Research and Development Analyst

WatersEdge Solutions; Johannesburg; On-site; ZAR 334,800 - 558,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Share incentive structure

Generous leave policy

Four weeks work-from-anywhere policy

Monthly flexible benefits budget

Job summary

A global HR tech business is seeking a Research and Development Analyst to join their Johannesburg team. In this role, you will collaborate with senior leadership to enhance operational processes, conduct research on employment laws and tax frameworks, and support global service offerings. Candidates should have a qualification in Chartered Accountancy, Law, or Commerce, along with strong analytical and communication skills. This position offers a hybrid working model with flexible benefits and opportunities to make a significant impact in a fast-paced environment.

Qualifications

• Self-starter with a high energy and positive attitude.
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced and dynamic environment.
• Capable of managing multiple projects simultaneously.

Responsibilities

• Work directly with senior leadership to enhance operational processes.
• Conduct research on employment laws and tax requirements.
• Develop and maintain the company’s knowledge base.

Skills

Excellent academic results

Strong logical and critical thinking ability

Strong communication and interpersonal skills

Affinity for technology

Strong organisational skills

Education

Qualification in Chartered Accountancy, Law, Commerce, or a similar field

Tools

Microsoft Office

Excel

Monday.com

Job description

Location: Hybrid; Employment Type: Full-Time; Industry: SaaS | Global Workforce Solutions | Research & Operations

WatersEdge Solutions is partnering with a fast-growing global HR tech business to recruit a bold and analytical Research and Development Analyst. This is an exciting opportunity for someone who thrives in a startup-style environment and wants to work closely with senior leadership on building the operational foundations of a scaling international business. The role is ideal for a high-energy self-starter who enjoys research, process design, and solving complex cross-border business challenges.

About the Role

As Research and Development Analyst, you will work directly with senior leadership to help build and refine the operational and client service processes that support the company’s global offering. A major focus of the role is researching employment law, tax frameworks, and related jurisdictional requirements across multiple countries, then translating that research into practical business processes and knowledge systems. This role combines research, operations, project work, and process development in a fast-paced, high-growth environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Work directly with senior leadership to help build and improve core operational processes
• Conduct in-depth research on employment laws, tax requirements, and related regulations across multiple jurisdictions
• Support the development and maintenance of the company’s knowledge base and global service offering
• Help establish streamlined backend operational processes aligned with the front-end platform
• Contribute to high-impact setup projects relating to business operations and process implementation
• Manage multiple projects simultaneously in a dynamic and fast-changing environment
• Support the gathering and organisation of underlying research and operational information required for business execution

What You’ll Bring

• Excellent academic results
• Qualification in Chartered Accountancy, Law, Commerce, or a similar field
• Strong logical and critical thinking ability
• Comfort working with ambiguity and complexity
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills
• High energy, positive attitude, and self-starter mindset
• Strong organisational skills and ability to prioritise effectively
• Affinity for technology, with strong proficiency in Microsoft Office and Excel
• Ability to work hard and adapt quickly in a fast-paced environment

Nice to Have

• Experience with Monday.com
• Exposure to global employment law, tax research, or operational process design
• Previous experience in a startup, scale-up, or high-growth business environment

What’s On Offer

• Competitive salary
• Share incentive structure
• Generous leave policy
• Hybrid working model with flexibility and autonomy
• Four weeks work-from-anywhere policy
• Monthly flexible benefits budget
• Opportunity to work closely with senior leadership in a high-growth global business

Company Culture

This is a business that values continuous improvement, shared success, ownership, and excellence. The culture is collaborative, ambitious, and fast-moving, with a strong focus on impact and innovation. It’s a strong fit for someone who enjoys solving complex problems, learning quickly, and contributing meaningfully in a high-growth environment.