Job Summary:
The Division Manager R&D is responsible for leading, managing, and overseeing all research and development (R&D) activities within the division. This role involves strategic planning, innovation, and team management, aimed at driving the development of cutting-edge products and technologies. The Division Head will ensure that R&D initiatives align with organizational goals, customer needs, and market trends, while also fostering a culture of collaboration and continuous improvement.
Key Responsibilities:
Leadership & Strategy:
Lead and manage the R&D division, ensuring alignment with the company's long-term strategic goals.
Develop and implement R&D strategies, objectives, and roadmaps in collaboration with senior leadership.
Establish and communicate clear goals and priorities for R&D projects and teams.
Monitor industry trends, competitor developments, and technological advancements to identify opportunities for innovation.
Team Management:
- Build, mentor, and lead a diverse team of scientists, engineers, and researchers.
- Promote a culture of innovation, creativity, and continuous improvement within the R&D department.
- Set performance expectations, provide ongoing feedback, and conduct regular performance reviews.
- Foster cross-functional collaboration between R&D, marketing, operations, and other departments.
Project Management & Execution:
- Oversee the development and execution of R&D projects from concept to commercialization.
- Ensure timely delivery of projects within budget, scope, and quality standards.
- Allocate resources effectively, balancing multiple priorities and competing demands.
- Ensure rigorous testing, validation, and quality assurance processes for all R&D outcomes.
Innovation & Product Development:
- Drive the development of innovative products and solutions that meet market needs and customer requirements.
- Lead efforts in prototyping, pilot testing, and scaling new technologies and products.
- Collaborate with product development teams to integrate R&D findings into the product pipeline.
Budgeting & Resource Management:
- Develop and manage the R&D budget, ensuring efficient use of resources.
- Optimize the allocation of resources, ensuring the R&D team has the tools, technologies, and support needed to succeed.
- Identify opportunities for cost savings without compromising quality or timelines.
Collaboration & Stakeholder Engagement:
- Work closely with internal stakeholders, including marketing, sales, operations, and senior management, to ensure R&D goals align with business objectives.
- Engage with external partners, universities, research institutions, and industry networks to leverage external expertise and resources.
- Emphasizes end-user engagement, collaboration with customers and stakeholders, and incorporating feedback into R&D for continuous product improvement.
- Represent the company at industry conferences, seminars, and meetings, showcasing R&D innovations and fostering industry relationships.
Compliance & Risk Management:
- Ensure all R&D activities comply with relevant regulations, industry standards, and best practices.
- Identify and mitigate risks related to R&D projects, ensuring appropriate contingency plans are in place.
- Maintain accurate documentation of R&D processes, intellectual property, and innovations.