About Company
Pioneering the future of talent acquisition and HR solutions across Africa, Career.zycto is an innovative technology firm dedicated to empowering businesses with smarter, more efficient recruitment strategies. We believe in the transformative power of research and development to create impactful tools that address unique market challenges. This is a dynamic environment where a Director of R&D can truly shape our next generation of products, driving innovation from concept to market impact. Join us in building revolutionary HR tech that changes lives.
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Job Description
Career.zycto is seeking a visionary and results-driven Director of Research & Development to lead our innovation initiatives in Chinhoyi. As a pivotal member of our leadership team, you will be instrumental in defining and executing the strategic roadmap for our next generation of HR technology products and services. This role demands a unique blend of technical expertise, strategic thinking, and leadership acumen, focusing on identifying emerging technologies, market trends, and user needs to drive product innovation that keeps Career.zycto at the forefront of the talent acquisition industry across Africa.
The Director of R&D will oversee the entire R&D lifecycle, from ideation and conceptualization to prototyping, testing, and eventual integration with our core offerings. You will foster a culture of scientific inquiry, continuous improvement, and cross-functional collaboration within your team and across the organization. This position requires someone passionate about solving complex problems, capable of inspiring a diverse team of engineers, data scientists, and product specialists, and adept at translating intricate research findings into commercially viable and impactful solutions. You will be responsible for managing R&D budgets, timelines, and resources, ensuring alignment with overall business objectives and market demands. If you are a strategic leader with a proven track record in driving technological advancements and a commitment to excellence, we invite you to help us shape the future of HR technology from our vibrant Chinhoyi hub.
Key Responsibilities
- Develop and execute a comprehensive R&D strategy aligned with Career.zycto’s long-term business goals and market needs.
- Lead, mentor, and grow a high-performing R&D team, fostering a culture of innovation, collaboration, and continuous learning.
- Identify, evaluate, and integrate emerging technologies and scientific advancements relevant to HR technology and talent management.
- Oversee the full R&D product lifecycle, from initial concept and feasibility studies to prototyping, development, and launch.
- Manage R&D budgets, resources, and project timelines to ensure efficient delivery of innovative solutions.
- Collaborate cross-functionally with product management, engineering, marketing, and sales teams to ensure successful product commercialization.
- Establish and maintain intellectual property strategies, including patent applications and trade secret protection.
- Conduct thorough market research and competitor analysis to identify opportunities for differentiation and competitive advantage.
- Present R&D findings, progress, and recommendations to senior leadership and stakeholders.
- Ensure all R&D activities adhere to relevant industry standards, regulations, and best practices.
Required Skills
- Minimum of 8 years of progressive experience in R&D leadership roles, preferably in the SaaS or HR Tech industry.
- Proven track record of successfully leading teams to deliver innovative products or solutions.
- Strong understanding of modern software development methodologies and technologies (e.g., AI/ML, data analytics, cloud platforms).
- Excellent strategic thinking, problem-solving, and analytical abilities.
- Demonstrated ability to manage complex projects, budgets, and cross-functional teams.
- Exceptional communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills.
- Proficiency in English, both written and verbal.
Preferred Qualifications
- Master's or Ph.D. in Computer Science, Engineering, Data Science, or a related technical field.
- Experience working in an African market context, understanding unique talent acquisition challenges.
- Knowledge of intellectual property law and experience managing patent portfolios.
- Familiarity with HR industry standards and best practices.
Perks & Benefits
- Competitive salary and performance-based bonuses.
- Comprehensive health and wellness benefits.
- Opportunities for professional development and continuous learning.
- Flexible work arrangements (where applicable).
- Dynamic and collaborative work environment.
- Contribution to groundbreaking HR technology impacting Africa.
- Generous paid time off and public holidays.
How to Apply
Interested candidates are invited to submit their detailed resume and a cover letter outlining their qualifications and experience relevant to this role. Please click on the application link below to apply.
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