About Company
Are you a visionary leader seeking to drive transformative research and development initiatives? Career.zycto stands at the forefront of innovation, dedicated to fostering groundbreaking solutions across diverse sectors in Southern Africa. We believe in empowering our leaders with the autonomy and resources to push boundaries, translating complex ideas into tangible impact. For a Director of R&D, this translates into an unparalleled opportunity to build and lead a high-performance team, shaping the technological landscape and contributing to sustainable regional growth within a dynamic, supportive culture that values ingenuity.
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Job Description
We are seeking an exceptionally talented and visionary Director of Research & Development to spearhead our innovation initiatives in Gwanda, Matabeleland South Province. This critical leadership role involves defining and executing the strategic R&D roadmap, overseeing all stages of product and solution development from conceptualization to market deployment. As Director of R&D, you will be instrumental in fostering a culture of scientific excellence, creativity, and rigorous problem-solving. You will manage cross-functional teams, allocate resources effectively, and ensure that our research endeavors align seamlessly with business objectives and market demands.
Your leadership will drive the exploration of new technologies, methodologies, and materials relevant to our core industries, seeking breakthrough opportunities that provide a competitive edge. This includes identifying emerging trends, conducting feasibility studies, and overseeing the prototyping and testing phases with an unwavering commitment to quality and safety standards. Furthermore, you will be responsible for developing and nurturing intellectual property, securing patents, and managing our portfolio of innovations. Success in this role hinges on your ability to inspire and empower a diverse team of scientists, engineers, and technicians, fostering an environment where talent thrives and collaborative spirit leads to tangible results. You will serve as a key advocate for R&D internally and externally, building strong relationships with industry partners, academic institutions, and governmental bodies to drive collaborative research efforts and secure funding opportunities. If you are passionate about pioneering advancements and possess the strategic foresight to translate complex research into impactful commercial applications, we invite you to lead our journey of discovery and innovation.
Key Responsibilities
- Develop and execute the strategic R&D roadmap aligned with company objectives and market opportunities.
- Lead, mentor, and expand a high-performing team of researchers, scientists, and engineers.
- Oversee the entire product development lifecycle from concept to commercialization, ensuring timely and budget-compliant delivery.
- Identify, evaluate, and integrate new technologies and methodologies to enhance product capabilities.
- Manage the intellectual property portfolio, including patent applications and ongoing protection strategies.
- Foster a culture of innovation, continuous improvement, and rigorous scientific inquiry.
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams (e.g., marketing, operations, sales) to ensure R&D efforts meet business and customer needs.
- Establish and manage external partnerships with academic institutions, industry experts, and research organizations.
- Secure funding opportunities and grants for research projects.
- Represent the company at conferences, industry events, and with regulatory bodies.
- Develop and manage the R&D budget, ensuring optimal resource allocation and cost efficiency.
- Implement robust quality control and safety protocols within R&D processes.
Required Skills
- Ph.D. in a relevant scientific or engineering discipline (e.g., Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, Computer Science).
- Minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in R&D, with at least 5 years in a leadership or managerial role.
- Proven track record of successfully bringing innovative products or solutions to market.
- Strong strategic planning and execution skills.
- Expertise in intellectual property management and patenting processes.
- Exceptional leadership, team-building, and mentorship abilities.
- Excellent communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills.
- Demonstrated ability to manage complex projects, budgets, and cross-functional teams.
- In-depth understanding of relevant industry regulations and compliance standards.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience working in an emerging market context, particularly Southern Africa.
- Familiarity with grant writing and securing external research funding.
- PMP or equivalent project management certification.
- Experience with Agile/Scrum methodologies in an R&D setting.
- Proficiency in data analysis and statistical modeling software.
Perks & Benefits
- Competitive salary and performance-based bonuses.
- Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance.
- Generous paid time off and holidays.
- Professional development and continuing education opportunities.
- Relocation assistance for eligible candidates.
- Opportunity to lead transformative projects with significant regional impact.
- Modern office environment with state-of-the-art research facilities.
- Flexible working arrangements (where applicable and approved).
How to Apply
Interested candidates are invited to submit their detailed resume and a cover letter outlining their qualifications and experience by clicking on the application link below. Please highlight your leadership experience in R&D and how your vision aligns with driving innovation in Southern Africa.
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