RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT (R&D) MANAGER JOB AT PROFORCE LIMITED | R&D MANAGER JOBS IN OGUN

About Company:

Proforce Limited was incorporated in 2008 as a total defence solution provider specializing in armoured vehicles and personal protection. The company’s focus is on the delivery of confidence in protective mobility. We have developed a vibrant market for security and mobile protective products within Nigeria and Africa. PROFORCE has exploited its deep technical know-how to produce outstanding armored products for Government Agencies, Corporate Bodies, Diplomatic Communities and Private individuals within Nigeria and Africa.

Job Description:

We are seeking a visionary and technically elite R&D Manager to lead our automotive innovation pipeline. In this role, you will be the primary driver behind the design, performance, and safety of our next-generation vehicle systems. You will bridge the gap between abstract concepts and road-ready reality, overseeing everything from material science and CAD modeling to rigorous prototype validation. The ideal candidate is a leader who understands that R&D is not just about "new ideas," but about the disciplined execution of innovations that meet global safety standards (ISO/IATF 16949) while maintaining a fierce competitive edge.

Requirements:

1. Product Concept & Design Engineering

• End-to-End Coordination: Lead R&D projects from the initial "whiteboard" concept through to final product implementation and production hand-off.

• Advanced System Design: Supervise the design and simulation of automotive components using industry-standard tools (SolidWorks, CATIA), focusing on weight reduction, fuel efficiency, and structural integrity.

• Material & Tech Integration: Identify and integrate emerging materials (e.g., advanced composites) and manufacturing processes (e.g., additive manufacturing) into vehicle design.

2. Testing, Validation & Regulatory Compliance

• Prototype Governance: Oversee the fabrication of prototypes and lead comprehensive performance evaluations under diverse environmental and stress conditions.

• Standards Stewardship: Ensure every innovation adheres to global automotive standards, including IATF 16949 for quality management and ISO standards for safety and environmental impact.

• Testing Rigor: Develop and execute validation protocols that ensure component reliability and passenger safety.

3. Strategic Leadership & Resource Management

• Cross-Functional Synergy: Collaborate with Production, Quality Control, and Supply Chain teams to ensure R&D outputs are commercially viable and manufacturable.

• Budget & Timeline Ownership: Manage R&D expenditure and resource allocation, ensuring projects are delivered on time and within financial constraints.

• Team Mentorship: Build a high-performance culture by mentoring R&D engineers and fostering a mindset of continuous technical improvement.

Qualifications and Skills:

Education & Professional Standing

• Academic: Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Automotive, or Mechatronics Engineering (Master’s degree highly preferred).

• Certifications: Professional credentials in Project Management (PMP) or Automotive Technology are a distinct advantage.

• Tenure: 5–8 years of automotive R&D experience, with at least 3 years in a managerial capacity.

Technical & Core Competencies

• Software Mastery: Expert proficiency in CAD (CATIA/SolidWorks) and finite element analysis (FEA) simulation tools.

• Industry IQ: Deep knowledge of automotive manufacturing processes and current industry trends (EV transition, autonomous features, etc.).

• Leadership: Exceptional ability to lead multidisciplinary teams through the "fail-fast" phases of innovation to successful product launches.

Salary

Application Closing Date: Not specified

Application Instructions:

Interested and qualified candidates should send their CV and Cover Letter to: hrm@proforcedefence.com using “Application for R&D Manager – Automobile Manufacturing” as the subject of the mail.

Note: Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.