Frontier R&D Manager

Company: Halfords Media (UK) Ltd
Apply for the Frontier R&D Manager
Location: London
Job Description:

Frontier R&D Manager

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.
  • Valuate 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.
  • Desirable: Familiarity with API integration, particularly in financial or betting contexts.
  • Desirable: Knowledge of neural networks and deep learning architectures.
  • Desirable: 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.

#J-18808-Ljbffr…

Posted: July 1st, 2026