Head of Research – People's Bank Colombo 02

About the job

The Head of Research will be responsible for leading and managing the Bank’s research function, providing strategic insights, economic and market analysis, and data-driven recommendations to support policy formulation, product development, and long-term business planning. The role requires a forward-thinking professional with a strong understanding of macroeconomic trends, banking and financial services, customer analytics, and competitive positioning.

Duties & Responsibilities:

• Conduct high-quality research related to macroeconomic trends, industry developments, customer behavior, competitor analysis, and regulatory impacts. 
• Support strategic planning by delivering data-driven insights and scenario analysis to aid executive decision-making.  
• Develop comprehensive market intelligence reports, economic reviews, and white papers for internal and external stakeholders.  
• Collaborate with other departments, including Product Development, Risk, Credit, Treasury, and Strategy, to ensure research insights are integrated into business operations.  
• Monitor global and local economic indicators and assess their potential impact on the Bank’s operations and strategy.  
• Guide and mentor a team of researchers, ensuring rigorous analytical standards, timeliness, and relevance of research output.  
• Represent the Bank in forums, conferences, and meetings involving research, policy, and economic matters. 
• Maintain relationships with academic institutions, think tanks, government bodies, and regulatory agencies to support the Bank’s research agenda.

Required Qualifications:

• A Ph.D. / Doctorate in Economics, Finance, Statistics, Business Administration, Management, or a related field from a university recognized by the University Grants Commission of Sri Lanka. 
• Professional qualifications in Banking, Finance, or Economics would be an added advantage.  
• Minimum of 01 year's post-qualifying experience in economic/market research or strategic planning, preferably within the financial services industry, including high-quality research publications, preferably in a Journal Index of Journal Articles.  
• Proven leadership and team management experience.  AI literacy and excellent analytical, writing & presentation skills.  
• Strong knowledge of Sri Lankan and global economic environments and financial markets.  
• Proficiency in research tools, data analytics software, business analytics, and statistical modeling.

Key Responsibilities:

• Strategic Thinking and Vision  
• Analytical and Quantitative Skills 
• AI Literacy, Leadership and People Development 
• Communication and Presentation 
• Commercial and Market Awareness 
• Integrity and Professionalism

Remuneration: 

An attractive and negotiable remuneration package commensurate with qualifications and experience will be offered to the selected candidate for the above position.

General Conditions:

• The candidate should be a citizen of Sri Lanka.
• The position of Head of Research is equivalent to the grade of Assistant General Manager on a contract basis, and performance will be evaluated annually.

Age Limit:

Preferably below 55 years of age as at the closing date of applications.

Method of Selection: 

Shortlisted applicants based on the stipulated qualifications and experience will be called for an interview

Method of Application:

• The applicants are instructed to fill in the Application form on the Career page of the People’s Bank website and send the duly filled application along with Curriculum Vitae and other necessary supporting documents. The post applied for should be stated in the subject line of the Email and should reach the Email address: recruitment@peoplesbank.lk on or before 07.10.2025

• An Email confirmation of receipt will be sent upon receipt of the curriculum vitae. In the event a confirmation has not been received within a reasonable period of time, you may inquire regarding the application at the telephone numbers 0112481542/0112481416. 

• All applications will be treated in strict confidentiality, and any form of canvassing will be regarded as a disqualification. 

• All incomplete and non-complying applications will be rejected. The Bank reserves the right to decide the number of vacancies, postponement or cancellation of recruitment, or on any other information not included in the advertisement.