LOCATION:     WEST AFRICA/UAE

Reference: QXDS/32189

No. of Positions:        2

We have exciting newly created opportunities for outstanding individuals to work for some of our reputable clients across the Middle East and Africa. They will be expected to work internationally as the roles involves a significant amount of travel. These roles will lead on developing and implementing our clients’ diversification strategy, identifying future commercial and diversification opportunities through partnerships and potential acquisitions. These opportunities are with a large companies based in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, UAE, however, these positions could be based in either East or West Africa. As Research and Development Managers, they will work alongside the Strategic Alliance Directors and jointly be responsible for maximizing the company’s strategic alliance potentials, crafting competitive and innovative strategic plans to help meet customers’ acquisition and revenue growth targets. The Research and Development Managers will perform several important roles in the area of research and development to compliment the functions of our Alliance Champions.

You will be responsible for research, planning, and implementing new programs and protocols into our company. You will also be required to oversee the entire development process of new products and programs within the organization. Your active participation will be required from the initial planning phase to implementation or production. Additionally, you are required to keep track of all the costs related to the creation of these new products and decide what ideas are worth pursuing. You should also stay informed on what is happening in the research and development field at large to make sure the company is up-to-date and current with the most advanced R&D developments.

Functions

Research and Development Management will include managing strategic relationships with key partners to help us grow our business in West and East Africa. The R&D Managers will be responsible for increasing top line revenue growth and overall market adoption by establishing and growing business relationships and driving partner plans. The ideal candidates will possess both a business development and strategic alliance acumens that enable them to drive successful partnerships, engage at the C-level, as well as a partner background that enables them to easily interact with enterprise customers and company stakeholders and reps.

Responsibilities

The research and Development Manager will have to use creative abilities and research methods to improve existing products based on industry trends and develop new products to meet the needs of the company’s target market. You are expected to report on any technical product issues that are discovered during evaluation and manage product testing and trials, assessing the materials used, the efficiency of the process, and the effectiveness of the final product.

Responsibilities of an R&D Manager job include: 

• Lead key projects with R&D to support business goals.
• Develop research programs incorporating current developments to improve existing products and study the potential of new products.
• Understand customer expectations on to-be manufactured products.
• Determine and execute improved technologies used by suppliers, competitors, and customers.
• Support Director to hire and develop R&D personnel.
• Establish project goals and priorities by collaborating with Marketing and Operations.
• Transfer new technologies, products, and manufacturing processes into and out of the company.
• Research, design and evaluate materials, assemblies, processes, and equipment.
• Suggest training tools to enhance employee performance and skill development.
• Monitor team metrics and objectives ensuring meeting of goals.
• Document all phases of research and development.
• Manage customer relationships and perform RFP reviews, customer visits, and product testing.
• Establish and maintain testing procedures for assessing raw materials, in-process and finished products.
• Oversee complex research projects, analyze results and provide recommendations based on findings.
• Assess the scope of research projects and ensure they are on time and within budget.
• Be present at industry conferences on research topics of interest.

Education Qualifications

A minimum of master’s degree in the relevant field. However, the field in which you got your degree could even be general like human resources, finance, applied sciences or management. A bachelor’s degree may also be acceptable if the candidate has experience working within the industry of relevance or general R&D experience.

Requirements

• Proven experience in a relevant role.
• A strong sense of creativity aids in the process of thinking of new product ideas and solving problems creatively.
• Great problem-solving skills.
• Ability to pay attention to details.
• Excellent leadership and managerial skills are also important.
• A Certified Strategic Alliance Professional (CSAP)or Certified Strategic Alliance Expert (CSAE) is essential to be successful in this role.
• The ability to communicate well with customers, colleagues, and lower-level staff.
• Hands-on experience in managing or leading a team of employees.
• Ability to multitask efficiently and good at managing time.
• Good business sense.

If this opportunity excites you, please send us your CV to: linda.palmer-rec@globaledgerecruitment.uk