Research And Development Manager

Recruitment Matters Africa (Pvt) Ltd; Parow; On-site; ZAR 600,000 - 800,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading recruitment agency is seeking a motivated R&D Manager to lead research and development initiatives, overseeing product design and innovation. The ideal candidate will possess strong project management and leadership skills, along with a relevant degree and experience in R&D. This role offers an opportunity to impact product development significantly and foster a culture of continuous improvement.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in R&D or product development, with 2+ years in a managerial role.
• Proven track record of successful product or process development.
• Familiarity with industry-specific tools, software, or regulations.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage R&D projects from concept to commercialization.
• Identify market trends and customer needs to guide innovation.
• Develop product roadmaps in collaboration with teams.

Skills

Project management

Leadership

Analytical skills

Problem-solving

Communication

Education

Bachelor's or Master’s degree in Engineering, Chemistry, Biology, Material Science

Tools

Industry-specific tools

Job description

Our client is seeking a motivated and strategic R&D Manager to lead our research and development initiatives. This role involves overseeing the design, development, and implementation of new products, processes, or technologies to drive innovation and support business growth. The ideal candidate will bring a blend of technical expertise, team leadership, and project management skills.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead and manage R&D projects from concept through to commercialization.
• Identify market trends, technological advancements, and customer needs to guide innovation.
• Develop product roadmaps in collaboration with marketing, product, and engineering teams.
• Oversee prototype development, testing, and validation.
• Ensure compliance with industry standards, regulations, and internal quality systems.
• Manage R&D budgets, resources, and timelines effectively.
• Foster a culture of innovation, continuous improvement, and cross-functional collaboration.
• Prepare technical reports, documentation, and presentations for stakeholders.
• Stay up-to-date with emerging technologies and recommend strategic adoption.
• Mentor and supervise R&D staff, including engineers, scientists, and technicians.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's or Master’s degree in [Engineering, Chemistry, Biology, Material Science, or related field]. A PhD is preferred for certain industries.
• [5+] years of experience in R&D or product development, with [2+] years in a managerial role.
• Proven track record of successful product or process development.
• Strong project management and leadership skills.
• Excellent communication, analytical, and problem-solving abilities.
• Familiarity with [industry-specific tools, software, or regulations].