We are looking for a dynamic and hands-on Manager to lead our Research & Development team. This role is based at our offices in Bryanston and reports to the Head of Portfolio Risk & Profitability.
Main responsibilities
The R&D Manager will be responsible for team leadership, hands-on testing, and translating field insights into strategic business improvements.
Main responsibilities of a Research & Development Manager:
- Engage directly with clients to test strategies, gather feedback, and validate concepts
- Lead a team of R&D professionals, providing coaching, direction, and support to ensure high performance
- Design and implement structured experiments to improve key performance metrics (conversion, premium, client satisfaction, etc.)
- Monitor results of live tests and iterate based on outcomes
- Use insights from client interactions to develop scalable solutions across departments
- Collaborate with internal stakeholders to ensure alignment on strategy and execution
- Track and report on the performance and impact of R&D initiatives
- Identify opportunities to improve processes and client journeys
- Support team development through mentorship and regular performance feedback
Minimum requirements
The ideal candidate will demonstrate the following:
- Comfortable working hands-on with clients and systems
- Passionate about testing, learning, and continuous improvement
- Excellent problem-solving and critical thinking skills
- Strong leadership and people management ability
- Resilient and able to navigate change and uncertainty
- Confident communicator with the ability to engage clients and influence internally
- Organised and able to manage time across operational and leadership duties
- Collaborative, with a team-first mindset
Qualifications & experience
- Matric
- Completed Degree or a 3-year Diploma from a reputable tertiary institution
- Excellent communication skills, fluent in English with a neutral accent
- At least 2 years’ experience in a leadership or coaching role
- Experience in client-facing roles, testing strategies, or process improvement is preferred
Ready to lead innovation and make a difference? Join our fast-paced, high-impact team! Apply now!
