About Company
Are you an innovative leader driven by scientific discovery and technological advancement? Career.zycto is a forward-thinking organization committed to pioneering solutions that address real-world challenges within diverse sectors. We foster a culture of curiosity, collaboration, and continuous improvement, empowering our teams to push boundaries and transform concepts into tangible impact. For a Director of R&D, this translates into an unparalleled opportunity to shape strategic vision, lead ground-breaking projects, and cultivate a legacy of innovation within a supportive and dynamic environment where your expertise directly influences our future trajectory.
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Job Description
Career.zycto is seeking a visionary and highly accomplished Director of Research & Development to lead our innovation initiatives in the Midlands Province, Zimbabwe. This pivotal role will be instrumental in defining and executing our long-term R&D strategy, driving the development of cutting-edge products and solutions that address market needs and enhance our competitive advantage. The successful candidate will be a strategic thinker with a strong scientific or engineering background, possessing a proven track record of managing complex R&D projects from concept to commercialization. You will be responsible for building, mentoring, and inspiring a high-performing R&D team, fostering a culture of creativity, scientific rigor, and operational excellence. This is an exceptional opportunity for a dynamic leader to make a significant impact, shaping the future of our offerings and contributing to the growth and success of our organization in a rapidly evolving landscape. We are looking for someone who can not only lead but also inspire, someone who embraces challenges and sees opportunities for groundbreaking innovation in every aspect of their work. Your leadership will directly translate into tangible advancements and market differentiation for Career.zycto.
Key Responsibilities
- Develop and execute a comprehensive R&D strategy aligned with the company's overall business objectives and market demands, ensuring a robust pipeline of innovative projects.
- Lead, mentor, and manage a multidisciplinary R&D team, fostering a collaborative, high-performance culture and promoting continuous professional development.
- Oversee the entire product development lifecycle, from ideation and conceptualization through research, prototyping, testing, and eventual market launch, ensuring adherence to timelines and budgets.
- Identify, evaluate, and integrate new technologies, methodologies, and scientific breakthroughs to enhance product capabilities and competitive positioning.
- Manage R&D budgets, resources, and intellectual property portfolios, including patent applications and trade secret protection.
- Collaborate cross-functionally with marketing, operations, and sales teams to ensure seamless integration of new products and solutions into the broader business strategy and market.
- Ensure all research and development activities comply with relevant regulatory standards, quality requirements, and ethical guidelines.
- Establish and maintain strong relationships with external research institutions, academic partners, and industry experts to leverage external expertise and expand our innovation ecosystem.
Required Skills
- Ph.D. or Master's degree in a relevant scientific or engineering discipline (e.g., Chemistry, Physics, Materials Science, Electrical Engineering, Biotechnology).
- Minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in R&D, with at least 5 years in a senior leadership or management role.
- Demonstrated success in leading and delivering complex R&D projects from concept to commercialization.
- Strong strategic planning and execution skills, with the ability to translate vision into actionable plans.
- Exceptional leadership, team management, and interpersonal communication skills.
- In-depth knowledge of intellectual property management and regulatory compliance in relevant industries.
- Proven ability to manage budgets, allocate resources effectively, and optimize operational efficiency within R&D.
- Proficiency in project management methodologies and tools.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience in a sector relevant to the Zimbabwean or African market (e.g., agriculture tech, sustainable energy, advanced materials, industrial manufacturing).
- Proven track record of building and managing relationships with academic or research partners.
- Business acumen with an understanding of market dynamics and commercialization strategies.
- Experience with grant writing and securing external funding for research initiatives.
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.
- Relocation assistance for eligible candidates.
- A vibrant and collaborative work environment focused on innovation.
- Contribution to impactful projects shaping the future of the region.
How to Apply
Eager to lead innovation and drive impactful change? We invite qualified candidates to submit their comprehensive resume and a compelling cover letter outlining their experience and vision for this role. Please ensure your application highlights your strategic leadership in R&D and your proven track record of successful project delivery. Click on the link below to apply for the job.
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