Head, Research and Innovation

Role: Head, Research and Innovation Job Type: Full Time Reporting: Chief Technology Officer

About Vendease

Vendease is an e-procurement platform for B2B clients in Africa, with a mission to ensure restaurants are free to focus on catering for their customers. We take the problem of food supply- availability and quality of restaurant owners, so that they can focus on serving their customers. As an online marketplace, we give restaurants the opportunity to buy everything they need remotely and seamlessly from anywhere in the world.

About the Role

The Head of Research and Innovations will oversee the data and insight team comprising Data Scientists, Data Engineers, and BI Analysts. The ideal candidate will be responsible for the timely delivery of clients’ services in close collaboration with the business development team. Advisory services that typically include capacity building and feasibility studies. With the support of the operations team, the Head of Research and Innovations will be accountable for relevant internal processes and reporting requirements. The Head of Research and Innovations will drive the formalization of innovations, product development and market intelligence processes across the company.

Job Description

Building and managing a research and innovation team: The head of research and innovation is responsible for recruiting, hiring, and managing a team of researchers and innovators within the organization. This includes providing guidance, mentorship, and training to team members, as well as fostering a culture of innovation and creativity within the team.

Developing and implementing research and innovation strategies: The head of research and innovation is responsible for creating and executing plans for research and innovation within the organization. This includes identifying areas of interest and potential opportunities for innovation, as well as setting goals and objectives for the research and innovation team.

Identifying, pursuing new opportunities and understanding customers expectations: The head of research and innovation is responsible for identifying new areas of opportunity for the organization, such as emerging technologies or new market trends. They must also be able to pursue these opportunities through research and development, partnerships, or other means.

Collaborating with other departments: The head of research and innovation must work closely with other departments within the organization, such as product development, marketing, and sales, to ensure that research and innovation efforts are aligned with the organization's overall goals and objectives.

Communicating results and impact: The head of research and innovation is responsible for communicating the results of research and innovation projects to stakeholders and decision-makers within the organization. This includes providing regular updates on progress and impact, as well as presenting findings and recommendations to senior management.

Identifying potential areas of growth: The head of research and innovation is responsible for identifying potential areas of growth for the organization and developing strategies to capitalize on these opportunities.

Managing research and innovation budgets: The head of research and innovation is responsible for managing the budget allocated for research and innovation, including identifying and prioritizing funding opportunities and ensuring that resources are allocated in an efficient and effective manner.

Other Responsibilities

Determine and execute improved technologies used by suppliers, competitors, and customers. 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. Ensure that our standards for style, maintainability, and best practices are suitable for the unique problems of scale and diversity of use represented by the Vendease product. Assess the scope of research projects and ensure they are on time and within budget.

Preferred Qualifications/Attributes

Minimum of seven (7) years of proven experience in software engineering and a deep understanding of current trends and technologies in the field. Proven experience with AI/ML Proven leadership experience in managing research and innovation teams, with a track record of delivering successful projects and products. Proven experience in similar roles - leading a major tech lab. Familiarity with ML tools and frameworks like PyTorch, TensorFlow, Caffe, MXNet, Chainer, Torch, Deep Learning Studio. Familiarity with Node.Js, PostgreSQL and Javascript. Familiarity with Elasticsearch, Kibana, Apache Kafka, Databricks. A strong sense of creativity aids in the process of thinking of new product ideas and solving problems creatively. Ability to work collaboratively with cross-functional teams, including product development, marketing, sales, and customer support. Strong project management skills, able to manage multiple projects and initiatives simultaneously and deliver them on time and on budget. Strong strategic planning skills, able to develop and implement long-term research and innovation plans that align with the organization's overall objectives and goals. Strong mentoring and coaching skills, able to develop and support the growth and development of team members. Experience with intellectual property management, including patent application and protection Hands on experience with Oracle BI, Tableau, Power BI, KNIME, SAS Visual Analytics Ability to pay attention to details. Excellent communication and presentation skills, able to effectively communicate complex technical concepts to both technical and non-technical audiences. Hands-on experience in managing or leading a team of employees. Ability to multitask efficiently and good at managing time. Strong business acumen and an understanding of the competitive landscape in the software engineering industry.

Compensation & Benefits

Competitive salary. Health Insurance. Paid time off Training and development opportunities.