About Company
Revolutionizing the talent landscape requires visionary leadership and relentless innovation. Career.zycto stands at the forefront of HR technology, empowering businesses to build exceptional teams and individuals to unlock their full potential. We are a dynamic, forward-thinking enterprise deeply committed to leveraging cutting-edge research to develop solutions that redefine recruitment, talent management, and workforce engagement. For a Director of R&D, this translates into an unparalleled opportunity to shape the future of work, drive impactful technological advancements, and lead a culture of discovery within a supportive, growth-oriented environment.
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Job Description
Career.zycto is seeking a visionary and experienced Director of Research & Development to lead our innovation efforts in Harare, Zimbabwe. This pivotal role will be responsible for defining and executing the strategic R&D roadmap, driving groundbreaking research, and translating cutting-edge discoveries into market-leading HR technology solutions. You will lead a multidisciplinary team of researchers and engineers, fostering a culture of scientific rigor, rapid prototyping, and continuous improvement. The Director of R&D will champion intellectual property development, collaborate extensively with product management, marketing, and executive leadership to align R&D initiatives with overall business objectives. This is a unique opportunity for a seasoned leader to significantly impact the future of talent acquisition and management through innovation. You will be instrumental in identifying emerging technologies, evaluating their potential impact on our offerings, and guiding their integration into our product suite to ensure Career.zycto remains at the vanguard of the industry. Your leadership will inspire novel approaches to complex problems, pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in human capital technology and delivering tangible value to our global client base.
Key Responsibilities
- Define, communicate, and execute the R&D strategy in alignment with company vision and market needs.
- Lead, mentor, and expand a diverse team of R&D professionals, fostering a high-performance and innovative culture.
- Oversee the full R&D lifecycle, from conceptualization and feasibility studies to prototyping, testing, and transition to product development.
- Manage the R&D budget, resources, and timelines effectively to ensure projects are delivered on scope, on time, and within budget.
- Identify, evaluate, and integrate emerging technologies, research methodologies, and industry trends to maintain a competitive edge.
- Collaborate cross-functionally with Product, Engineering, Sales, and Marketing teams to ensure R&D initiatives meet market demands.
- Establish and manage intellectual property strategy, including patent filings and trade secret protection.
- Represent Career.zycto at industry conferences, publishing research, and building external partnerships.
- Implement robust scientific and engineering best practices, ensuring quality, scalability, and security of all R&D outputs.
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, with at least 5 years in a leadership or directorial role.
- Proven track record of successfully leading innovation from concept to commercialization.
- Strong technical expertise in areas such as AI/Machine Learning, data analytics, software architecture, or human-computer interaction.
- Exceptional strategic thinking, problem-solving, and decision-making abilities.
- Demonstrated ability to manage complex projects, budgets, and multidisciplinary teams.
- Excellent communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills to engage with stakeholders at all levels.
- Deep understanding of the talent management, recruitment, or HR technology landscape.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience in the Human Resources Technology (HR Tech) sector.
- Published research papers or granted patents in relevant technical fields.
- Global R&D leadership experience with geographically dispersed teams.
- Proficiency in advanced statistical modeling and experimental design.
- Strong network within academic or industry research communities.
Perks & Benefits
- Competitive salary and performance-based bonuses.
- Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance.
- Generous paid time off and public holidays.
- Retirement savings plan with company match.
- Opportunities for continuous learning and professional development.
- Access to cutting-edge tools and technologies.
- Collaborative and inclusive work environment.
- Company-sponsored team-building events.
- Relocation assistance for eligible candidates.
How to Apply
If you are a visionary R&D leader eager to shape the future of HR technology, we encourage you to apply! Please click on the application link below to submit your resume and a cover letter detailing your relevant experience and why you are the ideal candidate for this role.
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