Engineering R&D Manager

An exciting opportunity exists for an experienced Research & Development Manager to lead a multidisciplinary engineering team within a technology-driven product development environment. This senior leadership position is suited to an accomplished engineering professional with a strong background in electronic engineering, embedded systems, and product development, combined with proven experience in managing engineering teams and delivering innovative products to market.

The successful candidate will lead a team of seven direct reports, comprising Electronic and Mechanical Engineers, and will play a key role in driving the company's research and development strategy, product innovation, and continuous improvement initiatives.

Reporting to the local Managing Director, with a functional reporting line to the Chief Technology Officer in Italy, the successful candidate will work closely with local and international stakeholders to align engineering initiatives with broader business objectives.

Key Responsibilities

Research & Development Strategy

• Develop and execute R&D strategies and product roadmaps aligned with business objectives and long-term growth plans.
• Identify emerging technologies, evaluate new product opportunities, and drive innovation across the product portfolio.
• Translate customer requirements and business needs into technical specifications and product development initiatives.
• Drive continuous improvement in product reliability, quality, manufacturability, performance, and cost-effectiveness.

Engineering Leadership & Team Management

• Lead, mentor, and develop a multidisciplinary team of Electronic and Mechanical Engineers.
• Build and maintain a high-performance engineering culture focused on innovation, collaboration, accountability, and technical excellence.
• Manage engineering resources, recruitment, onboarding, performance management, and succession planning.
• Provide technical direction and support to engineers while encouraging professional development and knowledge sharing.

Product Development & Project Delivery

• Lead product development projects from initial concept and feasibility through design, prototyping, testing, certification, production release, and lifecycle management.
• Oversee electronic hardware design, embedded systems, firmware development, and associated engineering activities.
• Manage multiple projects simultaneously, ensuring delivery against agreed timelines, budgets, quality standards, and technical requirements.
• Establish project plans, allocate resources, manage budgets, assess risks, and monitor project progress.
• Collaborate with Production, Quality, Procurement, Service and Support teams to ensure successful product industrialisation and ongoing product performance.

Commercial & Stakeholder Management

• Align R&D investments and engineering activities with commercial priorities and organisational growth objectives.
• Evaluate product feasibility, development costs, technical risks, and opportunities for improvement.
• Present technical strategies, project progress, and business cases to executive leadership.
• Collaborate with international stakeholders, including the Chief Technology Officer and global head office teams.
• Foster effective cross-functional relationships between engineering, production, quality, procurement, and commercial functions.

Minimum Requirements

Qualifications

• B.Sc. Eng., B.Eng., or higher qualification in Electronic Engineering, Electrical and Electronic Engineering, or a closely related discipline.
• A postgraduate qualification in Electronic Engineering, Computer Science, or a related technical field would be advantageous.

Experience

• Minimum of 8–10 years' experience in research and development, product development, or an engineering environment.
• At least 3–5 years' experience in an engineering management or leadership role .
• Proven experience managing multidisciplinary engineering teams, including electronic, hardware, firmware, software, or mechanical engineering professionals.
• Demonstrated track record of taking products from concept through design, testing, certification, and production release.
• Strong technical background in electronic hardware design, embedded systems, firmware development, or related engineering disciplines.
• Proven project management experience, including budgeting, resource allocation, risk management, and delivery against project objectives.
• Experience in a multinational or internationally structured organisation would be advantageous.

Critical Skills & Competencies

• Strong technical leadership and strategic thinking.
• Proven people management, coaching, mentoring, and team development capabilities.
• Excellent product development and project management skills.
• Ability to develop and execute technology and product roadmaps.
• Strong commercial awareness and business acumen.
• Excellent problem-solving, analytical, and decision-making abilities.
• Strong communication, presentation, negotiation, and stakeholder management skills.
• Ability to manage competing priorities and deliver complex projects within defined budgets and timelines.
• A continuous improvement mindset with a strong focus on innovation, product quality, reliability, and cost optimisation.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with senior local and international stakeholders.

The Ideal Candidate

The ideal candidate will be a technically strong engineering leader who combines hands-on product development knowledge with strategic R&D management experience. They will have a proven ability to lead multidisciplinary teams, drive innovation, manage complex engineering projects, and translate business requirements into commercially successful products.
This role offers the opportunity to influence product strategy, develop engineering talent, and contribute directly to the company's technological advancement and long-term growth.

Remuneration: Up to R150,000 per month CTC, equivalent to R1,800,000 per annum.
If you are an experienced engineering leader passionate about innovation, product development, and building high-performing engineering teams, we invite you to apply.

Please send your cv to *****@*****.co.za