About Company
Career.zycto is rapidly redefining the landscape of talent acquisition in Southern Africa. We believe that the future of recruitment lies in innovative methodologies, cutting-edge technology, and profound data insights. As a dynamic and forward-thinking recruitment firm, we empower businesses by connecting them with exceptional talent, while simultaneously investing in research to optimize every facet of the hiring journey. This is an unparalleled opportunity for a Director of R&D to truly shape industry standards and make a tangible impact.
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Job Description
Are you a visionary leader with a passion for innovation and a proven track record in research and development? Career.zycto, a leading force in talent acquisition, is seeking a pioneering Director of R&D to spearhead our strategic initiatives aimed at revolutionizing the recruitment industry. In this pivotal role, you will be instrumental in identifying, developing, and implementing advanced technologies and methodologies that will enhance our service delivery, optimize candidate experience, and provide unparalleled value to our clients.
This is not merely a managerial position; it’s an invitation to architect the future of recruitment. You will lead a dedicated team of researchers and innovators, fostering a culture of curiosity, experimentation, and continuous improvement. Your mandate will include exploring the frontiers of artificial intelligence, machine learning, predictive analytics, and behavioral science to create proprietary tools and processes that give Career.zycto a significant competitive edge. From concept ideation and feasibility studies to prototyping and full-scale implementation, you will oversee the entire R&D lifecycle.
The ideal candidate will possess a unique blend of scientific rigor, strategic acumen, and exceptional leadership qualities. You will be expected to translate complex research findings into actionable business strategies, articulate a clear R&D roadmap, and secure resources to achieve ambitious innovation goals. Collaboration will be key, as you will work closely with our executive leadership, operations, and client-facing teams to ensure R&D efforts are aligned with market needs and business objectives. If you are ready to drive transformative change and leave an indelible mark on how talent is discovered and nurtured, we encourage you to apply.
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Key Responsibilities
- Develop and execute a comprehensive R&D strategy aligned with Career.zycto's overall business objectives and long-term vision.
- Lead, mentor, and expand a high-performing team of researchers, data scientists, and innovation specialists.
- Identify emerging technologies, market trends, and scientific advancements relevant to the recruitment and HR tech landscape (e.g., AI/ML, NLP, behavioral economics).
- Oversee the entire R&D lifecycle, from ideation and concept validation to prototyping, testing, and deployment of new tools and methodologies.
- Establish and manage R&D budgets, resources, and timelines to ensure efficient project delivery and maximum ROI.
- Foster a culture of innovation, continuous learning, and intellectual curiosity within the R&D department.
- Collaborate cross-functionally with executive leadership, operations, marketing, and sales teams to integrate R&D outputs into core business processes and offerings.
- Protect intellectual property generated through R&D activities through patents, copyrights, or trade secrets.
- Represent Career.zycto at industry conferences, academic forums, and networking events to showcase our innovation and establish thought leadership.
Required Skills
- Minimum of 12 years of progressive experience in R&D leadership roles, preferably in technology, HR tech, or data-intensive industries.
- Proven track record of successfully bringing innovative products or solutions from concept to market.
- Strong expertise in artificial intelligence, machine learning, data science, and advanced analytics.
- Exceptional strategic planning, project management, and organizational skills.
- Demonstrated ability to build, lead, and inspire high-performance scientific and technical teams.
- Excellent communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills, capable of engaging both technical and non-technical stakeholders.
- Proficiency in experimental design, statistical analysis, and research methodologies.
- Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Engineering, Data Science, or a related quantitative field.
Preferred Qualifications
- Master's or Ph.D. in a relevant scientific or technical discipline.
- Experience in the recruitment industry or human resources technology sector.
- Knowledge of intellectual property management and patenting processes.
- Experience with cloud platforms and big data technologies (e.g., AWS, Azure, GCP, Spark).
- Published research papers or granted patents in relevant fields.
Perks & Benefits
- Competitive salary and performance-based bonuses.
- Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance.
- Generous paid time off and flexible working arrangements.
- Opportunity to lead groundbreaking projects and shape the future of an industry.
- Continuous professional development and growth opportunities.
- A collaborative, innovative, and supportive work environment.
- Relocation assistance for eligible candidates.
How to Apply
If you are ready to take on this challenging and rewarding role, we invite you to submit your detailed resume and a cover letter outlining your experience and vision for R&D in the recruitment sector. Please highlight your leadership achievements and specific contributions to innovation. Encourage applicants to click on the link below to apply for the job.
