About Company
Pioneering innovation in Agricultural Technology, Career.zycto is at the forefront of sustainable development in Zimbabwe. We empower brilliant minds to transform agricultural practices through cutting-edge research and product development. For a Director of R&D, this means an unparalleled opportunity to shape the future of food security and rural livelihoods, leading a dedicated team in a dynamic and impactful environment. Join us to make a tangible difference, driving discovery from concept to implementation across critical agricultural sectors, and leaving a lasting legacy in the region.
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Job Description
As the Director of Research & Development at Career.zycto, you will be the visionary leader responsible for steering our innovation pipeline and shaping the future of agricultural technology solutions. This pivotal role demands a blend of strategic foresight, scientific acumen, and robust leadership skills. You will be instrumental in identifying emerging trends, conceptualizing groundbreaking projects, and overseeing their execution from initial research to successful product launch. Our mission is to enhance agricultural productivity, sustainability, and resilience across Zimbabwe, and your leadership will directly impact millions. You will foster a culture of scientific excellence, collaboration, and continuous improvement, empowering our team of researchers and scientists to push the boundaries of what’s possible. This is an extraordinary opportunity to apply your expertise in a context where your work will have a profound and immediate positive impact on communities and the national economy. You will manage budgets, resources, and timelines, ensuring that R&D initiatives align with our strategic business objectives and deliver tangible value. We seek an individual passionate about agricultural innovation, committed to ethical research practices, and adept at translating complex scientific findings into practical, scalable solutions. Your contributions will drive the growth of our enterprise and significantly contribute to solving critical challenges facing modern agriculture in the region.
Key Responsibilities
- Develop and implement the overall R&D strategy aligned with company vision and market needs.
- Lead, mentor, and manage a multidisciplinary team of scientists, researchers, and technical staff.
- Identify, evaluate, and prioritize new research projects and technological opportunities in agricultural science.
- Oversee the entire product development lifecycle from concept generation to prototyping, testing, and commercialization.
- Manage R&D budgets, resources, and timelines efficiently to achieve project goals.
- Foster strong collaborations with academic institutions, government bodies, and industry partners.
- Ensure compliance with regulatory standards and ethical guidelines for all research activities.
- Present R&D progress, findings, and strategic recommendations to executive leadership.
- Stay abreast of global advancements in agricultural technology and scientific methodologies.
- Drive intellectual property development and protection strategies.
Required Skills
- Proven leadership in R&D management, preferably in agricultural sciences or a related field.
- Deep understanding of research methodologies, experimental design, and data analysis.
- Strong project management skills, including budget and resource allocation.
- Excellent strategic thinking and problem-solving abilities.
- Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills.
- Ability to inspire and motivate a high-performing team.
- Proficiency in scientific software and data analysis tools.
Preferred Qualifications
- Ph.D. in Agricultural Science, Agronomy, Biotechnology, or a closely related scientific discipline.
- Experience working with international research organizations or funding bodies.
- Demonstrated track record of successful product commercialization.
- Knowledge of intellectual property management and patenting processes.
- Familiarity with the agricultural landscape and specific challenges in sub-Saharan Africa.
Perks & Benefits
- Competitive salary and performance-based bonuses.
- Comprehensive health and wellness benefits.
- Opportunities for professional development and continuous learning.
- Relocation assistance for candidates outside Mashonaland East.
- Generous paid time off and public holidays.
- A dynamic, collaborative, and impact-driven work environment.
- Contribution to groundbreaking agricultural innovations for Zimbabwe.
- Access to state-of-the-art research facilities.
How to Apply
Interested candidates are invited to submit their comprehensive CV and a detailed cover letter outlining their experience and suitability for this role. Please click on the application link below to apply.
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