Director of Research Development

Director of R&D | Cyber Security Scale-Up

We are a fast-growing, profitable AI cybersecurity company scaling up our R&D organization to meet global demand. We are looking for a strategic, execution-oriented Director of R&D to lead a robust engineering group of ~20-30 engineers.

Reporting directly to the VP R&D, you will be the tactical engine and the strategic anchor of the group. This isn't just about managing code; it's about managing leaders, defining the engineering heartbeat through KPIs and precise execution, and bridging the gap between complex technology and product vision.

What You Will Do

Strategic Leadership & Management of Managers

• Lead, mentor, and grow a group of Team Leads and Senior Engineers. Your goal is to build strong middle-management layers and empower them to run autonomous, high-performing squads.
• Foster a culture of accountability and excellence. You will be the role model for functioning effectively under pressure, maintaining clarity and calm during critical delivery crunches or production incidents.

Execution, KPIs & Operational Excellence

• Own the delivery pipeline: Translate high-level business goals into actionable engineering roadmaps with predictable timelines.
• Define and measure success: Implement data-driven management using KPIs (e.g., DORA metrics, velocity, quality assurance) to ensure continuous improvement and transparency.
• Bring order to chaos: Establish structured engineering processes, workflows, and standards that allow the organization to scale without losing agility.

System Thinking & Product Synergy

• Apply System Thinking to oversee large-scale, distributed architecture. Ensure that short-term features align with long-term system stability and scalability.
• Demonstrate strong Product Orientation: Work closely with Product Managers to understand the "Why" behind the features. You will be a partner in shaping the product roadmap, ensuring engineering constraints and business value are perfectly balanced.

Scale & Talent

• Drive the recruitment strategy to expand the group. Hire top-tier talent and oversee onboarding processes that ensure rapid integration.
• Manage performance reviews, career development paths, and organizational planning.

What You Bring

Experience & Technical Background

• 10+ years of experience in software engineering, with a deep understanding of the full SDLC.
• Significant managerial experience (5+ years), specifically in leading R&D groups (Managing Managers), and engineers in high-growth tech environments.
• Domain Expertise: Strong background in Cyber Security (Mandatory) and familiarity with AI/ML-heavy products.
• Tech Stack: Experience with modern stacks including Python, React, AWS, and large-scale data systems.
• B.Sc. in Computer Science or Software Engineering (M.Sc. – an advantage).
• Execution Master: You have a "get things done" DNA. You know how to clear bottlenecks and push projects to the finish line.
• Resilience & Composure: Proven ability to function effectively under high pressure. You provide stability and focus to your team when things get intense.
• Systematic & Organized: You love structure. You know how to organize complex operations into manageable, efficient processes.
• Holistic View: You see the big picture—how code, infrastructure, product, and business goals interact as one system.

Why Join Us?

• Impact: Influence the trajectory of a profitable, fast-growing company.
• Challenge: Solve complex architectural and security challenges at scale.
• Culture: Join a team that values transparency, high standards, and continuous learning.