About Company
Are you ready to lead groundbreaking innovation and shape the future? Career.zycto is a dynamic and forward-thinking organization dedicated to pioneering advancements across various sectors. We foster an environment where creativity thrives, bold ideas are celebrated, and scientific inquiry leads to tangible impact. For a Director of R&D, we offer an unparalleled platform to transform vision into reality, empowering you with the resources and autonomy to drive critical research initiatives and deliver market-leading solutions. Join a team committed to excellence and making a real difference in the lives of many.
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Job Description
Career.zycto is seeking an exceptionally talented and visionary Director of Research & Development (R&D) to spearhead our innovation initiatives. This pivotal role is based in Chinhoyi, Mashonaland West Province, Zimbabwe, and will be instrumental in defining and executing our long-term research strategy, driving product development from concept to commercialization, and fostering a culture of scientific excellence and continuous improvement. As the Director of R&D, you will lead a diverse team of scientists, engineers, and researchers, providing strategic direction, mentorship, and operational oversight to ensure the successful delivery of high-impact projects. Your leadership will directly influence our competitive advantage and market presence.
This is more than just a managerial position; it’s an opportunity to be at the forefront of innovation, translating cutting-edge research into tangible products and solutions that address real-world challenges. You will be responsible for identifying emerging technologies, assessing market needs, and building robust R&D pipelines that align with our strategic objectives. The ideal candidate will possess a deep understanding of the full R&D lifecycle, strong project management skills, and a proven track record of bringing successful products to market. We are looking for a leader who can inspire, innovate, and execute with precision, someone who is passionate about scientific discovery and its practical application. If you thrive in a fast-paced, collaborative environment and are eager to make a significant impact, we encourage you to apply.
Key Responsibilities
- Develop and implement the company’s R&D strategy, aligning it with overall business goals and market trends.
- Lead, mentor, and manage a team of R&D professionals, fostering a collaborative and high-performance culture.
- Oversee the entire product development lifecycle, from ideation and conceptualization to prototyping, testing, and launch.
- Manage the R&D budget, ensuring efficient allocation of resources and adherence to financial targets.
- Identify and evaluate new technologies, research opportunities, and potential partnerships that could enhance our product portfolio.
- Establish and maintain strong intellectual property (IP) strategies, including patent filings and trade secret protection.
- Ensure all R&D activities comply with relevant regulatory standards, industry best practices, and quality assurance protocols.
- Collaborate cross-functionally with marketing, sales, production, and quality assurance teams to ensure seamless product integration and commercial success.
- Present R&D progress, challenges, and opportunities to senior leadership and stakeholders.
- Stay abreast of scientific and technological advancements, competitor activities, and market dynamics to inform strategic decisions.
Required Skills
- Ph.D. or Master’s degree in a relevant scientific or engineering discipline (e.g., Chemistry, Biochemistry, Materials Science, Chemical Engineering).
- Minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in Research & Development, with at least 5 years in a leadership or managerial role.
- Demonstrated success in leading complex R&D projects and bringing new products to market.
- Profound understanding of R&D processes, methodologies, and best practices.
- Strong financial acumen and experience managing R&D budgets.
- Excellent leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills.
- Proven ability to inspire, motivate, and develop high-performing teams.
- Strategic thinking with a results-oriented mindset and strong problem-solving abilities.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience in an industry relevant to our business (e.g., Pharmaceuticals, Agri-tech, Mining Technology, Renewable Energy).
- Strong network within academic or industry research communities.
- Familiarity with regulatory frameworks and compliance in Southern Africa.
- Project Management Professional (PMP) certification or equivalent.
Perks & Benefits
- Competitive salary and performance-based bonuses.
- Comprehensive health and wellness benefits package.
- Generous paid time off and public holidays.
- Opportunities for professional development and continuous learning.
- A dynamic and supportive work environment fostering innovation.
- Relocation assistance for eligible candidates.
How to Apply
Interested candidates are encouraged to apply by clicking on the application link below. Please ensure your resume and cover letter highlight your relevant experience and qualifications for this leadership role. We look forward to reviewing your application.
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