Head of R&D

Job DescriptionWho is GDi?We are an Aberdeen-based, leading provider of engineering and digital asset management solutions. By delivering ultra-efficient technology and safety-driven solutions, GDi helps our clients safely and efficiently manage their assets.GDi are looking for an experienced, enthusiastic, and motivated Head of R&D who will be responsible for overseeing the day-to-day operations, leadership, and strategic direction of GDis R&D function, which underpins the development of innovative software solutions for asset management. The Head of R&D plays a key role in driving innovation, technical excellence, and product delivery to meet current and emerging client and market needs.Key Activities & Accountabilities:Provide strategic and operational leadership to the R&D team, managing and mentoring the Software Product Manager, Software Account Manager and Software Delivery Manager.Ensure alignment between product vision, technical execution, and delivery schedules.Create a high-performance R&D culture that fosters innovation, accountability, and collaboration.Define and maintain the overall R&D strategy in alignment with GDis business and growth objectives.Oversee product roadmaps, technology direction, and development plans, ensuring they are realistic, achievable, and clearly communicated across departments.Ensure all R&D initiatives are appropriately resourced and aligned to product and client priorities.Work with HR to define team structure, manage recruitment and retention, and ensure optimal team composition.Oversee the budgeting and allocation of resources across R&D, balancing priorities and ensuring on-time, on-budget delivery.Promote continuous skills development and professional growth across the R&D team.Support the Software Product Manager in setting product vision, translating market needs into product requirements, and prioritising features based on business value.Stay current on industry trends, emerging technologies, and competitor activities to identify new innovation opportunities.Ensure the R&D function is forward-looking, agile, and capable of adapting to evolving client and market demands.Provide oversight of software development lifecycle, from requirements through to testing, deployment, and support, ensuring technical quality and scalability.Support the Software Delivery Manager in ensuring high standards in coding, testing, DevOps, security, and infrastructure management.Facilitate cross-functional collaboration to ensure smooth product delivery and user satisfaction.Monitor performance of R&D projects, ensuring key milestones, KPIs, and quality benchmarks are met.Manage risk across the R&D function, including technical debt, project delays, or resource constraints.Support the Software Account Manager to ensure GDis account management is engaged and providing insight for GDi and value to our customersOversee software implementation and configurationEnsure all primary process are documented Report regularly to executive leadership on R&D progress, resource utilisation, performance metrics, and strategic initiatives.Act as a senior point of contact for key stakeholders, both internal and external, regarding product development status and direction.Support the commercial team with input into proposals, solution design, and technical engagement with customers.Represent the R&D department in executive meetings and cross-functional planning sessions.Essential Skills & Abilities Minimum 810 years of experience in software product development, including 3+ years in a senior leadership role.Experience working in a company delivering software or digital solutions, ideally in the asset management, infrastructure, or industrial services sectors.Proven experience managing both product and technical delivery teams.Degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, or a related technical field; postgraduate qualifications or business education (preferred).Proven leadership in managing cross-functional software teams including product management and technical delivery.Deep understanding of software development methodologies, agile project management, DevOps practices, and product lifecycle management.Strategic thinker with strong commercial awareness and the ability to balance long-term innovation with short-term delivery.Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage effectively across technical and non-technical audiences.Strong organisational and decision-making capabilities, with a results-driven and proactive approach.

Created: 2025-07-03