Chief Executive Officer - Kenya
Nairobi, Nairobi, Kenya
Full Time
Executive
Job Summary
As the Chief Executive Officer of Umba Microfinance Bank Kenya, you will be entrusted with the leadership and strategic direction of the business in Kenya and all the functions, with a primary focus on driving growth and expansion. This role is instrumental in shaping and executing the company's vision, goals, and objectives to ensure sustained success and profitability. As a key player in the organization, you will lead a high-performing team and actively engage in business development initiatives to propel the company to new heights.
About Umba
Umba is a pan-African digital bank serving customers in both Kenya and Nigeria. Our mission entails providing accessible and cost-effective financial services across Africa, enabling our customers to take charge of their financial well-being. We are committed to seizing a unique opportunity to transform the financial landscape in Africa by harnessing the power of machine learning to develop intelligent, affordable financial products tailored for emerging markets. Our machine learning models are continuously improving, and we leverage AI and automation to deliver banking solutions at the lowest possible cost to our expanding customer base.
Umba is headquartered in Nairobi Kenya. Our primary focus is to offer a comprehensive range of digital banking products through Android, iOS and Web Apps, and we take pride in our culture of consistently surpassing customer expectations, which has fueled our rapid expansion.
Umba acquired a deposit taking microfinance bank in Kenya in 2023, which has now been named Umba Microfinance Bank. The bank has achieved fast growth since launch with average monthly growth rate of 19% and 6x revenue growth in 2024.
We are actively seeking outstanding individuals who not only possess exceptional talent but also share our vision, determination, and sense of purpose. Join us in our endeavor to establish the best digital bank in Africa.
Responsibilities
Strategic Leadership
• Formulate and execute the company's strategic plan aligned with the organization's mission and objectives.
• Lead the various business functions in establishing functional and business strategies and provide strategic leadership in the implementation of Board-approved strategic goals.
• Provide forward-thinking leadership to propel the company towards its long-term goals.
• Collaborate with the Board on developing and executing succession and business continuity plans for key leadership roles, including the CEO position.
• Promote leadership development within the organization to build a strong pipeline of future leaders.
• Champion organizational values and ethics, modeling behaviors that reflect the company’s culture and standards.
Business Growth, Market and Competitive Analysis
• Stay informed about industry trends, market dynamics, and competitors' activities.
• Utilize market insights to identify opportunities and threats, adapting the company's strategies accordingly.
• Strategically Drive business Growth, Identify and pursue new business opportunities, partnerships, and alliances to expand the company's market presence and meet company’s revenue targets
• Lead initiatives to enhance the company's competitiveness and revenue streams, increasing the organization’s profit margins.
• Drive customer acquisition by increasing our lending base and driving business growth. Responsible for introducing the organization’s products into the market.
• Establish a substantial liabilities base through high-net-worth individual fixed deposits, SME business accounts, retail savings, and current accounts.
• Champion a customer-centric approach, ensuring that the bank’s products consistently meet or exceed customer expectations.
• Build and maintain strong customer relationships and partnerships.
• Drive digital marketing and Brand Visibility efforts
Financial Management and Business Performance Management
• Establish and monitor organizational performance metrics in alignment with Board-approved strategic goals.
• Ensure accountability for organizational results and provide regular performance evaluations to the Board.
• Oversee the company's financial performance, including budgeting, forecasting, and financial reporting.
• Make informed financial decisions to drive profitability and growth.
• Take ownership of the profit and loss (P&L) and achieve all financial and business targets for the bank.
• Develop and present annual budgets, financial forecasts, and performance reports to the Board of Directors.
• Manage organizational resources effectively, seeking Board approval for major financial decisions and investments.
• Provide regular updates on company performance and strategic initiatives.
Innovation and Technology
• Champion innovation and technology adoption to enhance product offerings and operational
efficiency.
