About Company
Pioneering innovation in a dynamic market, Career.zycto empowers individuals and businesses through cutting-edge solutions. We cultivate an environment where groundbreaking ideas are not just welcomed but actively sought, fostering a culture of discovery and continuous improvement. For a Director of R&D, Career.zycto offers an unparalleled opportunity to lead strategic initiatives, shape the future of our offerings, and drive significant impact in a rapidly evolving sector. Join us and transform visionary concepts into tangible realities, making a lasting mark on our industry and beyond.
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Job Description
Career.zycto is seeking an accomplished and visionary Director of Research & Development to lead our innovation efforts in Gwanda, Matabeleland South Province. This pivotal role will be responsible for defining and executing the strategic direction of our R&D initiatives, ensuring they align with company goals and market demands. As Director, you will spearhead the development of new products, services, and technological advancements, from conceptualization through to successful implementation. Your expertise will be critical in fostering a culture of scientific inquiry, creative problem-solving, and continuous improvement within a high-performing R&D team. You will manage complex projects, allocate resources effectively, and inspire a diverse group of engineers, scientists, and researchers to achieve ambitious objectives. This position requires a leader with a strong technical background, exceptional management skills, and a proven track record of bringing innovative solutions to market. You will also be instrumental in building and nurturing relationships with external partners, academic institutions, and industry experts to leverage external knowledge and capabilities. If you are a strategic thinker with a passion for innovation and a commitment to driving technological progress in a vibrant African market, we encourage you to apply. This role offers the unique opportunity to make a tangible impact on the growth and future direction of our company.
Key Responsibilities
- Formulate and implement the company's R&D strategy, aligning it with overall business objectives and market trends.
- Lead, mentor, and develop a multidisciplinary team of R&D professionals, fostering a collaborative and high-performance environment.
- Oversee the entire product development lifecycle, from ideation and feasibility studies to prototyping, testing, and commercialization.
- Manage the R&D budget, resources, and timelines effectively to ensure projects are delivered on schedule and within financial parameters.
- Identify and evaluate new technologies, materials, and methodologies to enhance product capabilities and competitive advantage.
- Establish and maintain robust intellectual property strategies, including patent applications and trade secret protection.
- Collaborate cross-functionally with product management, marketing, operations, and sales teams to ensure successful product launches.
- Stay abreast of industry trends, competitor activities, and regulatory changes to inform strategic R&D decisions.
- Develop and manage partnerships with external research organizations, universities, and technology providers.
- Ensure all R&D activities comply with relevant industry standards, safety regulations, and quality requirements.
Required Skills
- Minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in R&D, with at least 5 years in a leadership or management role.
- Proven track record of successfully bringing new products or technologies to market.
- Strong understanding of product development processes, project management methodologies, and quality assurance principles.
- Excellent leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills with the ability to inspire and motivate teams.
- Demonstrated ability to think strategically, innovate, and solve complex technical challenges.
- Proficiency in budget management and resource allocation.
- Experience with intellectual property management and patent processes.
- Solid understanding of relevant industry regulations and compliance standards.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
Preferred Qualifications
- Master's or Ph.D. in Engineering, Science, or a related technical field.
- Experience in an industry relevant to Gwanda's economic activities (e.g., mining technology, agricultural technology, renewable energy solutions).
- Familiarity with lean principles and agile development methodologies in an R&D context.
- Previous experience working in diverse cultural environments.
- Project Management Professional (PMP) certification or equivalent.
Perks & Benefits
- Competitive annual salary and performance-based bonuses.
- Comprehensive health insurance package.
- Generous paid time off and public holidays.
- Professional development and continuous learning opportunities.
- Relocation assistance for eligible candidates.
- Employee wellness programs.
- Opportunity to work on cutting-edge projects and make a significant impact.
- Collaborative and inclusive work environment.
How to Apply
Interested candidates are invited to submit their comprehensive CV and a cover letter detailing their relevant experience and qualifications by clicking on the application link below. Please highlight your leadership experience in R&D and your vision for driving innovation.
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