Chesapeake Bank

Chesapeake Bank has a long track record of supporting innovation, winning national awards for our Innovation work and routinely launching new product and solution innovations. This new role will be integral in bringing industry insights into the organization and in the execution of innovation projects. The ability to develop strong internal relationships and work collaboratively at all levels of the organization will be critical to success. We are primarily an in-office team, but hybrid may be an option for the right person.

Chesapeake Bank is a perennial top performing company, and on the list of "Best Banks to Work For" in America for 10 years running. In addition to serving our local community for 120+ years, we also have long running success operating Chesapeake Payment Systems, a national merchant acquiring payments business for almost 30 years; Flexent, a national specialty financing and factoring business since the 1990s, and Chesapeake Wealth Management. These diverse businesses keep us strong and offers a variety of opportunities to tackle exciting projects.

Role Overview:

The Innovation Manager drives execution and enablement of innovation work within the organization. This role is responsible for researching and identifying new technologies, solutions, and industry trends through engagement with industry partners, centers of influence, and providers. The Innovation Manager serves as an advocate for advancing innovation practices and projects through the development and delivery of relevant reporting and training materials. The ability to build relationships and communicate effectively at all levels is essential.

• Participate in innovation projects with various responsibilities including but not limited to:
  • Serve as a primary resource for functional work on relevant projects (do the project work).
  • Connect parties as needed to solve problems identified in the projects.
  • Research methods to overcome procedural or technology challenges.
  • Guide employees through inertial resistance of change related to the projects.
  • For smaller projects, and/or in earlier stages, serve as the project manager.
• Research new technology and innovation trends that may drive advancements within the company’s various business units, with a focus on opportunities that may be relevant 2+ years into the future.
• Cultivate strong relationships with external partners, startups, and industry experts.
  • Actively participate in relevant industry conferences, committees and work groups to gather and disseminate industry and peer insights.
  • Participate in calls and meetings with Fintech providers to develop relationships and learn about industry solutions.
• Serve as a connector of information and people between new solution providers and bank staff with relevant problems to solve.
• Prepare and deliver training content on innovation topics, including the latest disruptive industry technology trends.
• Work with the company’s fintech venture investment portfolio:
  • Participate in venture portfolio investment calls and review periodic fund reports to gather and disseminate basic results and insights.
  • Identify potential opportunities among the portfolio companies that could be a fit for partnerships with the various business units.
• Coordinate and manage logistics for innovation related events, including the Technology Advisory Board
• Understand your role as defined by the three lines of defense to maintain a compliance culture that includes risk management processes.
• Other duties as assigned

• Proven ability to develop creative solutions.
• Minimum 3 years in the financial services industry or relevant experience.
• Experience in Product or Solutions Leadership is preferred.
• Proven ability to develop a network of relationships inside and outside an organization.
• Strong analytical skills and a passion for staying ahead of industry trends.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal abilities.
• Self-motivated, adaptable, and collaborative.