Assistant Manager - Research and Development

Job description

To provide senior support in developing and coordinating the Corporation’s research, strategy and innovation agenda, driving data-driven insights, strategic planning and innovative product development to strengthen the Corporation’s competitive position. Reports to: Manager, Research and Development

Requirements

Academic Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in strategic management, Project Planning and Management, Economics, Statistics, Commerce or an equivalent qualification from a recognised institution.
• Master’s degree in strategic management, Statistics, Project Planning and Management, Economics, Business Management, Mathematics or an equivalent qualification from a recognised institution.

Professional Qualifications

• Registered member of the Statistical Society of Kenya or its equivalent, in good standing.
• Management course lasting not less than four (4) weeks from a recognised institution.
• Proficiency in computer applications.

Experience

• At least twelve (12) years’ relevant work experience, three (3) of which must have been at a supervisory level in a reputable organisation.
• Demonstrated merit, managerial capability and professional competence as reflected in work performance and results.

Other Requirements

• Excellent interpersonal, communication and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to engage effectively with internal departments, suppliers and regulatory bodies.
• Strong analytical, negotiation and problem-solving skills, with a keen eye for detail and value for money.
• Superior planning, organising and time-management skills, with the ability to work effectively under pressure and meet tight deadlines.
• Fulfil the requirements of Chapter Six of the Constitution of Kenya.

Key responsibilities

Strategic Planning and Performance

• Participate in the development and review of corporate strategic and business plans, objectives, strategies, budgets and policies.
• Participate in the development and implementation of the corporate strategy.
• Prepare and monitor the strategic planning process, ensuring that selected value-adding initiatives receive the highest priority.
• Communicate strategy and guide the integration of strategy into performance management systems.
• Monitor and evaluate strategy implementation and all of the Corporation’s programmes and projects.

Research, Market Intelligence and Innovation

• Coordinate research and development on insurance matters and other areas forming part of business development for the Corporation and the insurance market.
• Coordinate the collection, organisation and analysis of market data to generate research insights that give the Corporation a competitive edge.
• Conduct PESTEL and SWOT analyses within the Corporation’s markets of interest and make recommendations to management.
• Conduct regular competitor analysis to help the Corporation explore new innovations and adapt to market trends.
• Make recommendations to management on the prioritization of innovative ideas and ways of improving innovation.
• Champion innovation by analysing current situations to foster improvements, better work systems, cost savings and faster turnaround times.

Statistical Modelling and Business Analytics

• Design, develop, update and manage statistical models for premium forecasts.
• Develop, maintain and update revenue forecasting models.
• Develop detailed business analyses and prepare action plans to deliver short- and long-term results.
• Create actionable insight that informs decision-making on customer behaviour and business performance optimisation.
• Identify appropriate business analytics tools for the Corporation.

New Product Development

• Carry out new product development and generate creative and innovative ideas.
• Identify problems, opportunities and/or gaps through primary and secondary research and innovation.
• Review existing research methods and advise on the most appropriate research methodology to address business and research problems.
• Advise on research results against set action standards and recommend next steps.

Team Coordination

• Promote and monitor implementation of correct procedures throughout the Research and Analytics team.
• Initiate proposals and assess those made by others for more effective capacity-building initiatives and innovations.