National Lead

Job Purpose
Bajaj Finance Ltd.'s Shri Nanoo Pamnani Technology Innovation and Collaboration Center (TICC), located in Pune, is a pioneering tech experience hub designed to foster cutting-edge innovation and collaboration. The National Lead / Head – TICC is entrusted with the strategic leadership and operational management of this center, driving a culture of unrestricted technology exploration and experimentation.

This role involves continuously tracking emerging technologies relevant to BFL's strategic interests, enhancing internal technology standards, and ensuring the organization remains at the forefront of innovation. The position also facilitates forward-looking R&D in partnership with key technology collaborators, while leading the evaluation, solutioning, and execution of high-impact Executive Business and Tech Connects.

The incumbent will identify new sourcing opportunities, support the development of viable ideas, and promote cross-functional collaboration to ensure promising fintech solutions are well-integrated and adopted. Additionally, the role includes managing both inward and outward-facing events, industry engagements, and visits, while championing knowledge sharing and tech evangelism through the TICC Knowledge Hub, curated content and immersive tech events, meets, and workshops.Duties and Responsibilities

• Innovation Exploration and Adoption

• Market Scouting & Research: Analyse fintech trends and scout startups to identify technologies aligned with BFL's strategic goals and as well as future needs.

• Startup Evaluation: Build frameworks to assess startups and their innovations for potential integration.

• Solution Development: Lead co-creation of tech solutions, overseeing architecture, pricing, and negotiations to meet business needs.

• Pilot & Advocacy: Champion emerging tech through MVP planning, user validation, and smooth transition to full deployment.

• Reporting & Knowledge Sharing: Create internal reports on tech trends and startup insights to inform strategic decisions.

• Innovation Culture: Promote cross-functional collaboration and continuous innovation across teams.

• Technology Innovation & Collaboration Center (TICC) Management

• TICC Management: Lead TICC's end-to-end management, aligning with budgets and strategic goals.

• Asset Oversight: Manage TICC's digital and physical assets, including partnerships with startups and fintechs.

• Engagement Programs: Host tours, demos, and events for BFL teams across verticals.

• Strategic Initiatives: Build partnerships and drive collaborative innovation with government and academia.

• Solution Search and Partnership Development

• Needs Identification: Collaborate with COEs to identify emerging tech needs and suitable IT partners.

• RFP Management: Lead RFPs, compare tech and pricing, and validate solutions for security and scalability.

• Business Case Creation: Develop and present cases for new tech, securing leadership and board approvals.

• Mentorship & Strategy: Guide startups and teams on solution design and cost models through collaborative engagement.

• Technology Validation and Evaluation

• Technology Assessment: Validate researched / proposed solutions using established frameworks and recommend alternatives for optimal strategic fit.

• Event Design and Management

• Technology Events Strategy & Execution: Plan, design, and execute high-impact technology events and innovation programs through TICC. Oversee end-to-end logistics, infrastructure readiness, and stakeholder coordination to ensure seamless delivery and meaningful engagement across BFL's verticals.

• Creative Content & Campaign Leadership: Lead the creation of compelling visual content—including banners, videos, and digital assets—for internal marketing campaigns. Drive promotional strategies to boost visibility and participation in TICC events, ensuring alignment with brand and communication goals.|
• Strategic Investments and Acquisitions

• Support strategic investments efforts by identifying and evaluating startups, system integrators, and product/service firms that align with BFL's long-term goals.

• San Francisco (USA) Office Engagements

• International Engagements: Plan and support BFL's US / Overseas engagements with Big Tech and the startup ecosystem, facilitating a robust international presence for global technology initiatives.

• Research and Innovation Studies

• Lead targeted research initiatives on emerging technologies and ecosystem solutions to deliver strategic insights for informed decision-making.

• TICC Portals, Website and Content Management

• Content & Portal Management: Oversee the design and upkeep of the TICC Knowledge Hub, website, and microsite. Enhance tech awareness through curated blogs, bytes, whitepapers, and case studies, and share content across internal channels.

• Content Creation & Distribution: Lead development and dissemination of newsletters, TICC blog posts, AI deep-dives, and Knowledge Hub materials.

• Industry and Government Initiative Participation

• Representative Engagement: Participate in industry and government events and initiatives

• Solution Procurement
Procurement Strategy & Leadership: Spearhead end-to-end contracting processes for technology solutions and services, including vendor selection, proposal evaluation, and compliance checks. Drive complex negotiations to secure favorable terms, optimize cost-efficiency, and ensure alignment with BFL's strategic and operational goals. Collaborate with legal, finance, and technical teams to finalize robust agreements that support scalable and sustainable technology adoption.

• TICC Network Expansion

• Ecosystem Expansion & Collaboration: Strengthen and grow the TICC network by partnering with government digital programs, academic institutions, VCs, angel investors, and key players in the startup ecosystem such as accelerators and incubators.

This comprehensive role involves strategic oversight and leadership in driving innovation, managing TICC operations, forging strategic partnerships, and spearheading cutting-edge technology exposure and adoption for BFL.Key Decisions / Dimensions
Following decisions are taken by the role:

• Recommendation for selection of appropriate technology for the company

• Recommendation for decision on the technology partner/start-ups for strategic tie-up, investments

• Commercials and Deal constructsRequired Qualifications and Experience
a) Qualifications
 Post-Graduate in Technology
b) Work Experience

This position calls for a seasoned leader with a visionary mindset to drive innovation and technology adoption across Bajaj Finance Ltd. The ideal candidate will champion engagement with emerging technologies, cultivate strategic partnerships, and lead investment initiatives that reinforce BFL's competitive advantage in a rapidly evolving landscape.

Key Qualifications & Expertise

• Broad Industry Experience: Over 15+ years of end-to-end experience in the technology domain, with deep specialization in financial services, enterprise platforms, AI technologies, retail, digital ecosystems, social commerce and D2C tools.

• Cross-Functional Acumen: Strong understanding of operational challenges and transformative solutions across Sales, IT, AI, Digital Platforms, HR, Marketing, Finance and Operations.

• Solution & Vendor Evaluation: Skilled in assessing technology solutions, managing medium-to-complex RFP processes and overseeing vendor relationships.

• Strategic Negotiation: Adept at leading procurement negotiations, finalizing contracts, and managing legal and technical documentation with a strong techno-commercial perspective.

• Analytical & Communication Excellence: Proficient in crafting research reports, business cases, and strategic presentations that influence decision-making.

• Technology Implementation: Demonstrated success in deploying innovative tech solutions within complex business environments.

• Startup & Innovation Ecosystem: Well-versed in the fintech startup landscape and global technology trends, with a pulse on emerging innovations.

• Travel Coordination: Experienced in planning and managing group travel for business and strategic engagements.

• Event Leadership: Proven ability to conceptualize, plan, and execute tech-driven events, internal campaigns, and engagement programs with attention to branding, logistics and audience experience.

---