About Company
Join Career.zycto, a dynamic force at the forefront of human capital innovation in Zimbabwe. We are redefining talent acquisition and management through cutting-edge technology and data-driven strategies. For a Director of R&D, this translates into an unparalleled opportunity to architect the future of HR solutions, driving significant impact across diverse industries. We foster a culture of bold experimentation and continuous learning, providing the resources and autonomy needed to transform visionary ideas into tangible, market-leading products and services that empower businesses and talent alike. Innovate with purpose, lead with vision.
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Job Description
Are you a visionary leader with an unyielding passion for pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in human capital and technology? Career.zycto, a pioneering force in talent solutions within Manicaland Province and across Zimbabwe, is seeking an exceptional Director of Research & Development to spearhead our innovation initiatives. This isn’t just a job; it’s a mandate to actively shape the future of talent acquisition, development, and management through groundbreaking research and the creation of proprietary technological solutions that will set new industry standards.
As our Director of R&D, you will be at the absolute forefront of strategic innovation, driving the conceptualisation, design, and meticulous execution of advanced HR technologies and methodologies. Your expertise will be absolutely critical in identifying emerging industry trends, leveraging cutting-edge data analytics, and developing robust, scalable platforms that significantly enhance our service offerings and provide unparalleled, measurable value to our diverse clientele. We envision a leader who can not only cultivate but also actively champion a culture of scientific inquiry, rapid prototyping, and iterative development within a nascent but rapidly growing R&D division, empowering our teams to think bigger and deliver better.
This pivotal role demands a unique and powerful blend of profound technical acumen, incisive strategic foresight, and inspirational, servant leadership. You will be directly responsible for building, mentoring, and empowering a high-performing R&D team, fostering seamless collaboration with internal stakeholders across all departments, and translating complex technical concepts into clear, actionable, and impactful business strategies. Your contributions will directly impact our ability to deliver bespoke, data-driven talent solutions that not only address the unique challenges of the Zimbabwean market but also position us as a regional leader in HR innovation.
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We are looking for someone who thrives on complexity, embraces ambitious challenges, and possesses an unwavering commitment to excellence and continuous improvement. You will define our comprehensive R&D roadmap, meticulously manage project lifecycles from initial ideation through to successful deployment, and ensure that our innovations are not only technologically sound and secure but also commercially viable, user-centric, and truly transformative. If you are ready to leave an indelible and lasting mark on the HR tech landscape in Zimbabwe, to boldly lead a team through exciting phases of discovery and creation, and to be a key architect of a company passionately committed to shaping the future of work for generations, we enthusiastically encourage you to apply.
Key Responsibilities
- Develop and execute a strategic R&D roadmap aligned with Career.zycto's business objectives and market needs.
- Lead, mentor, and expand a high-performing R&D team, fostering a culture of innovation, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
- Oversee the full lifecycle of product development, from ideation and conceptualization to prototyping, testing, and successful deployment.
- Identify and evaluate emerging technologies, trends, and research in HR tech, AI, machine learning, and data analytics to inform new product development.
- Manage the R&D budget, resources, and intellectual property portfolio effectively.
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including product management, sales, and operations, to ensure R&D efforts support business goals.
- Establish and maintain strong partnerships with academic institutions, industry experts, and technology providers.
- Ensure all R&D activities adhere to ethical guidelines, regulatory compliance, and best practices.
- Present R&D progress, outcomes, and strategic recommendations to executive leadership and stakeholders.
Required Skills
- Proven experience in leading R&D teams and initiatives, preferably in technology or HR tech.
- Strong background in software development, data science, AI/ML, or related technical fields.
- Exceptional strategic thinking, problem-solving, and analytical abilities.
- Demonstrated ability to inspire and lead a diverse team of researchers and developers.
- Excellent communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills.
- Proficiency in project management methodologies (Agile, Scrum).
- Deep understanding of market trends and technological advancements in the human capital industry.
- Strong financial acumen and experience managing R&D budgets.
Preferred Qualifications
- Ph.D. in Computer Science, Engineering, Data Science, or a related technical discipline.
- Experience working in a startup or fast-paced, high-growth environment.
- Publications or patents in relevant technological fields.
- Prior experience operating within the African or emerging markets context.
Perks & Benefits
- Competitive salary and performance-based bonuses.
- Comprehensive health and wellness benefits.
- Professional development and continuous learning opportunities.
- Generous paid time off and flexible working arrangements (where applicable).
- Opportunity to lead transformative projects with significant impact.
- A vibrant, innovative, and supportive work culture.
- Relocation assistance for eligible candidates.
How to Apply
Interested candidates are encouraged to click on the application link below to submit their detailed CV and a cover letter outlining their vision for R&D in the HR tech space and why they are the ideal candidate for this role. Please ensure your application highlights your leadership experience and technical achievements. We look forward to reviewing your application and exploring how your expertise can contribute to our mission.
