Lead Innovations Analyst at Standard Bank Group

JOB DESCRIPTION

To analyse business eco-systems and processes to identify opportunities for improvement. To design, build, test and implement automated solutions to solve key business pain points and leverage business opportunities to deliver business value for the customer. 

We are seeking a highly motivated and experienced Senior Innovations Analyst to join our Business and Commercial Banking Technology (Digital Innovation) team. As a Senior Innovations Analyst, you will be responsible for driving innovative solutions by analysing customer needs, conducting research, and developing new ideas and revenue opportunities. Your expertise in exponential technologies, particularly blockchain, will play a crucial role in understanding business problems and designing cutting-edge solutions.

• Conduct in-depth analysis of customer needs, business requirements, and market trends to identify opportunities for innovation and revenue generation.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to gather insights, conduct research, and develop proof-of-concepts (POCs) that showcase the potential of proposed solutions.
• Leverage your expertise in exponential technologies, specifically blockchain, to design and implement innovative solutions that address business challenges.
• Analyse legacy architectures and systems to identify areas for improvement and recommend innovative approaches for technology transformation.
• Apply data and systems analysis techniques to evaluate the feasibility and impact of proposed innovations and identify potential risks and opportunities.
• Manage stakeholders effectively, including facilitating design thinking sessions, presenting ideas and concepts, and obtaining buy-in for innovation initiatives.
• Contribute to the design of exceptional customer experiences (CX) and user experiences (UX) by experimenting with new approaches, defining product features, and developing business models.
• Lead cross-functional teams in the development and execution of innovation projects, ensuring collaboration, effective communication, and timely delivery.
• Create and analyse customer journeys to identify pain points, optimize processes, and enhance the overall customer experience.
• Mentor and coach junior staff members, providing guidance and support in their professional development and fostering a culture of innovation within the team.
• Drive the implementation of blockchain technology, ensuring proper understanding, adoption, and integration within the organization.
• Utilize agile methodologies and lean start-up principles to drive innovation projects forward and adapt to changing market dynamics.
• Ensure timely reporting and communication with stakeholders, providing updates on project progress, key milestones, and outcomes.
• Manage staff, delegate tasks, and provide direction and mentorship to foster a collaborative and high-performance work environment.

QUALIFICATIONS

Minimum Qualifications
Type of Qualification: First Degree
Field of Study: Information Technology

• Master's degree in a relevant field, such as MBA, Masters in Digital Business, Masters Degree in Innovation and Entrepreneurship, or equivalent.
• Lean Six Sigma certification, demonstrating expertise in process improvement methodologies.

Experience Required

• 5 – 10 years of experience in a similar role, with a proven track record of driving innovation and delivering successful solutions in digital/business transformation.
• Extensive knowledge and experience in exponential technologies, particularly blockchain, and their application in solving business problems.
• Strong data analysis and systems analysis skills, with the ability to gather and interpret complex information to make informed decisions.
• Proficiency in design thinking and systems thinking methodologies, with the ability to apply them to problem-solving and innovation processes.
• Excellent stakeholder management skills, including the ability to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams and influence key decision-makers.
• Experience in facilitating design thinking sessions and utilizing customer-centric approaches to problem-solving.
• Proficiency in defining customer value propositions, creating business model canvases, and analyzing customer journeys.
• Demonstrated leadership abilities, with experience in leading cross-functional teams and managing projects from inception to completion.
• Familiarity with agile methodologies, lean start-up principles, and continuous improvement frameworks such as lean six sigma.
• Exceptional communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to articulate complex concepts and ideas clearly and persuasively.
• Proactive and self-motivated with a strong entrepreneurial mindset and a passion for driving innovation and change.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Behavioral Competencies:

• Adopting Practical Approaches
• Articulating Information
• Checking Details
• Documenting Facts
• Establishing Rapport
• Examining Information
• Generating Ideas
• Interpreting Data
• Inviting Feedback
• Meeting Timescales
• Providing Insights
• Team Working

Technical Competencies:

• Business Process Improvement
• Continuous Process Improvement
• Process Analysis and Redesign
• Release Planning and Deployment
• Verbal Communication