Our client requires the services of a suitably qualified, well-motivated and results driven candidate to take up the role of a Research Group Leader-Telecommunications.

Purpose of the role:
The role will form part of the management team with it primary function, to oversee all the activities relating to the Research Group inclusive of the development of knowledge and technological capability for the success of the Competency Area in line with the clients strategy

Description of responsibilities:

SET Excellence:

Strengthen the company by ensuring teams are performing relevant R&D
Establish strategic research alliances through performing R&D activities
Secure contract R&D income
Transfer technology and skilled human capital
Ensure an environment for knowledge transfer and dissemination
Act as a senior and co-author in scientific publications or co-developer on technical demonstrators
Develop new patents and technology demonstrator/s with the team
Take overall responsibility for engineering technical input and leadership on projects

Resource Management:

Achieve quality and quantity of SET base through recruitment, succession planning etc. in line with set KPI’s
Motivate and influence engineers to take on new and innovative challenges;
Conduct KRA’s and bi-annual performance appraisal
Effectively manage poor performance and follow through with human capital processes and/or procedures
Coach and guide employees on career advancement and any other development
initiatives
Manage staff development and scare skills
Manage the development of specialized technical experts
Promote company's values and culture within research group and competence area
Research Group Operational Management
Monitor and plan research group staff activities

Financial Performance:

Co-responsible for financial sustainability of the research competency and ensuring net margin is achieved;
Budget and keep track of finances to ensure profitability and productivity of the group
Implement and comply with appropriate financial and business systems
Effective management and investment of the grant
Manage capex and new software acquisition
Effective management of overheads within research group
Accurate and effective monthly reporting
Management of and timely approval of time sheets

Stakeholder and customer management:
Take responsibility for stakeholder interaction
Maintain high level of interaction with existing clients to identify trends, opportunities and problems
Seek market capabilities to new and existing clients to stimulate new business
Take responsibility in generating and negotiating contracts and contract management

Project Management:

Ensure planning and execution of projects and resource planning
Ensure Project delivery to key clients
Technical excellence- by ensuring the productivity and quality in science engineering and technology
Manage resources conflict and expectations on the projects together with project managers
Project manage various projects by providing leadership and guidance to project managers by ensuring that the desired outputs are achieved
Provide technical leadership and input on projects

Strategy:

Tactically plan and shape the research group’s strategy to ensure that there is alignment of all the research group’s activities to support strategic goals for the competence area and the business unit
Take responsibility with the competency area manager, in developing both the research group and competency area’s strategies


Qualification and Experience required:

MEng or MSc in Engineering or Information Technology
Registration as a professional scientist or engineer will be advantageous
Ten years’ experience as a research & development environment engineer will be advantageous
Eight years’ experience within the telecommunication environment
Three years’ engineering management experience and, extensive entity framework experience
Three years’ experience in systems engineering
Experience in project management leadership
Record of substantive technology output
Financial, HR and business acumen
Problem solving
Strategic thinking
Good communication skills
Practical management
Time management