Head, X-Catalyst (R&D)

Join one of ASEAN's leading banks as Head, X-Catalyst, where you will lead the bank-wide innovation and R&D agenda within Enterprise Architecture. This role offers a unique opportunity to shape the future of banking by exploring emerging technologies such as AI, cloud-native architectures, and next-generation engineering practices. You will build and lead high-performing innovation squads, transform ideas into scalable prototypes, and collaborate with senior business and technology leaders to drive meaningful digital transformation across the organization. If you are passionate about innovation, engineering excellence, and creating future-ready technology solutions, this is an opportunity to make a significant impact at scale.

Job Description:

• Lead Maybank's X-Catalyst innovation and R&D function within the Enterprise Architecture team, driving innovation from ideation to prototype delivery.
• Manage and mentor multidisciplinary squads comprising Business Analysts, Engineers, and Designers.
• Explore and validate emerging technologies, including AI, cloud-native solutions, and next-generation engineering practices.
• Drive the end-to-end incubation process, transforming ideas into proof-of-concepts (POCs) and prototypes with measurable outcomes.
• Establish and manage an innovation pipeline that prioritizes high-impact business and technology opportunities.
• Ensure solutions are architecturally sound, scalable, secure, and future-ready within a regulated banking environment.
• Champion engineering excellence by promoting Agile delivery, DevSecOps practices, CI/CD standards, and a Build Fast, Fail Fast, Learn Fast culture.
• Collaborate with senior business and technology stakeholders to align innovation initiatives with strategic objectives and drive adoption of successful prototypes.
• Provide recommendations for scaling and industrializing successful innovations across the organization.
• Build a high-performing innovation culture through coaching, talent development, and continuous learning initiatives.

Job Requirements:

• Bachelor's or Master's Degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Information Systems, Engineering, Data & Analytics, or related disciplines.
• Minimum 15 years of software engineering, product delivery, or technology development experience.
• At least 8 years of people leadership and team management experience.
• Proven experience in cloud technologies, modern software architecture, agile delivery, and innovation-driven environments.
• Strong stakeholder management and communication skills with the ability to translate complex technical concepts into business outcomes.
• Experience operating within regulated environments with an understanding of security, risk, and compliance requirements.
• Relevant certifications in Cloud (AWS, Azure, GCP), Agile/Scrum, or Cybersecurity are advantageous.

Note: Due to the high volume of applications received, only shortlisted candidates will be notified