• Guarantee the highest level of operational efficiency for our digital banking services, both on the web and mobile
• Collaborate with the Group Leadership Team to design and deliver innovative products meeting the bank's customer needs.
Operational Oversight:
• Elevate the operational efficiency of each department within the company with the aim of increasing revenue.
• Introduce operational enhancements and employ cost-effective strategies to enhance sales.
• Collaborate with the Group Leadership Team to determine pricing for the bank's products and services.
Team Leadership
• Lead change management initiatives, guiding teams through organizational transformations.
• Establish performance metrics and conduct regular evaluations, providing feedback and recognition to drive excellence
• Lead and inspire a high-performing team, fostering a culture of accountability, collaboration, and innovation.
• Attract, develop, and retain top talent within the organization, ensuring the team is motivated at all times.
Compliance and Governance
• Cultivate and manage relationships with regulators such as the Central Bank of Kenya (CBK) and the Kenya Deposit Insurance Corporation (KDIC), ensuring continuous compliance with relevant regulations and banking ratios.
• Ensure the company's operations adhere to all relevant laws, regulations, and corporate governance standards.
• Provide regular, clear, and comprehensive updates to the Board on organizational performance, risks, and opportunities.
• Maintain transparency in communication, sharing both achievements and challenges to facilitate informed decision-making.
• Foster a culture of ethics and compliance throughout the organization.
• Implement policies and governance frameworks established by the Board to ensure organizational compliance and operational integrity.
Stakeholder Communication
• Establish effective communication channels with stakeholders, including the Board of Directors, employees, customers, and shareholders.
• Represent the organization to external stakeholders, enhancing relationships with partners, investors, regulators, and the community.
• Drive initiatives that strengthen the organization’s brand and stakeholder confidence.
Risk Management
• Lead the development of enterprise-wide risk management framework and assess risks that may impact the organization, developing risk mitigation strategies.
• Ensure business continuity and disaster recovery plans are in place.
Work Status
As the Chief Executive Officer of Umba Microfinance Bank Kenya, you will be entrusted with the leadership and strategic direction of the business in Kenya and all the functions, with a primary focus on driving growth and expansion. This role is instrumental in shaping and executing the company's vision, goals, and objectives to ensure sustained success and profitability. As a key player in the organization, you will lead a high-performing team and actively engage in business development initiatives to propel the company to new heights.
About Umba
Umba is a pan-African digital bank serving customers in both Kenya and Nigeria. Our mission entails providing accessible and cost-effective financial services across Africa, enabling our customers to take charge of their financial well-being. We are committed to seizing a unique opportunity to transform the financial landscape in Africa by harnessing the power of machine learning to develop intelligent, affordable financial products tailored for emerging markets. Our machine learning models are continuously improving, and we leverage AI and automation to deliver banking solutions at the lowest possible cost to our expanding customer base.
Umba is headquartered in Nairobi Kenya. Our primary focus is to offer a comprehensive range of digital banking products through Android, iOS and Web Apps, and we take pride in our culture of consistently surpassing customer expectations, which has fueled our rapid expansion.
Umba acquired a deposit taking microfinance bank in Kenya in 2023, which has now been named Umba Microfinance Bank. The bank has achieved fast growth since launch with average monthly growth rate of 19% and 6x revenue growth in 2024.
We are actively seeking outstanding individuals who not only possess exceptional talent but also share our vision, determination, and sense of purpose. Join us in our endeavor to establish the best digital bank in Africa.
Responsibilities
Strategic Leadership
• Formulate and execute the company's strategic plan aligned with the organization's mission and objectives.
• Lead the various business functions in establishing functional and business strategies and provide strategic leadership in the implementation of Board-approved strategic goals.
• Provide forward-thinking leadership to propel the company towards its long-term goals.
• Collaborate with the Board on developing and executing succession and business continuity plans for key leadership roles, including the CEO position.
• Promote leadership development within the organization to build a strong pipeline of future leaders.
