About Company
Spearhead groundbreaking innovation at Career.zycto, where your vision as a Director of R&D will redefine industry standards. We are an agile, forward-thinking entity committed to fostering scientific discovery and technological advancement. Joining us means stepping into a vibrant ecosystem where bold ideas are nurtured, interdisciplinary collaboration thrives, and your leadership directly shapes the future. We offer an unparalleled opportunity to build and guide a high-performing research team, making a tangible impact on our core operations and the broader market. Career.zycto values ingenuity and empowers its leaders to drive transformative change.
Job Description
Career.zycto is seeking a visionary and results-driven Director of Research & Development to lead our innovation initiatives in Zvishavane, Midlands Province. This pivotal role calls for a strategic leader with a deep understanding of research methodologies, product development lifecycle, and a proven track record of bringing novel concepts to fruition. As the Director of R&D, you will be instrumental in defining and executing our long-term research strategy, fostering a culture of innovation, and building a high-performing team of scientists and engineers. You will oversee all R&D projects, from initial concept generation and feasibility studies to prototyping, testing, and eventual integration into our operational framework or market offerings. This position demands exceptional leadership capabilities, strong technical acumen, and the ability to translate complex research into actionable commercial strategies. You will be responsible for managing substantial budgets, ensuring regulatory compliance, protecting intellectual property, and collaborating extensively with internal stakeholders and external partners to ensure our R&D efforts align with overarching business objectives and market demands. Join us in shaping the future through pioneering research and development.
Key Responsibilities
- Develop and implement a comprehensive R&D strategy that aligns with Career.zycto's overall business goals and market opportunities.
- Lead, mentor, and inspire a diverse team of researchers, scientists, and engineers, fostering a collaborative and innovative work environment.
- Oversee the entire R&D project portfolio, ensuring projects are delivered on time, within budget, and to the highest quality standards.
- Manage the R&D budget, resources, and timelines effectively, optimizing for maximum impact and efficiency.
- Identify emerging technologies, scientific advancements, and market trends to inform future research directions.
- Establish and maintain strong intellectual property (IP) protection strategies for all R&D outcomes.
- Collaborate cross-functionally with product development, operations, marketing, and sales teams to transition research findings into viable products or processes.
- Ensure all research activities comply with relevant industry standards, safety regulations, and ethical guidelines.
- Cultivate partnerships with academic institutions, research organizations, and industry experts to leverage external expertise and resources.
- Present R&D progress, outcomes, and strategic recommendations to executive leadership and key stakeholders.
Required Skills
- Proven leadership and team management skills, with experience building and developing high-performing R&D teams.
- Extensive experience in strategic planning, project management, and budget oversight within an R&D context.
- Strong technical expertise in relevant scientific or engineering disciplines.
- Demonstrated ability to drive innovation from concept to commercialization.
- Exceptional analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making abilities.
- Excellent communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills.
- Proficiency in intellectual property management and protection.
- Familiarity with regulatory compliance and quality assurance in industrial R&D.
Preferred Qualifications
- Ph.D. in a relevant scientific or engineering field (e.g., Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, Mining Engineering, Industrial Systems).
- Experience working in industries relevant to Zvishavane's economic landscape (e.g., mining, metallurgy, industrial processing).
- A portfolio of successful patents, publications, or launched innovative products/processes.
- Experience with grant writing and securing external funding for research projects.
Perks & Benefits
- Competitive salary package and performance-based bonuses.
- Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance.
- Generous paid time off and public holidays.
- Retirement savings plan with company contributions.
- Professional development opportunities and continuous learning support.
- Relocation assistance for eligible candidates.
- Dynamic and collaborative work environment focused on innovation.
- Opportunity to make a significant impact on industry advancements.
How to Apply
Interested candidates are invited to submit a detailed resume and a cover letter outlining their qualifications and experience relevant to this role. Please click the link below to apply for the job.
