Frontier R&D Manager

Frontier R&D Manager

Full-Time 70000 - 90000 £ / year (est.) Home office (partial)
Halfords Media (UK) Ltd

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead and mentor a dynamic R&D team to create innovative prototypes.
  • Company: Join a forward-thinking company at the forefront of technology in gaming and entertainment.
  • Benefits: Enjoy a £/€1,000 learning fund, unlimited holiday, and private healthcare.
  • Other info: Hybrid work model with excellent career growth and learning opportunities.
  • Why this job: Shape the future of technology while working with cutting-edge AI and machine learning.
  • Qualifications: Proven leadership in R&D and strong software development skills required.

The predicted salary is between 70000 - 90000 £ per year.

Location: London, Dublin, Leeds (Hybrid).

Reports to: Head of Disruptive R&D.

Direct Reports: Prototyping Engineer, Research Graduate.

Responsibilities
  • Lead and mentor the Frontier R&D team, setting priorities and ensuring delivery of high‑quality prototypes and research outputs.
  • Transform early‑stage concepts into structured, demonstrable prototypes in close collaboration with the Head of Disruptive R&D.
  • Conduct technology horizon scanning to identify emerging trends relevant to betting, gaming, and entertainment.
  • Build and maintain relationships with technology vendors, research institutions, and innovation partners.
  • Create compelling presentations and demonstrations for senior stakeholders and cross‑functional teams.
  • Manage the team’s prototyping pipeline from ideation through to hand‑off for formal project development.
  • Establish best practices for rapid prototyping using generative AI coding tools and modern development workflows.
  • Evaluate proof‑of‑concept outcomes and make recommendations on technology investment and adoption.
Qualifications
  • Proven experience leading technical teams in R&D, innovation, or emerging technology roles.
  • Strong software development background with hands‑on experience across multiple technology domains.
  • Demonstrated expertise in machine learning, AI, or related computational fields.
  • Extensive experience with generative AI tools for coding, content creation, and productivity.
  • Ability to rapidly learn and apply new technologies, frameworks, and platforms.
  • Excellent communication and presentation skills, translating technical concepts for diverse audiences.
  • Track record of building relationships with external technology partners and vendors.
  • Passion for emerging technology and a natural curiosity about future industry trends.
Desirable:
  • Experience in betting, gaming, or entertainment industries.
  • Familiarity with API integration, particularly in financial or betting contexts.
  • Knowledge of neural networks and deep learning architectures.
  • Experience with automated content generation pipelines.
Benefits
  • £/€1,000 learning fund.
  • Twice‑yearly bonus (with part of it guaranteed!).
  • Unlimited holiday.
  • Pension contribution scheme.
  • Private healthcare.
  • Hybrid working access to thousands of Udemy courses.
  • Invest via the Company Sharesave scheme.

We’re working to be an inclusive employer.

Frontier R&D Manager employer: Halfords Media (UK) Ltd

As a Frontier R&D Manager at our innovative company, you will thrive in a dynamic and inclusive work culture that champions creativity and collaboration. With access to a generous learning fund, unlimited holiday, and hybrid working options across vibrant locations like London, Dublin, and Leeds, we prioritise your professional growth and well-being. Join us to lead a talented team in shaping the future of technology in the betting, gaming, and entertainment sectors, while enjoying unique benefits that support both your career and personal aspirations.

Halfords Media (UK) Ltd

Contact Details:

Halfords Media (UK) Ltd Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Frontier R&D Manager

Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Reach out to folks in the industry, attend meetups, and connect with potential colleagues on LinkedIn. Building relationships can open doors that a CV just can't.

Tip Number 2

Show off your skills! Create a portfolio of your prototypes and projects, especially those related to AI and machine learning. When you can demonstrate your work, it speaks volumes more than just words on a page.

Tip Number 3

Prepare for interviews by practising your presentation skills. You’ll need to translate complex tech concepts into simple terms, so rehearse explaining your past projects to friends or family who aren’t in the field.

Tip Number 4

Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search!

We think you need these skills to ace Frontier R&D Manager

Leadership
Mentoring
Prototyping
Technology Horizon Scanning
Relationship Building
Presentation Skills
Project Management

Some tips for your application 🫡

Show Your Passion for R&D:When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for research and development shine through. We want to see your genuine interest in emerging technologies and how they can transform industries like betting and gaming.

Tailor Your Experience:Make sure to highlight your relevant experience leading technical teams and working with generative AI tools. We’re looking for specific examples that demonstrate your ability to manage projects and deliver high-quality prototypes.

Communicate Clearly:Your application should reflect your excellent communication skills. Use clear and concise language to explain complex concepts, as we need someone who can translate technical jargon for diverse audiences.

Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensure you’re considered for the Frontier R&D Manager role. We can’t wait to hear from you!

How to prepare for a job interview at Halfords Media (UK) Ltd

Know Your Tech Inside Out

Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of machine learning, AI, and generative AI tools. Be ready to discuss how you've used these technologies in past projects, especially in R&D settings. This will show that you're not just familiar with the concepts but can also apply them effectively.

Showcase Your Leadership Skills

As a Frontier R&D Manager, you'll be leading a team. Prepare examples of how you've successfully mentored or led teams in the past. Highlight your ability to set priorities and deliver high-quality outputs, as this is crucial for the role.

Prepare for Relationship Building

Think about your experiences working with external partners, vendors, or research institutions. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've built and maintained these relationships, as collaboration is key in this role.

Craft Compelling Presentations

Since you'll need to create presentations for senior stakeholders, practice explaining complex technical concepts in simple terms. Bring along a sample presentation if possible, as it can demonstrate your communication skills and ability to engage diverse audiences.