Equity Bank Limited (The “Bank”) is incorporated, registered under the Kenyan Companies Act Cap 486 and domiciled in Kenya. The address of the Bank’s registered office is 9th Floor, Equity Centre, P.O. Box 75104 – 00200 Nairobi. The Bank is licensed under the Kenya Banking Act (Chapter 488), and continues to offer retail banking, microfinance and related services. The Bank has subsidiaries in Kenya, Uganda, South Sudan, Rwanda and Tanzania. Its shares are listed on the Nairobi Securities Exchange and Uganda Securities Exchange. Equity Bank was founded as Equity Building Society (EBS) in October 1984 and was originally a provider of mortgage financing for the majority of customers who fell into the low income population. The society’s logo, a modest house with a brown roof, resonates with its target market and their determination to make small but steady gains toward a better life, seeking security and advancement of their dreams.
Role Purpose
The Innovation Manager helps shape the culture and processes required for innovation to succeed in the organization. The Innovation Manager will also manage relationships with external innovation partners such as Universities.
Role and Responsibilities
Main responsibilities
Manage and supervise staff within the innovation unit by providing day to day leadership including managing the department’s budget and performance. Maintain an understanding of external competitive digital developments and their impact on our business and innovation strategy; Define and prioritize key innovation and research projects across themes and divisions based on a carefully drawn selection criteria. Design, develop and manage the research agenda of The Group on key priorities identified. Develop and enhance cutting edge research in The Bank based on macro and micro factors and also lead in periodic review of customer trends, products and services. Provide market research, analyses and insights into latest industry trends and new innovations that will inform the business strategies. Analyze trends and market disruptions and searching for emerging new market opportunities. Lead and drive a culture of innovation, actively seeking ways to enhance the capability and performance efficiency, efficacy and success of the Group.. Orchestrate internal and external idea management processes to generate new ideas to feed into the innovations process. Present viable ideas to senior management and seek approval for execution. Provide regular updates on progress to Management. Play a key role in building and managing strategic alliances and business partners. Develop IP strategies, including IP management, protection and the implementation of technology licensing protocols. Cultivate a results-driven CoE by executing meaningful improvements organization-wide. Provide direction and oversight in ideation practices, including adoption and resulting impact Oversee and manage innovation investments. Conduct a regular cadence of communication meetings to detail opportunities, barriers and contingency plans when projects are not within schedule. Aggregate business use cases information in order assist leadership to prioritize and manage resources of enterprise. Monitor performance of implemented innovative ideas and prepare performance reports.
Compliance
Ensure compliance with both internal and external regulatory requirements. Maintain confidentiality of the Innovation Ideas in line with the Group’s Non-disclosure agreements and best practices as required
OTHER
To safeguard and promote the group’s image with the public within the scope of duty. Any other duty that may be assigned by the Supervisor.
Preferred Skills
Insatiable curiosity and hunger to learn Deep insight into business and technology in different industries and disciplines Leadership: getting people to buy in on a vision Analytical skills: ability to look at the world and situations objectively Entrepreneurial spirit: Drive to get things done and not overanalyze Mental toughness and ability to overcome critique and failure Creativity and empathy
Education
A Bachelor’s degree in an accredited university Master’s degree preferred Professional qualifications in innovation or strategy related courses.
Preferred experience
10 years’ experience in product management, banking, strategy and / or innovation.
