Head of R&D

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 GDi’s 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 GDi’s 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 GDi’s account management is engaged and providing insight for GDi and value to our customers.
• Oversee software implementation and configuration.
• Ensure all primary processes 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 8–10 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.