About Company
Pioneering advancements within the local and regional industrial landscape, Career.zycto is driven by a steadfast commitment to innovation and excellence. We offer a dynamic environment where curiosity and bold experimentation are not just encouraged, but expected. For a Director of R&D, this means the freedom to translate groundbreaking concepts into tangible solutions that redefine industry standards. Your leadership will directly shape our strategic growth, guiding a talented team to push technological boundaries. Join a forward-thinking organization dedicated to making a significant impact and developing the future of our product lines.
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Job Description
Career.zycto is actively seeking a visionary and results-driven Director of Research & Development to lead our innovation efforts in Bulawayo Province, Zimbabwe. This pivotal leadership role demands a strategic thinker with a profound passion for scientific discovery and technological advancement, capable of guiding a diverse team through the entire R&D lifecycle. The Director of R&D will be instrumental in identifying new opportunities, defining our technological roadmap, and ensuring that our product offerings remain at the forefront of the industry.
As our Director of R&D, you will be responsible for overseeing all aspects of our research and development initiatives, from conceptualization and feasibility studies to prototyping, testing, and eventual integration into our product lines. You will foster a culture of innovation, collaboration, and continuous improvement, empowering our scientists and engineers to explore new frontiers. Your leadership will directly impact the company’s competitive edge and long-term success by developing novel products, improving existing ones, and exploring new technologies that align with our strategic objectives. This role requires a leader who can not only articulate a compelling vision but also meticulously manage resources, budgets, and project timelines to deliver groundbreaking results. We are looking for someone who thrives in a challenging environment, is adept at problem-solving, and possesses the communication skills necessary to articulate complex technical information to both technical and non-technical stakeholders.
Key Responsibilities
- Develop and execute a comprehensive R&D strategy aligned with the company’s overall business goals and market demands.
- Lead, mentor, and inspire a multidisciplinary team of scientists, engineers, and technicians, fostering a high-performance and innovative culture.
- Manage the R&D budget, allocate resources effectively, and ensure projects are completed within scope, on time, and within budget.
- Oversee the entire product development lifecycle, from ideation and concept validation to prototyping, testing, and successful product launch.
- Identify, evaluate, and integrate new technologies, materials, and processes to enhance product performance and drive competitive advantage.
- Establish and maintain robust intellectual property strategies, including patent filings and trade secret protection.
- Collaborate cross-functionally with Product Management, Marketing, Operations, and Sales to ensure seamless integration of R&D initiatives.
- Monitor industry trends, competitive landscapes, and emerging scientific advancements to identify opportunities and potential threats.
- Ensure all R&D activities comply with relevant industry standards, regulatory requirements, and quality control protocols.
- Prepare and present regular reports on R&D progress, challenges, and strategic recommendations to senior leadership.
Required Skills
- Minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in research and development, with at least 5 years in a leadership or management role.
- Proven track record of successfully leading and managing complex R&D projects from concept to commercialization.
- Strong strategic planning and execution skills, with the ability to translate business objectives into R&D initiatives.
- Exceptional leadership, team-building, and interpersonal communication skills.
- Proficiency in budget management, resource allocation, and project management methodologies (e.g., Agile, Waterfall).
- Deep technical expertise in a relevant scientific or engineering discipline (e.g., Materials Science, Electrical Engineering, Chemical Engineering).
- Demonstrated ability to foster innovation, drive continuous improvement, and solve complex technical challenges.
- Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making abilities.
- Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Chemistry, Physics, or a related scientific field.
Preferred Qualifications
- Master's degree or Ph.D. in a relevant scientific or engineering discipline.
- Experience working in an international or emerging market context.
- Familiarity with intellectual property law and patent application processes.
- Publications in peer-reviewed journals or granted patents.
- Knowledge of specific industry standards and regulatory compliance pertinent to our sector (e.g., ISO standards, local regulations).
- Experience with advanced simulation and modeling software.
Perks & Benefits
- Highly competitive salary package commensurate with experience and impact.
- Comprehensive health and wellness benefits program.
- Generous paid time off and public holidays.
- Opportunities for continuous professional development, training, and conferences.
- Performance-based bonuses and incentives.
- Relocation assistance for eligible candidates.
- A dynamic, collaborative, and innovation-driven work environment.
- Pension contributions and retirement planning support.
How to Apply
We invite highly qualified candidates to submit their application by clicking the link below. Please ensure your CV and cover letter clearly outline your relevant experience and leadership capabilities in R&D.
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