Research and Development Manager

SUMMARY:
Company based in Centurion is looking to hire a skilled Research and Development Manager to join their team.

POSITION INFO:
The Research and Development (R&D) Manager will oversee the creation of new and enhanced products that are innovative, of the highest quality and mechanically sound. This is done through the team’s long term and short term (Agile) project management. The Research and Development (R&D) Manager will lead a team of Radio Frequency (RF) Engineers, Industrial Designers, Mechanical Engineers, Industrial Engineers, and Lab Support technicians.

Key Performance Areas (KPA’s)
Project Management (PM)

• Ensure the R&D team develops products according to time, quality, and cost constraints by:
  
  • Managing the teams timescales (long and short term “Agile” progress).
  • Implementing regular product design reviews.
  • Planning around and mitigating product and project risks
  • Ensuring processes are followed and improved where possible.
  • Completion of products and relevant documentation.
  • Maintaining product budgets and improving longer-term high-volume products.
  • Addressing production quality and issues timeously.
  • Checking and approving new product tooling.
  • Liaising and effectively communicating product requirements with local and international suppliers.
  • Communicating product progress, risks, etc.

• Ensure that the products being developed align with the Pd.M.’s documented requirements.
• Enable a culture of product innovation and improvement throughout the team.
• Provide technical consultancy to the rest of the company and externally where required (through assigning the relevant engineer or technician)
• Provide inputs to internal and external stakeholders for product launches, modifications, and end of line products.
• Manage and investigate new industry design methodologies, tools, etc.
• Assure our products are designed according to specifications & compliance.

• Improve design on current products to reduce manufacture costs.
• Design and develop new products.
• Provide production support, e.g.: assembly, test instructions and training
• Test/qualify products against international standards.
• Development of production and test equipment including documentation packs for China and local production.
• Investigation and fault finding on current/new designs.
• Draw up new product design and qualification specifications.

• Research and be up to date with new product technologies, product design methodologies, production technologies, components, and solutions

• Leads, mentors, and motivates the team to achieve personal development targets.
• Setting of development KPAs that positively impact the business.
• Develop talent by assignment of projects that will grow each individual.
• Enhance innovation throughout the team.
• Empower the team through delegation and continuously improve initiatives.

• General correspondence and administration completed accurately and timeously.
• Email, inbox and data managed timeously and effectively.
• Professional image maintained in all communication.
• All reporting and feedback requirements met, and reports completed accurately and timeously, according to company requirements.
• Adhere to departmental processes and standard operating procedures.
• Supply statistics and information as requested.

• Bachelor’s Degree, Masters, or Ph.D. in Engineering and/or strong leadership experience and/or a strong technical acumen & expertise in the specific domain of the company's operations (e.g. products, technology, engineering, etc.).
• Proven experience in a relevant role.
• Excellent project management skills with the ability to prioritize tasks, allocate resources effectively, and meet deadlines.
• Familiarity with relevant tools, software, and emerging technologies in the industry such as SolidWorks.
• Demonstrated experience in leading and managing teams, fostering a culture of innovation, and inspiring creativity.

• Research and Development
• Business Skills
• Computer Skills
• Writing Skills