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Research & Development Managers

Descriptions & Duties

  • Research & Development Managers develop, direct and implement research and development activities (in-house or commissioned from external research organisations) as well as to develop new or improve technical processes, products or utilisation of materials.

Generic Competencies

Physical Abilities

Physical abilities

  • Physical strength
  • Eye hand coordination / precision / dexterity

 

Importance:1 (Max:5) 

Skill is rarely required

 

Technology Skills

Technology skills

  • Computer literacy
  • Application of technology

 

Importance:5 (Max:5) 

Skill is required all the time

 

Cognitive Abilities

Cognitive abilities

  • Creativity
  • Visualisation
  • Logical thinking

 

Importance:5 (Max:5) 

Skill is required all the time

 

Comprehension And Expression

Comprehension and expression skills

  • Reading comprehension
  • Oral / written expression

 

Importance:4 (Max:5) 

Skill is frequently required

 

Social Skills

Social skills

  • Communication
  • Negotiation
  • Persuasion

 

Importance:3 (Max:5) 

Skill is basically required

 

Organisation And Execution Skills

Organisation and execution skills

  • Planning
  • Organising
  • Judgement
  • Decision making

 

Importance:5 (Max:5) 

Skill is required all the time

 

Problem Solving Skills

Problem solving skills

  • Ability to solve simple and complex problems effectively and efficiently

 

Importance:5 (Max:5) 

Skill is required all the time

 

Management Skills

Management skills

  • Leadership
  • Management of finance / time / people / other resources

 

Importance:5 (Max:5) 

Skill is required all the time

 

Trade Specific Competencies

Detail oriented

Research & Development Managers must pay attention to details. Their duties require an understanding of complex systems, and a minor error can cause major problems.

Technical skills

Research & Development Managers must thoroughly understand their specific areas of research and development that they are managing.

General Requirements

Academic qualification

  • A recognised bachelor's or master's degree in an engineering/ technology specialty or a professional qualification

Experience

  • at least 3-5 years' relevant experience is required

Other specific requirements

  • Completion of a management degree course in engineering management, technology management or business administration/ management is an advantage

Career Path & Salary

Private Sector

Monthly Salary $15,000-$40,000

Monthly Salary $20,000-$70,000

Monthly Salary $40,000-$90,000

Monthly Salary $50,000-$110,000

Related Education & Training

Work Environment

  • Research & Development Managers generally work in offices. They work full time during regular office hours and sometimes work overtime.

Tools

  • Computers with project management software

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