About Company
Innovation drives our future. Career.zycto is at the forefront of leveraging cutting-edge technology to redefine human potential and organizational success. We are a dynamic, fast-growing firm based in Harare, committed to developing ground-breaking solutions in HR tech and talent optimization. For a Director of R&D, this means an unparalleled opportunity to build and lead a visionary team, shaping the strategic direction of our product portfolio from conception to market. We value bold ideas, rigorous execution, and a passion for creating impactful technological advancements. Your expertise will directly influence our growth and market leadership, making Career.zycto the ideal environment for a leader dedicated to pushing technological boundaries.
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Job Description
Are you a visionary leader with a proven track record in pioneering research and development, eager to shape the future of technology in a dynamic African market? Career.zycto, a rapidly expanding innovator in human resources technology and talent solutions, is seeking an exceptional Director of R&D to lead our ambitious journey of discovery and product evolution in Harare, Harare Province. This pivotal role calls for a strategic thinker who can not only envision the next generation of solutions but also possess the operational acumen to bring those visions to life.
As our Director of R&D, you will be the driving force behind Career.zycto’s technological advancements, responsible for identifying emerging trends, fostering a culture of innovation, and translating complex research into tangible, market-leading products. You will build and mentor a high-performing R&D team, championing best practices in agile development, scientific rigor, and intellectual property management. This is more than a leadership position; it’s an opportunity to leave an indelible mark on an organization poised for significant growth, influencing product roadmaps that empower businesses and individuals across the continent. This pivotal role also demands a strong emphasis on intellectual property protection and the establishment of robust R&D governance frameworks. Your leadership will be crucial in maintaining our competitive edge, exploring new technologies such as AI, machine learning, and advanced data analytics to continually enhance our HR tech offerings. Beyond technical expertise, we seek a leader capable of inspiring a diverse team, fostering a collaborative environment, and championing a culture of continuous learning and improvement. You will be instrumental in bridging the gap between scientific discovery and market readiness, ensuring our innovations not only solve complex problems but also deliver measurable business value. If you thrive on challenging the status quo, are passionate about technological breakthroughs, possess the ability to inspire a team towards collective success, and are ready to make a significant impact in a dynamic, emerging market, we invite you to join Career.zycto in shaping the future of work.
Key Responsibilities
- Define and execute the long-term R&D strategy aligned with the company's vision and business objectives.
- Lead, mentor, and grow a high-performing R&D team, fostering a culture of innovation, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
- Oversee the entire product development lifecycle from conceptualization, research, prototyping, testing, to successful market launch.
- Identify and evaluate emerging technologies and market trends to ensure Career.zycto remains at the forefront of innovation.
- Manage R&D budgets, resources, and project timelines effectively to deliver high-quality outcomes within scope.
- Collaborate cross-functionally with Product Management, Engineering, Marketing, and Sales to ensure seamless integration of R&D initiatives.
- Establish and maintain intellectual property strategies, including patenting and safeguarding proprietary technologies.
- Implement robust R&D processes and methodologies (e.g., Agile, Scrum) to optimize efficiency and effectiveness.
- Represent Career.zycto's R&D capabilities to external partners, investors, and industry forums.
- Ensure all R&D activities comply with relevant industry standards, regulations, and ethical guidelines.
Required Skills
- Minimum of 12 years of progressive experience in Research & Development, with at least 5 years in a senior leadership role.
- Proven expertise in leading multidisciplinary R&D teams in a technology-driven environment.
- Strong strategic planning and execution skills, with the ability to translate vision into actionable roadmaps.
- Deep understanding of modern software development methodologies (Agile, Scrum, Waterfall).
- Demonstrable experience with intellectual property management and technology commercialization.
- Excellent communication, interpersonal, and presentation skills.
- Proficiency in project management tools and R&D portfolio management.
- Analytical mindset with strong problem-solving capabilities.
Preferred Qualifications
- Ph.D. in Computer Science, Engineering, Data Science, or a related technical field.
- Experience in the HR Technology or Talent Management industry.
- Familiarity with emerging technologies such as Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, Blockchain, or Advanced Analytics.
- Track record of successful product launches and market impact.
- Experience working in a fast-paced startup or scale-up environment.
Perks & Benefits
- Competitive salary and performance-based bonuses.
- Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance.
- Generous paid time off and public holidays.
- Professional development and continuous learning opportunities.
- Opportunity to lead a pivotal function in a rapidly growing company.
- Dynamic, collaborative, and innovative work environment.
- Company-sponsored team-building events and social activities.
- Flexible working hours (within core business operations).
How to Apply
Ready to lead innovation at Career.zycto? We encourage all qualified applicants to submit their CV and a cover letter outlining their relevant experience and vision for this role. Please click on the application link below to apply directly.
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