About Company
Career.zycto is at the forefront of identifying and nurturing talent that drives innovation across various sectors. We empower organizations by connecting them with visionary leaders who can shape future landscapes. For a Director of R&D, we offer an unparalleled platform to lead groundbreaking initiatives, establish a robust research culture, and translate cutting-edge science into tangible impact. Join us in shaping tomorrow’s breakthroughs, leveraging our extensive network and commitment to pioneering solutions. We believe in fostering environments where intellectual curiosity thrives and bold ideas are transformed into reality.
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Job Description
This is a pivotal opportunity for an exceptional and visionary Director of R&D to join Career.zycto and spearhead our strategic research and development initiatives from our Nyanga operations. In this crucial role, you will be instrumental in defining, leading, and executing innovative R&D programs that align with our strategic objectives and market needs. We are seeking a dynamic leader with a profound scientific background, a proven track record of bringing novel products or solutions to market, and an unwavering passion for scientific discovery and technological advancement. You will be responsible for building and mentoring a high-performing R&D team, fostering a culture of continuous learning, collaboration, and excellence. This position demands a strategic thinker capable of identifying emerging trends, evaluating new technologies, and translating complex scientific concepts into actionable development plans. Your leadership will span the entire product development lifecycle, from ideation and conceptualization through to rigorous testing, validation, and successful commercialization. You will navigate intellectual property landscapes, manage substantial R&D budgets, and ensure strict adherence to all relevant regulatory standards, quality protocols, and ethical guidelines, all while inspiring your team to push the boundaries of what’s possible. Your strategic vision will directly influence the trajectory of our innovation pipeline, significantly contributing to our long-term growth and competitive edge in the market. This role requires an individual who is not only a brilliant scientist and astute technical leader but also a masterful communicator, adept at engaging with stakeholders across all levels, from diverse technical teams to executive leadership, academic partners, and potential external collaborators. You will be expected to champion a culture of data-driven decision-making, continuous improvement, and agile research methodologies. If you are driven by the challenge of transforming ground-breaking ideas into impactful, commercially viable solutions and are ready to leave a lasting mark on an organization committed to pioneering research and development, we invite you to lead our journey of scientific exploration and innovation in Nyanga, Manicaland Province.
Key Responsibilities
- Develop and execute the overall R&D strategy aligned with company goals and market demands.
- Lead, mentor, and expand a high-performing, multi-disciplinary R&D team, fostering a culture of innovation and scientific rigor.
- Oversee the entire product development lifecycle, from concept and ideation through to rigorous testing, validation, and successful commercialization.
- Identify, evaluate, and integrate new technologies, scientific advancements, and market opportunities to maintain a competitive edge.
- Manage substantial R&D budgets, resources, and project timelines effectively to ensure efficient and timely delivery of milestones.
- Ensure all R&D activities comply with relevant regulatory requirements, quality standards, and ethical guidelines.
- Protect intellectual property through strategic patent filings, trade secrets, and other legal mechanisms.
- Collaborate extensively with cross-functional teams including Marketing, Operations, Sales, and Legal to ensure seamless product integration and launch.
- Present R&D progress, challenges, and strategic recommendations to executive leadership, board members, and external stakeholders.
- Build and maintain robust relationships with external research institutions, academic partners, vendors, and key opinion leaders.
- Stay abreast of industry trends, competitor activities, and emerging scientific literature to inform strategic direction.
Required Skills
- Ph.D. in a relevant scientific or engineering discipline (e.g., Chemistry, Biotechnology, Material Science, Pharmaceutical Sciences).
- Minimum of 10-15 years of progressive experience in R&D, with at least 5 years in a senior leadership or managerial role.
- Proven track record of successfully bringing new products, processes, or solutions from concept to commercial market.
- Strong understanding of product development processes, project management methodologies (e.g., Stage-Gate, Agile), and intellectual property strategy.
- Exceptional leadership, team-building, and mentorship abilities with a history of developing talent.
- Excellent strategic thinking, analytical, and complex problem-solving skills.
- Demonstrated ability to manage significant R&D budgets, resources, and cross-functional project portfolios.
- Proficiency in scientific research methodologies, statistical analysis, and data-driven decision making.
- Superior communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills, capable of influencing diverse stakeholders at all levels.
- In-depth knowledge of regulatory affairs, quality assurance, and compliance standards pertinent to the industry.
Preferred Qualifications
- MBA or equivalent business management experience.
- Experience with lean R&D or Agile development methodologies.
- Record of publications in peer-reviewed journals or patents filed.
- Experience operating in a global R&D environment.
- Familiarity with grant writing and securing external funding.
- Established network of industry contacts and academic collaborators.
- Experience in emerging markets or developing contexts.
Perks & Benefits
- Competitive salary package and performance-based bonuses.
- Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance coverage.
- Generous paid time off, including annual leave, sick leave, and public holidays.
- Robust professional development and continuing education opportunities.
- Relocation assistance for eligible candidates.
- Access to state-of-the-art research facilities and equipment.
- Opportunity to lead transformative projects with significant impact on the organization and industry.
- A collaborative, innovative, and intellectually stimulating work environment.
- Company-sponsored retirement savings plan.
How to Apply
Interested candidates are invited to submit a detailed resume and a comprehensive cover letter outlining their qualifications, relevant experience, and strategic vision for R&D leadership. Please highlight your most significant achievements in product development and team management. To apply, please click on the application link below. We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.
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