategy by translating strategic priorities into clear, measurable initiatives and deliverables.
Oversee and coordinate the implementation of innovation initiatives across sub-units, ensuring alignment, consistency, and timely delivery.
Enable collaboration across departments to ensure seamless integration of innovation within the broader Digital & Transformation agenda.
Champion a culture of innovation, agility, and accountability, empowering teams to deliver on strategic goals effectively.
Research & Development
Lead the identification, evaluation, and prioritization of emerging technologies, market trends, and customer needs to inform the organization's innovation pipeline.
Establish and oversee a structured R&D framework that supports ideation, experimentation, prototyping, and commercialization of new solutions.
Drive collaboration with internal teams, external partners, fintechs, academia, and industry bodies to accelerate innovation and access new capabilities.
Ensure rigorous validation of new concepts through research, testing, and pilot programs to minimize risk and maximize value creation.
Champion data-driven decision-making by leveraging research insights, customer feedback, and market intelligence in the development of new products and services.
Allocate and optimize R&D resources (budget, talent, tools) to maximize innovation outcomes and return on investment.
Financial Management
Develop and manage the Innovation Department's budget, ensuring optimal allocation of resources in line with strategic priorities and expected impact.
Define an innovation investment framework that prioritizes high-value initiatives, balancing short-term wins with long-term transformation opportunities.
Evaluate and approve funding for innovation projects, ensuring robust business cases, clear value propositions, and measurable ROI.
Monitor and control expenditure across innovation initiatives, ensuring financial discipline, transparency, and efficient use of resources.
Lead initiatives aimed at reducing operating costs (OPEX) while maintaining or improving service quality.
Promote adoption of lean, agile, and efficient delivery models to minimize waste and optimize resource utilization.
People Management
Build and sustain a high-performing team culture
Guide and support team leaders
Foster a motivating work environment
Knowledge and Skills
Strong knowledge of strategy development, road mapping, and execution frameworks.
Deep understanding of banking products, services, and operations (retail, corporate, digital banking).
Knowledge of regulatory frameworks
Awareness of industry trends, competitive landscape, and customer expectations.
Expertise in innovation frameworks (design thinking, lean startup, agile methodologies).
Familiarity with emerging technologies
Awareness of venture trends, startup ecosystems, and digital platforms.
Knowledge of application, data, and infrastructure architecture.
Ability to align technology strategy with business objectives.
Knowledge of digital transformation frameworks and modernization approaches.
Familiarity with platform-based business models and ecosystem thinking
Ability to establish and manage structures, processes and standards
Advanced Analysis; Report writing; Presentation skills
Strong planning, organization and documentation skills
Qualifications and Experience
Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Finance, Information Technology, Engineering, or related field.
A Master's degree (MBA or equivalent) in Business, Innovation, Technology Management, or Digital Transformation is an added advantage.
Postgraduate education in Banking and/or Banking certification(s) is an added advantage
Minimum of 7 years of relevant experience, with a strong track record in innovation, digital transformation, or strategy within the banking or financial services sector.
Proven experience in leading innovation initiatives from ideation to implementation and scaling.
Exposure to enterprise architecture, digital platforms, and emerging technologies is highly desirable.
Experience in working with or managing fintech partnerships, ecosystems, or external innovation stakeholders is an advantage.
Strong managerial and interpersonal skills
Proactive in identifying new trends and innovation ideas on various categories
Relevant professional certifications (e.g., Innovation Management, Agile/SAFe, Design Thinking, TOGAF, or Project Management) are an added advantage.
NMB Bank Plc is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to creating a diverse environment and achieving a gender balanced workforce.
Female candidates and people living with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply for this position.
NMB Bank Plc does not charge any fee in connection with the application or recruitment process. Should you receive a solicitation for the payment of a fee, please disregard it.
Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
How to approach this opportunity
Before applying for Head of Innovation, review the requirements carefully, tailor your CV to the role, and follow the instructions shown in the advert.
- Identify 2-3 requirements from the advert and make sure they are clearly visible in your CV, cover letter, or application message.
- Prepare a short application message that mentions the exact job title and why you fit the role.
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Tailor your CV before applying
For Head of Innovation at NMB Bank Plc, align your CV with the location and role context: Head Office, Hq.
Questions to prepare for
Before interviewing for Head of Innovation - NMB Bank Plc, Head Office, Hq, prepare short answers backed by real examples from your experience.
Why do you think the Head of Innovation role is a good fit for you?
Which of your skills best match this position?
Give an example of an achievement or work challenge you solved.
How would you contribute to the organization if selected?
Which requirement in this advert best matches your experience, and what proof can you share?
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View sample application letter Dynamic draft tailored to this job post. Edit it before sending.
Refer to the letter heading above, I am writing to apply for the Head of Innovation position at NMB Bank Plc. After reviewing the advertised requirements, I believe my skills, experience, and commitment to professional results make me a strong candidate for this opportunity.
My background has prepared me to contribute effectively in nmb careers. I can bring relevant experience, strong attention to detail, and the ability to work responsibly with teams, clients, and organizational priorities. In tailoring this application, I would highlight evidence related to Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Finance, Information Technology, Engineering, or related field. A Master's degree (MBA or equivalent) in....
I am especially interested in this role because it aligns with responsibilities such as Innovation Strategy Develop and continuously refine a bank-wide innovation strategy aligned with corporate vision, growth targets, and customer-centric objectives. Establ.... I am confident that my ability to learn quickly, communicate clearly, and deliver dependable work would support the goals of the organization.
I have attached my CV and supporting documents for your review. I would appreciate the opportunity to discuss how my qualifications match this position.
Thank you for considering my application.
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