Senior Innovation Advisor

Overview:

Advises on emerging technology solutions, including finding solutions and driving them to proof of concept to add value to organizations within the Bank.  Works closely with key team members, including heads of Strategy, Product, Engineering, and Operations, as well as a broader group of internal and external stakeholders.  Serves as primary liaison between the Office of Innovation and lines of business in understanding of user personas, pain points and journeys to inform the piloting of emerging technology solutions. Has the ability to work independently on multiple emerging technology proofs of concept and strategic initiatives concurrently – identifying and addressing questions, concerns or potential roadblocks related to emerging technologies piloting and implementation.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Define use cases for emerging technologies, helping clients explore the art of the possible by crafting and executing strategies for identifying, evaluating, and integrating emerging technologies to deliver business value in the most effective way

• Drive internal stakeholder alignment and support among Bank leadership and key support functions, including Legal, Risk, Compliance, and Technology.

• Define and report on key business success measures, celebrating successes and balancing opportunities for improvement.  Communicate progress on key priorities and overall performance as appropriate.

• Design and manage proof of concept development by validating the feasibility of emerging technologies through rigorous testing, experimentation, and iteration.

• Monitoring emerging technology opportunities, challenges, and competitive trends to drive success.  Drive successful execution of the build and launch of an emerging technology solution, in collaboration with the business line partners.

• Facilitate the development of supporting operational processes, systems and reporting capabilities.

• Serves as the high-level storyteller for the Innovation Team, crafting compelling narratives and presentations that communicate key initiatives, progress, and outcomes.

• Implement an early feedback loop to enable continuous feedback, learning and iteration for new emerging technology solutions.

• Own budget and manage proofs of concept to defined key performance indicators.

• Adopt an agile and innovative approach to building a proof of concept around emerging technology.

• Drive a high-accountability, fast-moving, independent operating culture; cultivate a high-performing, customer-centric, innovative, one-team culture to support these activities.

• Outline key team roles and responsibilities across work streams and align resources to achieve key business priorities.

• Exercise usual authority of a manager concerning staffing, performance appraisals, promotions, salary recommendations, performance management and terminations.

• Understand and adhere to the Company’s risk and regulatory standards, policies and controls in accordance with the Company’s Risk Appetite.  Design, implement, maintain and enhance internal controls to mitigate risk on an ongoing basis.  Identify risk-related issues needing escalation to management.

• Promote an environment that supports diversity and reflects the M&T Bank brand.

• Maintain M&T internal control standards, including timely implementation of internal and external audit points together with any issues raised by external regulators as applicable.

• Complete other related duties as assigned.

Scope of Responsibilities:

This multi-incumbent position is designed to manage the development and launch of new emerging technology solutions designed to capitalize on the strengths of the Bank.  Through the use of agile methodology, the position manages a team of both direct and indirect reports in accomplishing this through a combination of innovation and speed.

Supervisory/Managerial Responsibilities:

The position directly manages a team of individuals, as well as indirectly manages others involved in the new venture.

Education and Experience Required:

• Bachelor’s degree, or equivalent work experience

• 7 or more years’ experience with emerging technology delivery, strategy development, business planning and/or future visioning

• Demonstrated history of accountability and performance delivery and/or leading teams to meet or exceed objectives

• Experience and/or exposure to emerging technology product development and identifying technical requirements

• Experience in a start-up environment or exposure to multidisciplinary teams and/or involvement with a top-tier consulting firm

• Demonstrated leadership capabilities or potential

• Experience working collaboratively in a multi-disciplinary environment and across multiple levels

• Experience adapting and learning quickly in a fast-paced, dynamic environment

• Entrepreneurial spirit

Education and Experience Preferred:

• Master’s degree        

• Strong credibility and relationships within the Bank

• Firm grasp of organizational dynamics and decision-making within the Bank

Physical Requirements:

Ability to travel

M&T Bank is committed to fair, competitive, and market-informed pay for our employees. The pay range for this position is $136,787.30 - $227,978.83 Annual (USD). The successful candidate’s particular combination of knowledge, skills, and experience will inform their specific compensation.

Location

Buffalo, New York, United States of America