About Company
Are you ready to shape the future of innovation? Career.zycto is a dynamic and forward-thinking organization committed to pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in manufacturing technology within Marondera and beyond. We foster a culture where curiosity thrives, groundbreaking ideas are celebrated, and scientific excellence is paramount. Joining our team means leading a crucial function that directly impacts our growth and market leadership. We empower our leaders to drive significant change, offering the resources and autonomy needed to transform visionary concepts into tangible realities. This is an unparalleled opportunity to make a lasting impact.
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Job Description
This role demands a visionary leader to steer our research and development initiatives, translating strategic objectives into innovative product pipelines and technological advancements. As the Director of R&D at Career.zycto, you will be at the forefront of our innovation ecosystem, responsible for defining, executing, and optimizing our R&D roadmap. This involves a comprehensive understanding of emerging technologies, market trends, and customer needs, ensuring our solutions remain cutting-edge and competitive. You will build and mentor a high-performing R&D team, fostering a collaborative environment that encourages creativity, scientific rigor, and rapid prototyping.
Your expertise will be instrumental in identifying potential breakthrough technologies and intellectual property opportunities, safeguarding our innovations through patent strategies. You will oversee the entire product development lifecycle from concept generation and feasibility studies through to design, testing, and successful market launch. This position requires a strong technical background combined with exceptional leadership and communication skills, enabling you to liaise effectively with cross-functional teams including product management, engineering, operations, and sales. You will also be responsible for managing R&D budgets, resources, and timelines, ensuring projects are delivered on schedule and within financial parameters while adhering to the highest quality and regulatory standards.
We are seeking a proactive and strategic thinker who can inspire innovation and drive tangible results. The successful candidate will have a proven track record of bringing innovative products to market, a deep understanding of R&D best practices, and the ability to navigate complex technical challenges. This is more than just a leadership role; it’s an opportunity to leave a significant mark on our company’s trajectory and contribute to solving real-world challenges through technological advancement. If you are passionate about pioneering new frontiers and leading a team to achieve ambitious scientific and commercial goals, we invite you to explore this pivotal opportunity with Career.zycto in Marondera. You will play a critical role in shaping the technological future of our organization and making a tangible difference in the industries we serve.
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Key Responsibilities
- Define and execute the company's comprehensive R&D strategy and roadmap.
- Lead, mentor, and expand a high-performing team of R&D scientists and engineers.
- Identify, evaluate, and integrate new technologies and scientific advancements relevant to our industry.
- Oversee the entire product development lifecycle from initial concept to successful commercialization.
- Manage R&D budgets, allocate resources effectively, and ensure project timelines are met.
- Foster a vibrant culture of innovation, collaboration, and continuous improvement within the R&D department.
- Collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams including Product Management, Engineering, Operations, and Sales to ensure strategic alignment.
- Establish and maintain robust intellectual property strategies, including patenting and trade secret protection.
- Ensure full compliance with industry standards, relevant regulations, and internal quality management systems.
- Monitor market trends, competitive landscape, and evolving customer needs to inform R&D priorities and strategic direction.
Required Skills
- Deep expertise in a relevant scientific or engineering discipline (e.g., materials science, chemical engineering, biotechnology, agricultural technology).
- Proven leadership and team management capabilities, with experience managing senior technical staff.
- Strong strategic planning and execution skills, with the ability to translate vision into actionable plans.
- Excellent project management and organizational abilities, capable of overseeing multiple complex projects simultaneously.
- Proficiency in advanced R&D methodologies, innovation frameworks, and product development processes.
- Exceptional problem-solving and analytical thinking skills, with a data-driven approach to decision-making.
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills, adept at presenting complex information to diverse audiences.
- Extensive experience in budget management and efficient resource allocation for R&D initiatives.
- In-depth knowledge of intellectual property rights, patent landscape, and competitive analysis.
Preferred Qualifications
- Ph.D. in a relevant scientific or engineering field from a recognized institution.
- Experience with lean R&D, Agile development methodologies, or Design Thinking principles.
- Prior experience in a manufacturing, agricultural technology, or industrial sector within Southern Africa.
- Track record of successfully bringing multiple innovative products from the R&D phase to market launch.
- Familiarity with regulatory frameworks and compliance requirements specific to Zimbabwe or the SADC region.
- Professional certifications in project management (e.g., PMP, PRINCE2) or innovation management.
Perks & Benefits
- Highly competitive salary package and performance-based bonuses.
- Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance coverage.
- Generous paid time off, including annual leave and public holidays.
- Significant professional development and continuous learning opportunities.
- Opportunity to lead groundbreaking projects and directly influence company direction.
- A collaborative, innovative, and intellectually stimulating work environment.
- Potential for relocation assistance for qualified candidates.
- Robust pension scheme contributions and long-term financial planning support.
How to Apply
Interested candidates are invited to submit a detailed resume and a compelling cover letter outlining their qualifications, relevant experience, and vision for R&D leadership. Please click on the application link below to apply.
