Head of Digital & Technology Transformation {Location - Tanzania}

Role & responsibilities

• Define and execute the digital product roadmap aligned with corporate business objectives, market opportunities, and regulatory requirements in Tanzania.
• Lead end-to-end implementation, optimization, and management of Loan Management System (LMS), Loan Origination System (LOS), and Core Banking System (CBS).
• Conceptualize and develop new financial products (lending products, savings instruments, payment solutions) to capture market share and serve under banked segments.
• Translate complex business requirements from Credit, Operations, Finance, Risk, and Compliance teams into technical specifications and actionable implementation plans.
• Evaluate, select, and manage relationships with core banking software vendors; negotiate contracts and ensure SLA compliance.
• Ensure seamless integration between LMS, LOS, CBS, and ancillary systems including mobile banking, agency banking, payment gateways, and CRM platforms.
• Lead the ideation-to-launch cycle for new digital products including market research, feasibility analysis, MVP development, and scaled rollout.
• Establish and manage a product development function capable of rapid prototyping and agile delivery methodologies.
• Explore emerging technologies (AI/ML for credit scoring, blockchain, open banking APIs) and assess their applicability to business.
• Conduct gap analyses between business needs and current system capabilities; define user stories, acceptance criteria, and success metrics.
• Oversee major software implementation projects, ensuring on-time, on-budget, and on-scope delivery with proper governance frameworks.
• Lead change management and user adoption programs to ensure successful system transitions across the organization.
• Build, mentor, and lead a high-performing team spanning product management, business analysis, software development, and IT infrastructure.
• Establish clear performance expectations, career development paths, and succession plans for direct reports.
• Present product strategies and business cases to the Board and Executive Committee; secure buy-in and resources for strategic initiatives.
• Foster collaboration between technical and business teams; represent the technology function in leadership forums.
• Drive system upgrades, data migration projects, and regulatory compliance enhancements aligned with Central Bank of Tanzania requirements.
• Create a culture of continuous improvement, customer-centric, and data-driven decision making within the technology function.

Core Financial Systems Knowledge:

• Deep understanding of loan lifecycle management: origination, disbursement, servicing, collections, write-offs
• Knowledge of credit risk assessment, scoring models, and underwriting processes
• Understanding of accounting principles as they relate to loan accounting, provisioning, and GL postings
• Familiarity with regulatory reporting requirements (Central Bank, IFRS 9, etc.)

Technology & Architecture:

• System architecture design for integrated banking environments
• API design and integration patterns (REST, SOAP, middleware)
• Database design and management (SQL Server, Oracle, MySQL)
• Cloud platforms and infrastructure (AWS, Azure, or hybrid architectures)
• Data analytics and business intelligence tools

Product & Project Management:

• Product lifecycle management methodologies
• Agile/Scrum and Waterfall project management
• Business case development and ROI analysis
• Vendor evaluation and management

Digital & Emerging Technologies:

• Mobile banking and digital channels
• Payment systems and gateway integrations
• AI/ML applications in credit scoring and fraud detection
• Open banking APIs and fintech ecosystem integration

This role will directly impact the company's ability to:

• Launch innovative lending products that serve under banked segments and drive financial inclusion
• Reduce loan processing time and significantly improve customer experience
• Strengthen risk management through better data, analytics, and integrated systems
• Achieve operational efficiency through automation, digitization, and system integration
• Build a sustainable competitive advantage through technology-driven innovation
• Position as a leader in digital financial services in East Africa