Head of R&D

GDi - An Oceaneering Company; Aberdeen City; On-site; GBP 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading engineering and digital asset management company in Aberdeen seeks a Head of R&D to oversee operations, leadership, and strategic direction for innovative software solutions. The ideal candidate will drive technical excellence, manage a high-performance team, and align R&D initiatives with business goals.

Qualifications

• Minimum 8–10 years in software product development; 3+ years in senior leadership.
• Experience in asset management, infrastructure, or industrial services sectors.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic and operational leadership to the R&D team.
• Define and maintain the overall R&D strategy aligned with business objectives.
• Oversee product roadmaps and ensure alignment between product vision and delivery schedules.

Skills

Leadership

Strategic Thinking

Communication

Project Management

Agile Methodologies

Education

Degree in Computer Science

Postgraduate qualifications

Job description

Who is GDi?

We are an Aberdeen-based, leading provider of engineering and digital asset management solutions. By delivering ultra-efficient technology and safety-driven solutions, GDi helps our clients safely and efficiently manage their assets.

GDi are looking for an experienced, enthusiastic, and motivated Head of R&D who will be responsible for overseeing the day-to-day operations, leadership, and strategic direction of GDi’s R&D function, which underpins the development of innovative software solutions for asset management. The Head of R&D plays a key role in driving innovation, technical excellence, and product delivery to meet current and emerging client and market needs.

Key Activities & Accountabilities:

• Provide strategic and operational leadership to the R&D team, managing and mentoring the Software Product Manager, Software Account Manager and Software Delivery Manager.
• Ensure alignment between product vision, technical execution, and delivery schedules.
• Create a high-performance R&D culture that fosters innovation, accountability, and collaboration.
• Define and maintain the overall R&D strategy in alignment with GDi’s business and growth objectives.
• Oversee product roadmaps, technology direction, and development plans, ensuring they are realistic, achievable, and clearly communicated across departments.
• Ensure all R&D initiatives are appropriately resourced and aligned to product and client priorities.
• Work with HR to define team structure, manage recruitment and retention, and ensure optimal team composition.
• Oversee the budgeting and allocation of resources across R&D, balancing priorities and ensuring on-time, on-budget delivery.
• Promote continuous skills development and professional growth across the R&D team.
• Support the Software Product Manager in setting product vision, translating market needs into product requirements, and prioritising features based on business value.
• Stay current on industry trends, emerging technologies, and competitor activities to identify new innovation opportunities.
• Ensure the R&D function is forward-looking, agile, and capable of adapting to evolving client and market demands.
• Provide oversight of software development lifecycle, from requirements through to testing, deployment, and support, ensuring technical quality and scalability.
• Support the Software Delivery Manager in ensuring high standards in coding, testing, DevOps, security, and infrastructure management.
• Facilitate cross-functional collaboration to ensure smooth product delivery and user satisfaction.
• Monitor performance of R&D projects, ensuring key milestones, KPIs, and quality benchmarks are met.
• Manage risk across the R&D function, including technical debt, project delays, or resource constraints.
• Support the Software Account Manager to ensure GDi’s account management is engaged and providing insight for GDi and value to our customers
• Oversee software implementation and configuration
• Ensure all primary process are documented
• Report regularly to executive leadership on R&D progress, resource utilisation, performance metrics, and strategic initiatives.
• Act as a senior point of contact for key stakeholders, both internal and external, regarding product development status and direction.
• Support the commercial team with input into proposals, solution design, and technical engagement with customers.
• Represent the R&D department in executive meetings and cross-functional planning sessions.

Essential Skills & Abilities

• Minimum 8–10 years of experience in software product development, including 3+ years in a senior leadership role.
• Experience working in a company delivering software or digital solutions, ideally in the asset management, infrastructure, or industrial services sectors.
• Proven experience managing both product and technical delivery teams.
• Degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, or a related technical field; postgraduate qualifications or business education (preferred).
• Proven leadership in managing cross-functional software teams including product management and technical delivery.
• Deep understanding of software development methodologies, agile project management, DevOps practices, and product lifecycle management.
• Strategic thinker with strong commercial awareness and the ability to balance long-term innovation with short-term delivery.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage effectively across technical and non-technical audiences.
• Strong organisational and decision-making capabilities, with a results-driven and proactive approach.