About This Role
This is a build-the-function-from-scratch kind of role. Walia Steel is a manufacturer competing in a sector where product differentiation is rare and cost efficiency decides survival, so the Head of R&D is really being asked to find competitive edge through process improvement and product variation rather than pure lab-style invention. It suits an engineer-leader who is comfortable on the factory floor as much as in a strategy meeting.
What the Requirements Say About This Role
The profile being sought is someone who can translate technical improvement into commercial outcomes — the emphasis on cost optimization and competitiveness signals that this role will be judged on measurable operational gains, not research activity for its own sake. Expect the company to value depth in metallurgy or industrial engineering plus a track record of taking process changes from idea to plant implementation. The executive seniority suggests they also need someone who can build a team and win internal buy-in from production leadership, not just run experiments.
How to Approach This Application
Lead with concrete examples of process or product improvements you have delivered in a manufacturing setting, including the cost or quality impact in numbers. Steel or heavy-industry exposure will carry weight, but demonstrable problem-solving in any continuous manufacturing environment is worth highlighting. Show that you understand the constraints of an Ethiopian industrial operation — equipment access, import realities, workforce training — because that practicality is likely what separates shortlisted candidates.
Who This Role Suits
Best suited to a senior industrial or metallurgical engineer with hands-on manufacturing improvement experience and leadership ambition; competition is likely moderate, with the strongest candidates coming from within heavy industry rather than academic research backgrounds.
Position: Head of Research and Development (R&D)
Walia Steel Industry PLC invites qualified, experienced, and highly motivated professionals to apply for the position of Head of Research and Development (R&D). We are seeking an innovative and strategic leader who can drive research initiatives, improve manufacturing processes, develop new products, and enhance the company's competitiveness in the steel industry.
Job Title
Head of Research and Development (R&D)
Job Summary
The Head of Research and Development will lead the company's research, innovation, and product development activities. The successful candidate will identify opportunities for technological advancement, improve production efficiency, enhance product quality, optimize manufacturing costs, and support the development of new steel products in line with market demand and industry standards.
Key Responsibilities
- Develop and implement the company's research and development strategy in alignment with organizational objectives.
- Lead research projects focused on improving steel manufacturing processes, product quality, and operational efficiency.
- Identify opportunities for new product development, product diversification, and technological innovation.
- Research and evaluate new technologies, raw materials, equipment, and production methods relevant to the steel industry.
- Analyze production processes and recommend improvements to increase productivity and reduce operational costs.
- Collaborate with production, quality assurance, engineering, maintenance, procurement, and sales departments.
- Conduct market and technical research to identify customer needs, industry trends, and emerging technologies.
- Establish and monitor research project objectives, budgets, timelines, and performance indicators.
- Lead, supervise, and develop the research and development team.
- Ensure that research activities and product development comply with applicable technical standards, quality requirements, and safety regulations.
- Analyze technical data, prepare research reports, and present strategic recommendations to senior management.
- Support continuous improvement initiatives, waste reduction, energy efficiency, and sustainable manufacturing practices.
- Build relationships with universities, research institutions, technical experts, and relevant industry stakeholders.
- Evaluate the feasibility, cost-effectiveness, and commercial potential of new products and technologies.
Educational Qualifications
Applicants should possess a Master's degree or higher in one of the following fields:
- Metallurgical Engineering
- Materials Science and Engineering
- Mechanical Engineering
- Industrial Engineering
- Manufacturing Engineering
- Chemical Engineering
- Other relevant engineering or technology-related fields.
A Bachelor's degree with substantial relevant experience and a strong record of achievement may also be considered, depending on company policy.
Work Experience
- Minimum of 7 years of relevant professional experience in steel manufacturing, engineering, industrial research, product development, or process improvement.
- At least 3 years of experience in a managerial or leadership position is preferred.
- Proven experience in leading technical projects, conducting industrial research, or implementing process improvements.
- Experience in the steel industry, metal processing, or heavy manufacturing is a strong advantage.
Required Skills and Competencies
- Strong leadership, strategic planning, and team management skills.
- Excellent analytical, research, and problem-solving abilities.
- Sound knowledge of steel manufacturing processes, metallurgy, materials testing, and quality improvement.
- Ability to evaluate new technologies and translate research findings into practical industrial solutions.
- Strong project management, budgeting, and performance monitoring skills.
- Excellent communication, technical report-writing, and presentation skills.
- Ability to collaborate across departments and make evidence-based decisions.
- Commitment to innovation, continuous improvement, safety
How To Apply
Interested and qualified candidates who meet the above requirements are invited to apply through Ethiojobs and submit the following documents:
- Updated CV/Resume
- Copies of relevant educational credentials
- Work experience certificates
- Relevant professional certificates, if applicable
Walia Steel Industry
Building Strength Through People, Quality, and Excellence.
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Head of Research and Development (R&D)
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