About Company
Career.zycto is actively shaping the future of industrial innovation within Zimbabwe and beyond. For a visionary Director of R&D, this offers an unparalleled opportunity to lead ground-breaking initiatives. We are a dynamic, forward-thinking organization committed to fostering a culture of scientific excellence and collaborative discovery. Here, your strategic insights will directly impact the trajectory of our product development, driving sustainable growth and market leadership. Join a team where your leadership empowers scientists and engineers to transform complex challenges into tangible solutions, making a real difference in the industries we serve.
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Job Description
The Director of R&D will spearhead Career.zycto’s innovation strategy, leading our dedicated research and development teams nestled in the heart of Manicaland Province, Zimbabwe. This pivotal leadership role requires an exceptional blend of scientific acumen, strategic foresight, and unparalleled managerial capabilities to drive the creation of next-generation products and sustainable solutions across various sectors. You will be instrumental in defining our overarching R&D roadmap, overseeing project execution from nascent concept development through rigorous testing, and ultimately to successful commercialization. Critically, you will foster an environment of continuous improvement, collaborative discovery, and scientific excellence that empowers our talent.
This is more than a management position; it is a unique opportunity to be at the absolute forefront of technological advancement and material science in a dynamic and rapidly evolving market. You will provide visionary leadership to our diverse team of engineers, scientists, and technicians, nurturing their individual talents and empowering them to achieve breakthrough results that contribute significantly to our organizational goals. Collaborating closely with executive leadership, marketing, and operations teams, you will ensure that all R&D efforts are perfectly aligned with overarching business objectives, anticipate future market demands, and address critical industry challenges. Your strategic insights and unwavering vision will directly influence our competitive edge, expand our product portfolio into new frontiers, and solidify our position as a leader in advanced materials and sustainable technologies within the region and internationally.
We are seeking an individual who thrives on intellectual challenge, possesses a proven track record of successfully bringing innovative products and processes to market, and can inspire a high-performing, multi-disciplinary team. The successful candidate will adeptly navigate complex technical and regulatory challenges, manage significant budgets with meticulous attention to detail, and champion a robust culture of rigorous scientific inquiry, intellectual property development, and strict adherence to global quality and safety standards. If you are passionate about driving impactful innovation, possess a deep commitment to sustainable development, and are ready to leave a lasting legacy within a vibrant, growing economy, Career.zycto offers the platform for your greatest professional achievement. Join us in shaping the future through groundbreaking research and development.
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Key Responsibilities
- Develop, articulate, and execute the comprehensive R&D strategy in alignment with Career.zycto's long-term business objectives and market demands.
- Lead, mentor, and inspire a diverse team of scientists, engineers, and researchers, fostering their professional growth and maximizing team productivity.
- Oversee the entire product development lifecycle, from initial ideation, concept validation, prototyping, testing, to successful commercialization and post-launch evaluation.
- Manage R&D budgets, resources, and project timelines with precision, ensuring efficient allocation and adherence to financial targets.
- Cultivate a vibrant culture of innovation, intellectual curiosity, cross-functional collaboration, and continuous improvement within the R&D department.
- Identify, evaluate, and integrate emerging technologies, novel materials, and advanced processes to maintain a competitive edge.
- Ensure all R&D activities comply with relevant local and international regulatory standards, quality control protocols, and safety guidelines.
- Collaborate extensively with cross-functional teams including executive leadership, marketing, operations, and sales to ensure seamless integration of R&D initiatives.
- Develop and manage the company's intellectual property portfolio, identifying opportunities for new patents and protecting existing innovations.
- Present R&D progress, strategic recommendations, and technical insights to executive leadership and key stakeholders regularly.
- Represent Career.zycto at industry conferences, scientific forums, and networking events to enhance brand visibility and foster partnerships.
Required Skills
- Ph.D. in Engineering, Material Science, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or a closely related scientific field.
- Minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in research and development, with at least 5 years in a senior leadership or directorial role.
- Demonstrated track record of successfully conceptualizing, developing, and commercializing innovative products and processes.
- Exceptional leadership, team building, and performance management skills with a proven ability to motivate and guide multi-disciplinary teams.
- Expertise in project management methodologies (e.g., Agile, Waterfall) and strong organizational capabilities.
- Outstanding strategic planning, critical thinking, and complex problem-solving abilities.
- Superior written and verbal communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills.
- Deep understanding of intellectual property management, patenting processes, and freedom-to-operate analyses.
- Proficiency in advanced scientific software, data analysis tools, and laboratory instrumentation.
Preferred Qualifications
- MBA or another business-related postgraduate degree.
- Extensive experience in advanced materials, sustainable technologies, renewable energy, or industrial manufacturing sectors.
- Familiarity with regulatory frameworks and compliance requirements specific to Zimbabwe or the broader Southern African region.
- Prior experience working in a multinational R&D environment or managing global research collaborations.
- Authored significant scientific publications, patents, or industry reports.
- Fluency in additional local languages relevant to Zimbabwe (e.g., Shona, Ndebele).
Perks & Benefits
- Highly competitive salary package and performance-based bonuses.
- Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance benefits.
- Generous paid time off, including annual leave, sick leave, and public holidays.
- Access to professional development programs, industry conferences, and continuous learning opportunities.
- Relocation assistance for eligible candidates moving to Manicaland Province.
- Opportunity to participate in an employee stock option program.
- A collaborative, innovative, and intellectually stimulating work environment.
- Direct impact on transformative projects shaping the future of industry and sustainability.
- Modern office and state-of-the-art laboratory facilities.
How to Apply
Interested candidates are encouraged to submit their comprehensive resume and a compelling cover letter detailing their relevant experience, leadership philosophy, and vision for R&D. Please clearly articulate how your skills and expertise align with the strategic goals and innovative culture of Career.zycto’s R&D department. Click on the application link below to apply for this job.
