R&D Group Manager

AlfaBet is a cutting-edge sports predictive analytics company building real-time, AI-driven solutions for the sports betting industry. Our platform powers the most advanced odds, insights, and user experiences in the market — delivering split-second predictions that redefine what’s possible in live sports engagement.

We're a tight-knit team of engineers, data scientists, and product experts operating at the forefront of real-time systems and machine learning, based in our Herzliya office. We're now seeking a Group R&D Manager to lead our technical teams and help us scale the future of sports technology.

About the Role

As Group R&D Manager, you'll be the technical and operational right-hand to our VP R&D, leading multiple development squads across backend, frontend, DevOps, and data. You’ll drive execution, architecture, and delivery of our most critical initiatives — from real-time predictive engines to dynamic user-facing experiences.

This is a hands-on, in-office leadership role with end-to-end ownership over engineering execution, people management, architecture, and delivery strategy.

Responsibilities

🧭 Leadership in R&D and Technology

• Lead the design and architecture of high-scale, low-latency systems built on AWS, Kubernetes, and Terraform.
• Align engineering strategy with business priorities and predictive analytics roadmaps.
• Drive high-level architecture, design reviews, and technical innovation.

👥 Team Management & Leadership

• Manage multiple squads and their team leads across the full stack (Kotlin, Python, React).
• Mentor, grow, and retain top engineering talent.
• Drive hiring, onboarding, and continuous skill development.

🚀 Execution & Delivery

• Own delivery timelines, quality, and scope across multiple workstreams.
• Ensure effective sprint planning, milestone tracking, and agile execution.
• Identify and mitigate technical risks and dependencies.

📈 Engineering Culture & Process

• Champion best practices in code quality, testing, and observability.
• Improve engineering velocity, delivery consistency, and developer experience.
• Foster a culture of ownership, transparency, and excellence.

Requirements

✅ Must-Have

• 7+ years of experience as a Group Manager or Director of R&D
• Proven track record of delivering complex software systems in cloud-native environments.
• Strong hands-on experience with our stack:
• Backend: Kotlin, Python
• Frontend: React
• Infra: AWS, Kubernetes, Terraform
• Deep understanding of system design, microservices, CI/CD, and monitoring.
• Experience with agile methodologies and leading delivery in fast-paced environments.

🧠 Bonus Points

• Background in real-time data systems, analytics, or sports tech.
• Experience scaling engineering teams in startup or high-growth companies.
• Passion for sports and/or predictive technologies.

Why Alfabet

• Work on a next-generation product at the intersection of AI, sports, and real-time systems.
• Join a deeply technical leadership team that values innovation, autonomy, and craftsmanship.
• Play a key role in scaling one of Israel’s most promising sports tech ventures.