About Company
At Career.zycto, we are pioneering the future of talent acquisition and human capital solutions. We empower organizations and individuals alike through innovative technology and strategic insights. For a Director of R&D, this means an unparalleled opportunity to shape groundbreaking platforms and methodologies that redefine industry standards. Join a vibrant, forward-thinking team dedicated to solving complex challenges and making a tangible impact on workforce development in Zimbabwe and beyond. Your leadership will be crucial in driving our commitment to continuous improvement and market differentiation.
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Job Description
As the Director of R&D at Career.zycto, you will be the visionary leader at the forefront of our innovation engine, driving the strategic direction and execution of research and development initiatives that solidify our position as a leader in recruitment technology and human capital solutions. This pivotal role demands a blend of profound technical expertise, exceptional leadership capabilities, and a keen understanding of market trends and emerging technologies. You will be instrumental in identifying new opportunities, conceptualizing innovative products and services, and overseeing their development from inception to successful market launch.
Your mission will be to foster a culture of creativity, collaboration, and continuous improvement within the R&D department. You will manage cross-functional teams, ensuring projects are delivered on time, within budget, and to the highest quality standards. This includes setting ambitious yet achievable goals, allocating resources effectively, and mentoring a team of brilliant researchers, engineers, and data scientists. You will regularly present R&D progress, strategic roadmaps, and potential impacts to senior leadership and key stakeholders, translating complex technical concepts into clear, actionable business insights.
The ideal candidate will possess a strong track record in leading significant R&D efforts, ideally within the HR tech, recruitment, or a related data-intensive industry. You will be adept at navigating complex technical challenges, inspiring innovation, and translating strategic vision into tangible outcomes. Career.zycto is committed to leveraging cutting-edge technology to transform how talent is discovered, developed, and deployed. Your expertise will directly influence the tools, platforms, and analytics that will empower businesses and individuals across Manicaland Province and potentially, the wider African market. We are looking for a leader who is not only a technical expert but also a strategic thinker eager to push boundaries and define the next generation of recruitment solutions. This is an extraordinary opportunity to leave a lasting legacy in a dynamic and rapidly evolving sector.
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Key Responsibilities
- Define and execute the R&D strategy aligned with Career.zycto's overall business objectives and market positioning.
- Lead, mentor, and expand a high-performing R&D team, fostering a culture of innovation, excellence, and accountability.
- Identify, evaluate, and integrate emerging technologies and research findings into new product and service offerings.
- Oversee the entire product development lifecycle from conceptualization, prototyping, testing, to market launch.
- Manage R&D budgets, resources, and timelines to ensure efficient project delivery and optimal ROI.
- Collaborate cross-functionally with product management, sales, marketing, and operations to ensure seamless product integration and market fit.
- Establish and maintain intellectual property strategies, including patenting and knowledge management.
- Monitor industry trends, competitive landscape, and regulatory changes to inform strategic R&D decisions.
- Act as a key technical evangelist, representing Career.zycto at conferences, industry events, and with strategic partners.
- Develop robust quality assurance protocols and methodologies for all R&D outputs.
Required Skills
- Proven leadership in R&D management (10+ years)
- Deep expertise in software development methodologies (Agile, Scrum)
- Strong background in data science, AI/ML, and analytics
- Exceptional strategic planning and execution skills
- Budget management and resource allocation proficiency
- Excellent communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills
- Ability to inspire and motivate technical teams
- Proficiency in project management tools and software
- Strong problem-solving and critical thinking abilities
- Understanding of intellectual property and regulatory compliance
Preferred Qualifications
- Master's or Ph.D. in Computer Science, Engineering, or a related technical field
- Experience in the HR Technology, Recruitment, or Human Capital Management sector
- Demonstrated success in bringing innovative products to market
- Familiarity with cloud platforms (AWS, Azure, GCP) and scalable architectures
- Knowledge of global and local talent market dynamics, particularly in Africa
- Certifications in project management (PMP, PRINCE2) or Agile methodologies
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 and continuous learning
- Access to cutting-edge tools and technologies
- Collaborative and innovative work environment
- Pension plan contributions
- Relocation assistance (if applicable)
- Company-sponsored team building events
- Flexible working arrangements
How to Apply
Ready to lead innovation and shape the future of recruitment? We invite highly qualified candidates to submit their application by clicking the link below. Please ensure your CV and cover letter highlight your relevant experience and vision for leading a dynamic R&D department.
