Director - Strategy & Business Performance

HF Group Plc is an integrated financial solutions provider that is registered as a non–operating holding company (under the Banking Act Cap.488) and regulated by the Central Bank of Kenya (CBK) and the Capital Markets Authority (CMA). The Group is a public limited company with interests in Banking, Property and Insurance, and is listed at the Nairobi Securities Exchange. For more information on our banking, property and insurance solutions, please visit

The Group Has 4 Main Entities

• HFC – Full-Service Banking
• HF Development & Investments (HFDI) – Property/Real Estate Solutions
• HF Bancassurance Intermediary (HFBI) – Insurance Solutions
• HF Foundation – ESG/Sustainability

On the back of a strong growth trajectory - and in a bid to power the business, HF Group Plc is looking to recruit a dynamic and results-oriented Director of Strategy and Business Performance.

The Director, Strategy and Business Performance, will be responsible for shaping and steering the corporate strategy to ensure long-term growth and sustainability. The role will lead the strategic planning process, oversee performance management frameworks, and drive initiatives that enhance shareholder value, profitability, customer excellence, and market positioning.

Deadline:

Category: Strategy & Business Performance

Subsidiary: HFC

Principle Accountabilities

Corporate Strategy & Execution

• Lead the design, refresh, and implementation of the Group's corporate strategy.
• Cascade strategic goals into divisional plans, KPIs, and performance scorecards.
• Ensure alignment between the Group's long-term vision and operational execution.
• Monitor external trends and advise the executive team on strategic adjustments.

Growth, Innovation & Transformation

• Identify new growth opportunities across business lines, markets, and channels.
• Partner with the COO and Innovation Director to drive the Group's innovation and digital transformation agenda.
• Encourage experimentation, rapid prototyping, and continuous improvement.
• Oversee strategic project portfolio, ensuring alignment with priorities and ROI.

Business & Financial Performance

• Track Group performance against strategy using robust dashboards and KPIs.
• Collaborate with the CFO and CRO to ensure financial sustainability and risk balance.
• Optimize cost structures, operating models, and channel strategy for efficiency.

Data & Analytics Leadership

• Spearhead enterprise-wide data and analytics strategy and governance.
• Promote data-driven decision-making through insights, predictive analytics, and automation.
• Oversee development of performance scorecards, customer insights, and operational analytics.

Research & Market Intelligence

• Lead research into industry trends, competition, regulatory shifts, and customer behavior.
• Translate research insights into actionable recommendations.
• Guide corporate development, M&A, and new business model design.

Strategic Partnerships & Stakeholder Engagement

• Engage development finance institutions (DFIs), impact investors, and regulators.
• Support strategic communications with the board, shareholders, and external partners.
• Coordinate capital raising and blended finance efforts aligned with strategic priorities.

ESG & Sustainability

• Integrate ESG and climate risk into Group strategy and operations.
• Drive adoption of sustainable finance instruments (e.g., green bonds, ESG-linked loans).
• Align the Group with global ESG disclosure frameworks and impact metrics.

Change Management & Culture

• Lead major transformation programs, ensuring organizational buy-in and sustained impact.
• Develop and implement change management frameworks.
• Foster a culture of agility, innovation, accountability, and continuous learning.

Key Competencies and Skills

Strategic Foresight & Planning:
Ability to synthesize complex information into actionable strategic plans and anticipates future trends and translates them into business opportunities.

Business Acumen:
Assesses the commercial viability of new business and financial opportunities, proactively looks for breakthrough opportunities that will dramatically generate new returns and seizes opportunities to build revenues and maximize profitability.

Leadership & Influence:
Strong executive presence with ability to align cross-functional teams and influence stakeholders at all levels.

Innovation & Digital Fluency:
Deep understanding of digital transformation, emerging technologies, and innovation processes.

Analytical & Data-Driven Decision Making:
Strong quantitative and qualitative analytical skills. Proficient in working with data science, financial models and business analytics tools.

Execution & Results Orientation:
Demonstrated track record of driving performance improvement and delivering outcomes.

Stakeholder & Relationship Management:
Excellent communication, negotiation, and stakeholder engagement skills.

Minimum Qualifications, Knowledge And Experience

• Master's degree in Business Management, Strategy, Innovation, Technology Management or a relevant field.
• Over 10+ years' working experience, 5+ of which will be in a Senior management position.
• Proven experience in strategic planning, innovation strategy or technology leadership roles.
• Proven ability to navigate in enabling enterprise-wide digital transformation, re-imagining business models, and leveraging emerging technologies.
• Track record of attaining targets of business growth and profitability in the financial services / banking sector and/or in FMCG sector.
• Have appreciation and operating knowledge of the local and regional financial services industry, market and global trends and challenges.
• Sound understanding of statutory and regulatory requirements of corporate governance, business and financial services.