About Company
Imagine a role where your innovations redefine talent acquisition and HR solutions across Africa. Career.zycto is a pioneering recruitment and HR technology firm, relentlessly pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in talent management. We leverage cutting-edge AI, data science, and behavioral analytics to craft bespoke solutions for our diverse clientele. This isn’t just about filling roles; it’s about shaping futures, fostering growth, and building high-performing teams. We offer an unparalleled environment for an R&D visionary to lead groundbreaking projects and make a tangible impact.
Advertisement
Job Description
Career.zycto is seeking an exceptional and visionary Director of Research & Development to spearhead our innovation efforts from our Bulawayo office. This pivotal role will be instrumental in defining the future of talent acquisition and HR technology, leveraging advanced analytics, artificial intelligence, and machine learning to develop next-generation solutions. As the Director of R&D, you will be responsible for setting the strategic direction of our research initiatives, fostering a culture of innovation, and leading a dynamic team of scientists, engineers, and researchers. Your work will directly impact our ability to deliver superior value to our clients, optimize internal operations, and maintain our competitive edge in a rapidly evolving market.
This is more than a leadership position; it’s an opportunity to be at the forefront of a paradigm shift in how companies identify, attract, and retain top talent. You will drive the entire R&D lifecycle, from conceptualization and feasibility studies to prototyping, testing, and eventual integration with our product lines. Your ability to translate complex research findings into practical, scalable, and commercially viable solutions will be key. Collaboration across departments, particularly with Product Development, Operations, and Sales, will be crucial to ensure our R&D initiatives are aligned with business objectives and market needs. We are looking for a leader who is not only a brilliant technologist but also a strategic thinker, an inspiring mentor, and a relentless problem-solver dedicated to transforming the HR landscape through groundbreaking innovation.
Our commitment at Career.zycto is to create an environment where curiosity is celebrated, bold ideas are encouraged, and impactful results are achieved. You will have the resources and autonomy to explore novel approaches, experiment with emerging technologies, and build solutions that truly make a difference. Join us in building the future of talent.
Advertisement
Key Responsibilities
- Define and execute the strategic vision and roadmap for Career.zycto's Research & Development initiatives, aligned with overall business objectives.
- Lead, mentor, and expand a high-performing team of R&D professionals, including data scientists, AI/ML engineers, and research associates.
- Oversee the entire R&D lifecycle from ideation, feasibility studies, proof-of-concept development, to prototyping and integration.
- Identify emerging technologies, market trends, and scientific advancements relevant to HR technology, talent acquisition, and workforce management.
- Manage the R&D budget, resources, and project timelines to ensure efficient and timely delivery of research outcomes.
- Foster a culture of continuous innovation, scientific rigor, and intellectual curiosity within the R&D team.
- Collaborate closely with Product Development, Engineering, and Business Development teams to translate research into scalable and impactful products and services.
- Establish and maintain strong intellectual property (IP) protection strategies for new innovations.
- Represent Career.zycto at industry conferences, publish research, and engage with the broader scientific and technological community.
- Develop and implement robust metrics and evaluation frameworks to measure the success and impact of R&D projects.
Required Skills
- Ph.D. or Master's degree in Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, Data Science, or a related quantitative field.
- Minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in R&D leadership roles, with at least 5 years managing technical teams.
- Proven track record of successfully leading complex R&D projects from conception to implementation.
- Deep expertise in artificial intelligence, machine learning, natural language processing, and advanced statistical modeling.
- Strong proficiency in programming languages such as Python, R, Java, or C++ and experience with relevant libraries/frameworks (e.g., TensorFlow, PyTorch, Scikit-learn).
- Extensive experience with big data technologies and cloud platforms (AWS, Azure, GCP).
- Exceptional strategic thinking, problem-solving, and analytical abilities.
- Outstanding communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills to articulate complex technical concepts to diverse audiences.
- Demonstrated ability to inspire, motivate, and develop high-performing research and development teams.
- Strong understanding of intellectual property protection and management.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience in the HR technology, recruitment, or talent management industry.
- Published research in peer-reviewed journals or presented at major scientific conferences.
- Experience with Agile/Scrum methodologies in an R&D context.
- Familiarity with ethical AI principles and responsible innovation practices.
- A strong network within the academic and industrial R&D community.
Perks & Benefits
- Competitive salary and performance-based bonuses.
- Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance.
- Generous paid time off and public holidays.
- Opportunities for professional development, conferences, and continuous learning.
- A dynamic, collaborative, and innovation-driven work environment.
- Contribution to groundbreaking projects that redefine an industry.
- Modern office facilities in a vibrant Bulawayo location.
- Employee wellness programs and initiatives.
How to Apply
Are you ready to lead the future of HR technology? If you possess the vision, expertise, and passion to drive our R&D initiatives, we encourage you to apply. Please click on the application link below to submit your resume and a cover letter detailing your relevant experience and why you are the ideal candidate for this role. We look forward to reviewing your application.
