Product & Service Design Manager – CRDB Bank

Job Summary

Responsible for leading and managing the products and services innovation lifecycle from ideation to launch. The role requires a deep understanding of market trends, customer needs, and the competitive landscape to develop and introduce breakthrough banking products that deliver value to customers and differentiate the bank in the market.

The job holder shall act as an expert by being a trusted “go to person” for guiding product owners an key stakeholders on implementation of the PLM practices, to ensure the Bank achieves its strategic results.

Key responsibilities:

• Lead the product development team to identify, develop, and manage new product ideas that align with the bank’s strategic objectives.
• Conduct market research and competitive analysis to identify product and service innovation opportunities.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including technology, marketing, finance, and operations, to implement product and service strategies.
• Foster an innovative culture within the product team, encouraging creative thinking and risk-taking.
• Oversee the solution design process to ensure products and services meet customer needs, policy requirements, and regulatory standards.
• Document business cases for new products, including financial modelling, risk assessment, and market entry strategies.
• Manage the product development pipeline, ensuring timely progression of products from conception to market launch.
• Establish metrics to measure the performance of products and services to promote continuous improvement.
• Keep abreast of emerging technologies and fintech trends to ensure the bank remains at the forefront of product innovation.
• Manage relationships with research firms, data providers, and innovation partners, ensuring quality services and cost-effective agreements.

Experience, Knowledge and Skills Requirements

• Bachelor’s Degree in business, Finance, Economics, Marketing, or a related field.
• Proven experience of minimum 5 years in solution development or product management within the services industry.
• A strong track record of successfully developing and launching innovative products.
• Knowledge of regulatory requirements related to product governance and market intelligence.
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to build and maintain relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
• Solid understanding of banking products and services, along with digital banking trends.
• Excellent leadership and people management skills.
• Strong analytical and critical thinking abilities and creative mindset willing to challenge the status quo.
• Exceptional project management skills.
• Effective collaborator with the ability to work in a cross-functional environment.