About Company
Spearheading innovation across dynamic sectors, Career.zycto is redefining what’s possible in advanced technology and sustainable solutions. We’re an agile, forward-thinking enterprise deeply committed to pushing technological boundaries and solving complex challenges through groundbreaking research and development. For a visionary Director of R&D, this offers an unparalleled canvas to lead pioneering projects, build high-performing teams, and shape the future of our offerings. Join us to transform conceptual ideas into market-leading realities, making a tangible impact on industries and communities. Your expertise will not just manage, but inspire a culture of relentless scientific inquiry and engineering excellence.
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Job Description
Are you a visionary leader with a profound passion for pioneering research and development? Career.zycto is seeking an exceptional Director of R&D to lead our innovation efforts from our Epworth, Harare Province hub. This pivotal role demands a strategic mind capable of driving scientific discovery, technological advancement, and product innovation across our core business units. As the Director of R&D, you will be instrumental in charting our future, identifying emerging trends, and translating cutting-edge research into tangible, market-ready solutions that deliver significant value to our customers and stakeholders. You will cultivate a culture of creativity, scientific rigor, and continuous improvement within your team, ensuring that Career.zycto remains at the forefront of its industry. This is a unique opportunity to shape the strategic direction of our technological roadmap, manage complex projects from inception to commercialization, and inspire a diverse team of scientists and engineers to achieve extraordinary breakthroughs. We are looking for an individual who thrives in a dynamic environment, possesses outstanding leadership qualities, and has a proven track record of successful R&D portfolio management and intellectual property generation. Your ability to foster collaboration, communicate complex technical concepts effectively, and make data-driven decisions will be key to your success and our continued growth. Join us and be the architect of our next wave of innovation, contributing directly to our mission of creating impactful and sustainable solutions.
Key Responsibilities
- Develop and execute a robust R&D strategy aligned with Career.zycto's overall business objectives and long-term vision.
- Lead, mentor, and inspire a multidisciplinary team of scientists, engineers, and researchers, fostering their professional growth and innovation.
- Oversee the entire R&D lifecycle, from initial ideation, conceptualization, and feasibility studies to prototyping, testing, validation, and successful commercialization.
- Actively identify and evaluate new and emerging technologies, market trends, and scientific advancements relevant to our industry sectors.
- Efficiently manage the R&D budget, resources, and project timelines to ensure optimal performance and timely delivery of milestones.
- Cultivate a vibrant culture of innovation, continuous learning, scientific rigor, and strategic intellectual property development within the team.
- Collaborate cross-functionally with product management, marketing, operations, and executive leadership to ensure seamless integration of R&D outcomes.
- Ensure strict compliance with all relevant regulatory standards, industry certifications, and ethical guidelines in all research and development activities.
- Present comprehensive R&D findings, project progress reports, and strategic recommendations to senior management, board members, and external stakeholders.
- Build and maintain strong relationships with external research institutions, academic partners, industry experts, and potential collaborators to leverage external expertise.
Required Skills
- Ph.D. or Master's degree in a relevant scientific or engineering discipline (e.g., Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, Biotechnology, Computer Science).
- Minimum of 10-12 years of progressive experience in research and development, with at least 5 years in a senior leadership or managerial role.
- Demonstrated success in leading and delivering complex R&D projects from initial concept through to market launch and adoption.
- Strong understanding of intellectual property management, patent processes, and freedom-to-operate assessments.
- Proven ability to manage significant budgets, allocate resources effectively, and lead large, multidisciplinary technical teams.
- Exceptional strategic thinking, critical problem-solving, and data-driven decision-making skills.
- Outstanding communication, interpersonal, and presentation abilities, capable of articulating complex technical information to diverse audiences.
- Proficiency in modern project management methodologies and tools (e.g., Agile, Stage-Gate).
- Deep technical expertise in areas relevant to Career.zycto's focus (e.g., advanced materials, sustainable technologies, AI/ML applications).
- Experience with lean R&D principles and agile development frameworks.
Preferred Qualifications
- MBA or other business-related qualifications.
- Experience working in a fast-paced startup or scale-up environment, demonstrating adaptability and resilience.
- A track record of significant publications, patents, or recognized contributions to a scientific or technical field.
- Familiarity with international R&D best practices and global regulatory landscapes.
- An established network of industry contacts and academic partnerships.
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 opportunities for professional development, continuous learning, and career advancement.
- The unparalleled opportunity to lead groundbreaking projects with substantial industry and societal impact.
- A highly collaborative, innovative, and intellectually stimulating work environment.
- Relocation assistance will be provided for eligible candidates.
- Access to employee wellness programs and initiatives.
- Work in modern, well-equipped office facilities in Epworth, designed for collaboration and innovation.
How to Apply
Ready to make a significant impact at the forefront of innovation? We encourage all qualified candidates to apply for this pivotal role. Please click on the application link below to submit your detailed resume/CV along with a compelling cover letter. Your cover letter should outline your relevant experience, articulate your leadership philosophy, and describe your vision for leading a world-class R&D department. Please highlight specific achievements that demonstrate your ability to drive innovation, manage complex projects, and lead high-performing technical teams. We look forward to reviewing your application and exploring how your expertise can contribute to Career.zycto’s success.
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