Unit Head Product Research

HBL Microfinance Bank LTD; Islamabad; On-site; PKR 1,800,000 - 3,200,000; Full time

Job summary

HBL Microfinance Bank LTD is seeking a seasoned professional to lead research, market intelligence, and AI-driven product analytics. You will shape product strategy through customer segmentation, predictive analytics, and data-driven insights across channels.

The role emphasizes cross-functional collaboration with Risk, Compliance, IT, and Operations to translate analytics into strategy, pricing, and portfolio optimization while upholding ethical standards and regulatory compliance.

Qualifications

• Minimum 3 years in Product Management, Product Analytics, Research, Business Intelligence and Strategy.
• Experience in Microfinance, Retail Banking, SME, Agriculture Finance, or Digital Financial Services preferred.
• Demonstrated experience leading cross-functional teams and strategic initiatives.

Responsibilities

• Research & Market Intelligence: Conduct market research on microfinance trends, competitor products, and regulatory developments / SBP frameworks.
• Prepare periodic industry benchmarking reports and portfolio quality analyses.
• Support product development through customer segmentation and needs-assessment studies.
• Identify growth opportunities using customer segmentation and behavioral analytics.
• Recommend corrective actions based on product performance.
• Maintain transparency, ethics, and merit in product development and client interactions, adhering to the bank’s core values.

Skills

Market Research

Business Intelligence

Data Analytics

Financial Modelling

Predictive Analytics

AI analytics platforms

Generative AI tools

Prompt engineering

Microfinance knowledge

Client segmentation

Cross-functional communication

Leadership

Innovation

Data-driven decisions

Education

Master's degree in Business Administration, Finance, Economics, Marketing, Data Analytics, Statistics, Computer Science, or related

Tools

ChatGPT

Gemini

Claude

Job description

Job Responsibilities:

Research & Market Intelligence

Conduct market research on microfinance trends, competitor products, and regulatory developments / SBP frameworks

Prepare periodic industry benchmarking reports and portfolio quality analyses

Support product development through customer segmentation and needs-assessment studies

Identify growth opportunities using customer segmentation and behavioral analytics.

Recommend corrective actions based on product performance.

Maintain transparency, ethics, and merit in product development and client interactions, adhering to the bank’s core values.

AI-Driven Product Analytics & Innovation

Applying AI for customer segmentation and profiling.

Using predictive analytics for customer acquisition and retention.

Identifying cross-sell and next-best-product opportunities.

Leveraging Generative AI to accelerate product ideation, documentation, and proposal development.

Utilizing AI-powered market research tools to identify emerging trends and customer needs.

Applying machine learning techniques for portfolio performance forecasting.

Implementing AI-driven customer feedback and sentiment analysis.

Supporting AI-based pricing and product optimization initiatives.

Evaluating emerging AI technologies relevant to financial services.

Promoting responsible AI practices, including governance, fairness, transparency, and regulatory compliance.

Customer Insights & Experience

Design customer research methodologies.

Analyze customer behavior across physical and digital channels.

Identify pain points in customer journeys.

Measure customer satisfaction through surveys, NPS, and complaint analytics.

Translate insights into product improvement initiatives.

Cross-Functional Coordination & Leadership:

Collaborate with departments like Business/Credit, Compliance, Risk, DFI & Communication and Operations to translate data into strategic recommendations

Work closely with IT team for system development, integration, and automation.

Drive product training, documentation, go-to-market plans, and field force enablement.

Regular coordination/meetings with internal and external stakeholders on issues / policy / process matters pertaining to Product department.

Keep proper records of reports/correspondence ensuring safe custody and maintain day to day discipline as per approved policies & procedures of the bank.

Any other assignment given by the supervisor from time to time

Job Specifications

3 to 5 years of experience in banking, financial services or fintech.

Minimum 3 years in Product Management, Product Analytics, Research, Business Intelligence and Strategy.

Experience in Microfinance, Retail Banking, SME, Agriculture Finance, or Digital Financial Services preferred.

Demonstrated experience leading cross-functional teams and strategic initiatives.

Master's degree in Business Administration, Finance, Economics, Marketing, Data Analytics, Statistics, Computer Science, or a related discipline.

Professional certifications in Business Analytics, AI, Data Science, or Digital Banking will be an advantage

Knowledge / Skills:

Market Research

Business Intelligence

Data Analytics

Financial Modelling

Predictive Analytics

AI-powered analytics platforms

Generative AI tools (e.g., ChatGPT, Gemini, Claude etc.)

Prompt engineering for business use cases

Deep understanding of microfinance products, client segmentation, and market dynamics

Excellence in cross-functional communication and stakeholder management

Innovation and Creativity

Team Leadership and Development

Data-Driven Decision Making