About Company
Career.zycto is at the forefront of revolutionizing human capital solutions across Africa. We empower organizations to thrive by leveraging cutting-edge technology and innovative strategies in talent acquisition, development, and retention. For a visionary Director of R&D, this translates into an unparalleled opportunity to shape the future of HR tech, develop groundbreaking products, mitigate risks, and lead a dynamic team dedicated to pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in workforce innovation. Join us and drive tangible impact in a rapidly evolving market.
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Job Description
Career.zycto is seeking a highly accomplished and visionary Director of Research & Development to spearhead our innovation initiatives in Bulawayo. In an era where human resources and talent management are increasingly driven by data and technology, this pivotal role will be instrumental in defining and executing our long-term R&D strategy. You will be responsible for leading a multidisciplinary team to discover, develop, and commercialize next-generation HR technology solutions, predictive analytics models, and innovative service offerings that address complex industry challenges and provide significant competitive advantage. This includes exploring emerging technologies such as AI, machine learning, blockchain for credentialing, and advanced data visualization tools to enhance our platform’s capabilities and user experience. The ideal candidate will possess a deep understanding of market trends, a proven track record in product innovation, and the strategic foresight to translate conceptual ideas into tangible, market-ready products and services. You will foster a culture of scientific rigor, creative problem-solving, and continuous improvement, ensuring our R&D efforts align perfectly with our business objectives and market demands. Your leadership will directly impact our growth trajectory and solidify Career.zycto’s position as a leader in innovative human capital solutions across the continent. This is more than a leadership role; it’s an opportunity to shape the future of work.
Key Responsibilities
- Define, communicate, and execute the overall R&D strategy, ensuring alignment with Career.zycto's long-term business goals and market opportunities.
- Lead, mentor, and expand a diverse team of researchers, data scientists, engineers, and product developers, fostering a collaborative and high-performance environment.
- Oversee the entire product innovation lifecycle, from concept generation and feasibility studies to prototyping, testing, and successful market launch.
- Identify and evaluate emerging technologies, scientific advancements, and industry trends to inform future R&D initiatives and maintain a competitive edge.
- Manage the R&D budget, resources, and timelines effectively, ensuring projects are delivered on scope, on time, and within financial constraints.
- Establish and maintain robust intellectual property strategies, including patent applications and trade secret protection.
- Collaborate cross-functionally with Product Management, Marketing, Operations, and Sales teams to ensure seamless integration of R&D outputs into overall business strategy.
- Represent Career.zycto at industry conferences, engage with academic institutions, and cultivate partnerships to expand our research capabilities and thought leadership.
- Implement rigorous research methodologies, data analysis techniques, and quality assurance processes for all R&D projects.
- Provide regular reports and presentations on R&D progress, challenges, and strategic recommendations to executive leadership.
Required Skills
- PhD or Master's degree in Computer Science, Engineering, Data Science, or a related technical field.
- Minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in R&D leadership roles, preferably within the HR tech, software, or consulting sectors.
- Demonstrated expertise in leading significant product development from concept to commercialization.
- Strong understanding of data analytics, machine learning, AI, and cloud-based technologies.
- Exceptional strategic planning and execution skills.
- Proven ability to manage complex projects, budgets, and multidisciplinary teams.
- Excellent communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills.
- Strong business acumen with the ability to link R&D efforts to market needs and business value.
- Experience with intellectual property management and protection.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience working in an African market context, understanding unique challenges and opportunities.
- Prior experience with startup or scale-up environments, demonstrating agility and adaptability.
- Publications or patents in relevant technology or research domains.
- A track record of fostering innovation and building high-performing R&D teams.
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.
- A collaborative and innovative work environment.
- Access to cutting-edge technologies and research tools.
- Relocation assistance for eligible candidates.
- Contribution to groundbreaking projects that redefine an industry.
How to Apply
Interested candidates are invited to submit their detailed CV and a compelling cover letter outlining their experience, strategic vision for R&D, and why they are the ideal fit for Career.zycto. Please ensure your application highlights relevant achievements and leadership experience. Click on the link below to apply for the job.
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