Unit Head Research & Innovation-Digital Banking Group

Required Skill set:

• Ability to lead and manage digital innovation projects with a focus on enhancing customer experience and operational efficiency.
• Proficient in planning, executing, and delivering cross-functional initiatives using project management methodologies.
• Understanding of emerging technologies such as AI, APIs, blockchain, cloud computing, and their relevance to banking operations.
• Familiarity with SBP regulatory requirements and compliance in digital financial services.
• Strong communication, documentation, and stakeholder management skills across departments and external vendors.
• Capable of conducting research and preparing feasibility studies, business cases, and pilot project evaluations.
• Proven experience in managing innovation programs, research initiatives, or cross-functional digital projects.

Job Responsibilities:

• Develop and lead a structured research and innovation framework aligned with the bank’s digital and strategic vision.
• Conduct trend analysis, customer research, competitor benchmarking, and emerging technology assessments to identify innovation opportunities.
• Establish and manage an innovation pipeline focused on digital banking, customer experience, operational efficiency, and new revenue models.
• Collaborate with internal stakeholders (Product, IT, Risk, Compliance, and Business Teams) to co-create and pilot innovative solutions.
• Drive initiatives like innovation labs, design sprints, proof-of-concepts (PoCs), and rapid prototyping to validate new ideas.
• Engage with external innovation ecosystems including FinTech’s, startups, academia, technology partners, and accelerators.
• Prepare strategic whitepapers, research reports, and innovation recommendations for senior management.
• Monitor and measure success metrics for innovation projects and ensure effective knowledge management.
• Maintain strong awareness of global banking innovations, regulatory shifts, and digital disruptions.

Qualification: Preferably a Master’s degree or an equivalent professional qualification from a reputable university. A certification in Project Management or Business Analysis will be considered a plus.

Experience: Preferably 5 to 7 years’ of experience in Digital Banking, Transformation or Innovation Roles with Banking or FinTech organizations.

Location: Lahore