Director of Research

Harris Computer; Remote; GBP 100,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

A global technology company is searching for a Director of Research to drive the technological direction within the organization. This remote position requires collaboration with cross-functional teams to develop and execute a clear technology strategy, enhancing innovation and leveraging AI and machine learning. Candidates should have a strong background in technology leadership, excellent communication skills, and a degree in a relevant field. Enjoy competitive benefits including additional personal days and a lifestyle reward.

Benefits

5 Personal Days leave entitlement

Annual Lifestyle Reward of £325

Qualifications

• Proven experience in technology leadership roles, focusing on strategy development and innovation.
• Deep understanding of software development methodologies and emerging technologies.
• Strong business acumen with strategic thinking capabilities.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development and execution of the company's technology strategy.
• Oversee innovation team for new technology ideation and prototyping.
• Evaluate advancements in AI/ML and recommend strategic investments.

Skills

Technology strategy development

Innovation leadership

Team leadership

AI & Machine Learning focus

Excellent communication

Education

Bachelor's or master’s degree in computer science, engineering, or a related field

Job description

i2 Group, a Harris Computer company, is hiring for a Director of Research. This permanent position will be performed on a remote basis with a requirement to visit the i2 Office in Cambridge, UK as and when there is a business need to do so (circa 2 days per month).

Reporting directly to the VP of Research and Development (R&D), this pivotal role will drive the technological direction within i2 Group. As a key leader, you will collaborate closely with cross‑functional teams to shape the future of our products and services, ensuring they remain at the forefront of the industry.

Position & Responsibilities

• Technology Strategy Development: Lead the development and execution of the company's technology strategy, aligning it with business objectives and market trends. Define and communicate a clear vision for technological advancement to drive sustained growth and competitive advantage.

• Innovation Leadership: Oversee a dedicated innovation team responsible for ideation, experimentation, and prototyping of new technologies and solutions. Foster a culture of creativity and continuous improvement, encouraging team members to explore emerging trends and disruptive technologies.

• Technology Landscape Analysis: Stay abreast of the latest advancements in technology, including artificial intelligence, machine learning, network and graph analytics, and other relevant domains. Evaluate their potential impact on our products, services, and industry landscape, and recommend strategic investments and partnerships accordingly.

• Collaborative Partnership: Work closely with product management, engineering, and other cross‑functional teams to translate technology trends and insights into actionable strategies and roadmaps. Collaborate effectively to ensure alignment between technology initiatives and product development efforts.

• Thought Leadership: Serve as a thought leader within the organization and the broader industry, sharing insights and best practices on technology innovation, strategy, and implementation. Represent the company at conferences, industry events, and forums to showcase our expertise and vision for the future.

• Team Leadership: Provide leadership and guidance to the architecture team, and the innovation team, fostering a high‑performing and cohesive work environment. Support professional development initiatives and mentorship programmes to nurture talent and drive career progression.

• AI & Machine Learning Focus: A key component of this role is the strategic evaluation and potential integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) technologies. This includes:

  • Identifying Opportunities: Evaluating how AI/ML can enhance i2 Group’s core intelligence analysis capabilities, particularly within areas like anomaly detection, predictive analytics, and automated investigation support.
  • Technology Assessment: Staying informed on the latest advancements in AI/ML algorithms, platforms, and tools relevant to the intelligence domain.
  • Pilot Programs: Leading the development and execution of pilot programs to test and validate the feasibility and effectiveness of AI/ML solutions.
  • Ethical Considerations: Ensuring that any AI/ML initiatives align with ethical guidelines and responsible AI practices.

What we are looking for

• Bachelor's or master’s degree in computer science, engineering, or a related field.
• Proven experience in technology leadership roles, with a focus on strategy development, innovation, and enterprise architecture.
• Deep understanding of software development methodologies, emerging technologies, and industry trends.
• Strong business acumen and strategic thinking, with the ability to translate technology insights into business value.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to influence stakeholders at all levels of the organization.
• Demonstrated leadership and team management capabilities, with a track record of building and motivating high‑performing teams.

About i2 Group

i2 Group is a world leader in intelligence analysis software. For more than 30 years we have empowered intelligence analysts and investigators to discover, create, and exploit actionable intelligence to identify the perpetrators of terrorism, fraud, and criminal activity. Learn more here: https://i2group.com.

Benefits

Harris offers an extremely competitive UK employee benefits programme. 5 Personal Days leave entitlement are granted over and above the standard 25 days holiday and bank holidays. Harris also offers all UK employees an annual Lifestyle Reward amounting £325.

Supporting your application

Our recruitment process will comprise of interviews and, at times, a written exercise, an assessment day and/or a presentation. As an equal opportunities employer, we want to make sure we do all we can to make this a positive experience for you. When applying, please make us aware on your application of any adjustments or additional support we can provide you with before or on the day of an interview.