Head of Innovation

Role overview

This position reports to the Chief, Technology & Digital Transformation. The Head of Innovation will own the bank’s innovation direction, shape and deliver a forward-looking strategy, and help position the organisation as a leader in financial services. The role is responsible for building a strong culture of creativity and continuous improvement, creating solutions that improve customer experience, increase revenue, streamline operations, and strengthen market advantage. In addition, the role oversees enterprise architecture so that the technology environment stays aligned with business goals.

Innovation strategy

• Create, update, and embed a bank-wide innovation strategy that supports the organisation’s vision, growth targets, and customer-focused priorities.
• Build a multi-year roadmap for product innovation, digital change, and operational improvement.
• Spot, assess, and rank innovation opportunities that can raise revenue, cut costs, and differentiate the bank from competitors.
• Set up and manage a structured innovation pipeline.
• Use macroeconomic, sector, and technology insights to uncover high-value opportunities and define performance measures for both incremental and disruptive innovation.
• Make sure new products, services, and technology initiatives are truly customer-centric by using journey mapping and experience design across development.
• Advance disruptive ideas, including new-to-market offerings, services, and business models.

Enterprise architecture strategy

• Define and maintain the target enterprise architecture vision, guiding principles, and future-state design in line with business strategy.
• Create a technology roadmap that supports scale, resilience, integration, and digital innovation.
• Align business priorities, IT investments, and architecture standards.
• Lead modernisation efforts such as cloud adoption, API strategy, microservices, and data platforms.
• Put in place governance structures that steer technology choices and ensure compliance.

Fintech and ecosystem strategy

• Develop and implement a fintech partnership and ecosystem plan that accelerates innovation and expands digital capabilities.
• Identify, evaluate, and prioritise fintech partnerships, investments, and alliances that support business goals.
• Design partnership models such as accelerators, venture programmes, APIs, embedded finance, and similar collaborations.
• Shape an open banking and platform approach that connects the bank with wider financial ecosystems.
• Track global fintech developments and bring in external capabilities that strengthen the bank’s offerings.

Strategy implementation

• Translate innovation strategy into practical initiatives, timelines, and measurable deliverables.
• Coordinate execution across innovation sub-units to keep work aligned, consistent, and on schedule.
• Promote cross-functional collaboration so innovation is embedded within the wider Digital & Transformation agenda.
• Encourage a culture built on innovation, agility, and accountability.

Research and development

• Lead the review of emerging technologies, market shifts, and customer needs to shape the innovation pipeline.
• Create and oversee a structured R&D framework covering ideation, experimentation, prototyping, and commercialisation.
• Work with internal teams, external partners, fintechs, academia, and industry groups to speed up innovation and access new capabilities.
• Ensure new concepts are tested through research, pilots, and validation to reduce risk and increase value.
• Use research findings, customer feedback, and market intelligence to guide product and service development.
• Manage R&D resources such as budget, talent, and tools to improve innovation outcomes and return on investment.

Financial management

• Prepare and control the Innovation Department budget, ensuring funds are allocated in line with strategic priorities and expected impact.
• Set an innovation investment model that balances quick wins with long-term transformation.
• Assess and approve funding proposals using strong business cases, clear value propositions, and measurable ROI.
• Track expenditure across initiatives to maintain financial discipline, transparency, and efficient use of resources.
• Drive actions that lower operating costs while protecting or improving service quality.
• Encourage lean, agile, and efficient delivery approaches to reduce waste and improve resource use.

People management

• Develop and sustain a high-performing team culture.
• Support and coach team leaders.
• Create a positive and motivating work environment.

Knowledge and skills expected

• Strong grasp of strategy creation, road mapping, and execution methods.
• Solid understanding of banking products, services, and operations across retail, corporate, and digital banking.
• Knowledge of relevant regulatory frameworks.
• Awareness of market trends, competition, and customer expectations.
• Practical knowledge of innovation methods such as design thinking, lean startup, and agile.
• Familiarity with emerging technologies.
• Understanding of venture trends, startup ecosystems, and digital platforms.
• Knowledge of application, data, and infrastructure architecture.
• Ability to connect technology strategy with business goals.
• Understanding of digital transformation and modernisation approaches.
• Familiarity with platform business models and ecosystem thinking.
• Ability to define and manage structures, processes, and standards.
• Strong analytical, report-writing, and presentation abilities.
• Excellent planning, organisation, and documentation skills.

Qualifications and experience

• A bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Finance, Information Technology, Engineering, or a related discipline is required.
• A master’s degree such as an MBA, or an equivalent qualification in Business, Innovation, Technology Management, or Digital Transformation, is an added advantage.
• Postgraduate study in banking and/or a banking certification would be beneficial.
• At least 7 years of relevant experience, with a strong background in innovation, digital transformation, or strategy within banking or financial services, is required.
• Proven ability to lead innovation work from concept through implementation and scaling is essential.
• Experience with enterprise architecture, digital platforms, and emerging technologies is highly desirable.
• Background in managing fintech partnerships, ecosystems, or other external innovation stakeholders is an advantage.
• Strong leadership, managerial, and interpersonal abilities are needed.
• The role requires a proactive person who can identify new trends and innovation ideas across different categories.
• Professional certifications such as Innovation Management, Agile/SAFe, Design Thinking, TOGAF, or Project Management are a plus.

Equal opportunity statement

The employer is an equal opportunity organisation and is committed to building a diverse workplace with gender balance.