R&D Manager

The Focus Group; Sandton; On-site; ZAR 1,200,000 - 1,800,000; Full time

Job summary

The Focus Group in Sandton, South Africa, seeks a Senior R&D Manager to conceptualize and drive new R&D projects aligned with growth strategy. You will lead the development of product strategy and oversee cross-functional teams to bring innovative products to market.

The role requires 5–10 years in financial services, with backgrounds in management consulting, actuarial science, or data science. You will build and train a small team, sign off on launches, and present updates to executive forums.

Qualifications

• 5–10 years in financial services, product development, or analytical roles.
• Honors or Master’s degree in an analytical field such as CS, Statistics, Data Science or Actuarial Science.
• Leadership experience would be advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Drive exploratory research and analyses to inform the innovation agenda.
• Develop the product strategy and R&D priorities aligned with company strategy.
• Lead complex R&D projects across multiple client businesses and drive cross-functional collaboration.
• Present updates to executive forums (R&D Steercom, Exco, Product Committee, Board).
• Drive project execution with PMs, systems teams, and related groups.
• Take accountability and signoff on product launches.
• Continuously refine the R&D process for maximum business impact.
• Build, manage, and train a small team to support the above.

Skills

Self-starter

Strategic thinker

Leadership

Problem-solving

Communication

Cross-functional coordination

Education

Honors/Master’s in analytics

Job description

Research and Development Manager

The R&D Lab is responsible for driving the innovation and product development agenda for the business. Made of Actuaries, ex-Management Consults, and other professionals with a strong bias for creative problem solving, the team works closely with the CEO and executive team to facilitate innovation that supports the business strategy. The work is cross functional in nature, requiring coordination of project specific teams to drive items to completion, with product ownership transferring to the relevant business unit once execution is complete.

About the Position

We are looking for a Senior R&D Manager to conceptualize and drive existing new R&D projects in support of the client’s growth strategy. Bringing exciting new products and enhancements to the market is a key pillar of their growth strategy and the successful candidate will play a leading role in this.

The successful applicant will be responsible for but not limited to the following job functions:

The candidate will be required to:

Drive exploratory research and analyses to develop strategic insights and identify core R&D questions, ideas, and solutions to inform the innovation agenda.

Develop the product strategy and R&D priorities in line with the overall company strategies.

Lead complex R&D projects which have an impact across multiple of the clients’ businesses, actively driving close collaboration within the team and with relevant business units to ensure buy-in and smooth handover post execution.

Present regular updates to obtain executive input on key decisions. Relevant forums include but are not limited to the R&D Steercom, Exco, Product Committee, and the Board of Trustees.

Drive project execution working closely with Project Managers, Systems teams, and other teams affected by a particular R&D project.

Take accountability and signoff on product launches.

Continuously refine the R&D Process solving for maximum business impact, broad input, cross-functional coordination, and timely implementation.

Build, manage, and train a small team to support the above

Personal Attributes and Skills

Self-starter with a bias for action and a strong drive for excellence Strategic thinker

Management and leadership skills Exceptional problem-solving skills

Strong communication skills (written, verbal, and presentation)

Networking and cross-functional coordination skills

Education and Experience

5-10 years’ work experience in financial services, preferably in a product development, problem-solving, or analytical role, e.g.. Management Consulting / Actuarial / Data Science. Honors or Master’s degree in an analytical field, e.g. Computer Science, Statistics, Data Science, Actuarial Science.

The following would be advantageous: Leadership experience. Healthcare experience.