• Champion organizational values and ethics, modeling behaviors that reflect the company’s culture and standards.
Business Growth, Market and Competitive Analysis
• Stay informed about industry trends, market dynamics, and competitors' activities.
• Utilize market insights to identify opportunities and threats, adapting the company's strategies accordingly.
• Strategically Drive business Growth, Identify and pursue new business opportunities, partnerships, and alliances to expand the company's market presence and meet company’s revenue targets
• Lead initiatives to enhance the company's competitiveness and revenue streams, increasing the organization’s profit margins.
• Drive customer acquisition by increasing our lending base and driving business growth. Responsible for introducing the organization’s products into the market.
• Establish a substantial liabilities base through high-net-worth individual fixed deposits, SME business accounts, retail savings, and current accounts.
• Champion a customer-centric approach, ensuring that the bank’s products consistently meet or exceed customer expectations.
• Build and maintain strong customer relationships and partnerships.
• Drive digital marketing and Brand Visibility efforts
Financial Management and Business Performance Management
• Establish and monitor organizational performance metrics in alignment with Board-approved strategic goals.
• Ensure accountability for organizational results and provide regular performance evaluations to the Board.
• Oversee the company's financial performance, including budgeting, forecasting, and financial reporting.
• Make informed financial decisions to drive profitability and growth.
• Take ownership of the profit and loss (P&L) and achieve all financial and business targets for the bank.
• Develop and present annual budgets, financial forecasts, and performance reports to the Board of Directors.
• Manage organizational resources effectively, seeking Board approval for major financial decisions and investments.
• Provide regular updates on company performance and strategic initiatives.
Innovation and Technology
• Champion innovation and technology adoption to enhance product offerings and operational
efficiency.
• Guarantee the highest level of operational efficiency for our digital banking services, both on the web and mobile
• Collaborate with the Group Leadership Team to design and deliver innovative products meeting the bank's customer needs.
Operational Oversight:
• Elevate the operational efficiency of each department within the company with the aim of increasing revenue.
• Introduce operational enhancements and employ cost-effective strategies to enhance sales.
• Collaborate with the Group Leadership Team to determine pricing for the bank's products and services.
Team Leadership
• Lead change management initiatives, guiding teams through organizational transformations.
• Establish performance metrics and conduct regular evaluations, providing feedback and recognition to drive excellence
• Lead and inspire a high-performing team, fostering a culture of accountability, collaboration, and innovation.
• Attract, develop, and retain top talent within the organization, ensuring the team is motivated at all times.
Compliance and Governance
• Cultivate and manage relationships with regulators such as the Central Bank of Kenya (CBK) and the Kenya Deposit Insurance Corporation (KDIC), ensuring continuous compliance with relevant regulations and banking ratios.
• Ensure the company's operations adhere to all relevant laws, regulations, and corporate governance standards.
• Provide regular, clear, and comprehensive updates to the Board on organizational performance, risks, and opportunities.
• Maintain transparency in communication, sharing both achievements and challenges to facilitate informed decision-making.
• Foster a culture of ethics and compliance throughout the organization.
• Implement policies and governance frameworks established by the Board to ensure organizational compliance and operational integrity.
Stakeholder Communication
• Establish effective communication channels with stakeholders, including the Board of Directors, employees, customers, and shareholders.
• Represent the organization to external stakeholders, enhancing relationships with partners, investors, regulators, and the community.
• Drive initiatives that strengthen the organization’s brand and stakeholder confidence.
Risk Management
• Lead the development of enterprise-wide risk management framework and assess risks that may impact the organization, developing risk mitigation strategies.
• Ensure business continuity and disaster recovery plans are in place.
Work Status
- Valid work authorization for Kenya (or sponsorship can be arranged)
- Umba is proud to be an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religion, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, age, or any other characteristic protected by law. We also consider qualified applicants regardless of criminal histories, consistent with legal requirements. If you have a disability or special need that requires accommodation, please let us know.
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