Research and Development Manager

Highly relevant tasks include:

• Determining, implementing and monitoring research and development strategies, policies and plans;
• Developing and implementing research projects, priorities and targets to support commercial and policy development;
• Leading major research projects and coordinating activities of other research workers;
• Assessing the benefits and monitoring the costs and effectiveness of research and development activities;
• Interpreting results of research projects and recommending associated products and service development innovations;
• Providing advice on research and development options available to the organisation;
• Monitoring leading-edge developments in relevant disciplines and assessing implications for the organisation;
• May publish results of significant research projects.

Additional tasks may include:

• Responsible for management of a team;
• Recruiting staff and assessing staff performance;
• Managing budgets;
• Reporting to senior Managers;
• Ensuring that work meets safety standards and other relevant legislation.

What is Research and Development?

Research and Development (also referred to as R&D), refers to the people, financial resources and means dedicated to the study and development of technological innovation with the aim of improving products, creating new products and making production processes more efficient. This area of a company or organization is overseen by R&D Managers.

What is the role of an R&D Manager?

R&D Managers are usually responsible for overseeing the entire development process of new products and programs within an organization, from the initial planning phase to implementation or production. They are required to keep track of all costs related to the development of these new products/programs and decide which areas are worth pursuing. R&D Managers see product/process innovation projects through from beginning to end, ensuring that projects are fully resourced and that deadlines are met. While they may not have hands-on involvement in the research and development activities, they require high level administrative and interpersonal skills to perform their role effectively.

Where do R&D Managers typically work?

R&D Managers can find employment in a range of industries, such as healthcare, technology, business, and pharmaceuticals. The types of products produced by a pharmaceutical company as opposed to a technical company are likely to be quite different, therefore R&D Managers will work in a specialised field according to their interest and expertise.

Is a clinical research role considered suitable against the requirements of R&D Manager?

Employment in a clinical research setting, in a role such as Senior Clinical Research Associate, or Clinical Research Manager or Director, will only be considered suitable if there is clear managerial oversight of people, processes and financial resources. Applicants nominating R&D Manager must submit an organisational chart (see ‘Supporting material for assessment’).

Applicants nominating this managerial occupation must submit an organisational chart. An organisational chart should include:

• The company letterhead,
• Your job position,
• The job position of your superiors and subordinates, as well as,
• All positions reporting to your immediate supervisor and to your direct subordinates.

If you are unable to obtain an organisational chart from your employer, please provide a statutory declaration outlining the required information and the reasons why this information cannot be provided.