Essential Skills:
- Research expertise
- Data analysis or data scientist qualification
- Demonstrable experience in areas of product development, R & D, big data and predictive analytics
- Experience managing requirements from a variety of sources
- Proven track record for ownership of project or specific task from concept through to completion
- University degree or equivalent
- High level of interpersonal skills, cross-culturally
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
- Excellent time management
- Ability to negotiate and influence
- Deadline focused, well organised with sound judgement
- Attention to detail
- Ability to analyse data and translate into effective commercial information
- Ability to engage with internal and external stakeholders across technology, commerce and academics
- Data driven with strong commercial acumen
- Willingness to undertake global travel on an ad hoc basis
The following would also be an asset:
- Experience of data gathering within assessment or talent management market place
- Demonstrable project management experience, particularly around data projects, innovation & blue sky
- Experience/knowledge of statistical & programming software e.g. ‘R’, Python etc
- Language proficiency
We have a new opportunity for a Head of Research and Development to join our team, based either in our head office in Marlow, or in our flagship Haymarket office.
The Head of Research and Development will lead the division, with a focus on strategic data science methodologies and predictive analytics. This will enable us to extract the value from vast banks of data, allowing us to deliver market-leading technology solutions.
As Head of Research and Development, the prime objective is to design and lead the R&D processes, ensuring smooth transfer of new know-how and technology to all groups or departments involved in innovation and data driven development. The role will cover such activities as basic research, fundamental research, technology development, advanced development, concept development, new product development, process development, prototyping, portfolio management and technology transfer, with end-to-end responsibility for developing and driving innovation according to our product roadmap.
Other key responsibilities include:
- Research and Development strategy
- ROI - monitor product growth in revenue and usage through thoughtful design and client feedback
- Project Management – the Head of Research and Development will be required to work within the product lifecycle of the Thomas suite of products, from the conceptual design of new tools to the enhancement of our existing products in line with the business strategy
- Marketing - work with Marketing to plan and execute marketing strategies for allocated products and product enhancements in line with brand positioning and overall business strategy
- Management information and reporting - actively monitor and review product performance based on data from clients, marketing, finance and support.
The Job Profile suggests that this function requires a person who has drive, self-confidence, accuracy and the ability to achieve profitable results. The job calls for a person who is prepared to meet opposition and resistance to ideas, will keep pressure on others to meet deadlines in an environment which could have variety and interruption. The job is likely to be of a specialist/technical nature and decision making should be vested within this area of expertise. The person fulfilling this role should be self-starting, competitive, imaginative, enthusiastic, self-confident, inspiring, logical, systematic and precise. The ability to communicate with others and work within well defined parameters, whilst at the same time retaining standards and making things happen quickly are integral to the position.
Thomas International are the largest privately owned global provider of psychometric assessments. We empower business leaders by giving them the tools they need to develop their people, teams and culture.
At Thomas, we love what we do and know that our people are core to our business. We’ve grown a lot since our inception in 1981 but are proud to have retained our unique family feel and friendly environment. We take people development seriously and tailor our employees’ career pathway to their specific aspirations and needs, offering a variety of training both from our expert internal trainers and external providers. Whether you are UK-based or work in one of our 60 international offices, you’ll have access to learning and development opportunities that are second to none, including international secondments, coaching and mentoring, funded studying and much more.
We offer fantastic benefits to our employees such as private medical cover, a private GP minutes from our head office, discounted gym membership, holiday buy scheme, and a rewards portal with discounts from major retailers.
Our positive and innovative culture has won us a variety of awards/accolades. We’re looking for passionate and dedicated new faces to join us on our journey.
Sound like you? Apply today and join the Thomas family.