About Company
Career.zycto is an innovation-driven enterprise at the forefront of shaping future solutions. We empower visionary leaders and brilliant minds to push boundaries, translating complex ideas into tangible impacts across various sectors. For a Director of R&D, we offer an unparalleled environment to spearhead groundbreaking initiatives, cultivate a vibrant culture of scientific inquiry, and build a legacy of transformative development. Join us to define the next generation of progress and lead critical advancements that resonate globally.
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Job Description
Are you a visionary leader with an insatiable passion for pioneering innovation and driving scientific breakthroughs? Career.zycto is actively seeking an exceptional Director of Research & Development to lead our dynamic R&D division, strategically located in Masvingo, Masvingo Province. This pivotal role demands a highly strategic thinker with a proven track record in guiding complex research projects from initial conception through to successful commercialization and market adoption. As the Director of R&D, you will be absolutely instrumental in setting the overarching strategic direction for all our research initiatives, fostering an inspiring culture of creativity, rigorous inquiry, and seamless collaboration across multidisciplinary teams. Your leadership will ensure our technological advancements not only meet but exceed our long-term business objectives and market demands. Your expertise will directly influence the robustness of our product pipeline, the strength of our intellectual property portfolio, and our overall competitive market position. We are specifically looking for someone who can deeply inspire and expertly mentor a diverse team of brilliant researchers and dedicated scientists, skillfully manage significant departmental budgets, and forge strong, productive relationships with both internal stakeholders and external strategic partners. This is an unparalleled opportunity to make a profound and tangible impact, shaping the very future of our product offerings and significantly contributing to the economic and technological landscape of the entire region. If you thrive in a fast-paced, intellectually challenging environment where innovation is not just encouraged but deeply embedded in our DNA, and you possess the exceptional leadership acumen to translate the most ambitious visions into concrete, measurable results, we wholeheartedly encourage you to apply and join our journey of discovery.
Key Responsibilities
- Develop and implement the strategic vision and roadmap for the R&D department, aligned with overall company goals and market opportunities.
- Lead, mentor, and manage a diverse team of researchers, scientists, and engineers, fostering a culture of high performance, continuous learning, and innovation.
- Oversee the entire R&D project lifecycle, from initial ideation, feasibility studies, and proof-of-concept development to prototyping, rigorous testing, and successful product launch.
- Manage the comprehensive R&D budget, ensuring efficient allocation of financial and human resources while adhering strictly to financial targets and timelines.
- Identify and evaluate emerging technologies, disruptive market trends, and competitive landscapes to proactively inform strategic research directions and maintain a competitive edge.
- Establish and rigorously maintain strong intellectual property (IP) strategies, including the diligent pursuit of patent applications and the protection of trade secrets.
- Collaborate extensively and cross-functionally with product development, marketing, operations, and sales teams to ensure seamless integration of R&D outcomes into commercialized products.
- Represent the company at key industry conferences, forge collaborative partnerships with academic institutions, and cultivate beneficial external partnerships.
- Ensure all R&D activities comply with relevant industry standards, regulatory frameworks, and ethical guidelines, maintaining the highest levels of quality and integrity.
- Drive continuous improvement in R&D processes, methodologies, and tools to enhance overall efficiency, effectiveness, and responsiveness to evolving challenges.
Required Skills
- Minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in an R&D leadership role, preferably within a technology-driven or innovation-focused industry.
- Proven track record of successfully leading multiple complex research projects from initial concept through to successful commercialization and market adoption.
- Exceptional leadership and team management skills, with a demonstrated ability to inspire, motivate, and develop a highly skilled technical team.
- Superior strategic planning and execution capabilities, with a keen understanding of business objectives and market dynamics.
- In-depth knowledge of modern R&D methodologies, robust project management principles, and effective intellectual property management strategies.
- Excellent communication, compelling presentation, and strong interpersonal skills, capable of engaging diverse stakeholders.
- Demonstrated ability to manage complex departmental budgets and optimize resource allocation effectively.
- Proficiency in data analysis, statistical interpretation, and making data-driven decisions.
Preferred Qualifications
- PhD in a relevant scientific or engineering discipline (e.g., Materials Science, Computer Science, Biotechnology, Electrical Engineering).
- Experience working in a start-up or fast-paced innovation environment, demonstrating agility and adaptability.
- A strong portfolio of published research papers or granted patents, showcasing significant contributions to the field.
- Familiarity with specific regulatory frameworks pertinent to our core industry (e.g., FinTech, Sustainable Technologies, Advanced Manufacturing).
Perks & Benefits
- Highly competitive salary package and attractive performance-based bonuses.
- Comprehensive health and wellness benefits package, including medical and dental coverage.
- Extensive opportunities for continuous professional development, advanced training, and executive education.
- A vibrant, innovative, and highly collaborative work environment that values creativity and intellectual curiosity.
- Generous paid time off, including annual leave and public holidays.
- The unique opportunity to contribute to groundbreaking projects that truly shape the future of our industry.
- Relocation assistance package available for eligible candidates moving to Masvingo.
How to Apply
Interested candidates are invited to submit their comprehensive resume and a compelling cover letter detailing their relevant experience, leadership philosophy, and vision for R&D. Please click on the application link below to apply for this exciting and transformative opportunity.
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