Frontier R&D Manager (London)

Job Description

hackajob is collaborating with Flutter UK&I to connect them with exceptional professionals for this role.

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Your Team

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The Frontier R&D team operates at the cutting-edge of emerging technology within Flutter UKI’s Disruptive R&D function. We identify and evaluate technology trends over a 12-36 month horizon, build rapid prototypes with early-stage tools, forge relationships with technology providers, and present our findings to stakeholders across the business. Our mission is to generate a high volume of research insights and working prototypes that can be formalised into strategic projects for the wider R&D organisation.

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As R&D Manager, you will lead a small, agile team of technologists, translating ambitious concepts into tangible demonstrations that inform Flutter’s innovation roadmap.

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What You ‘ll Do

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• nLeading and mentoring the Frontier R&D team, setting priorities and ensuring delivery of high-quality prototypes and research outputs.n

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• nWorking closely with the Head of Disruptive R&D to transform early-stage concepts into structured, demonstrable prototypesn

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• nConducting technology horizon scanning to identify emerging trends relevant to betting, gaming, and entertainmentn

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• nBuilding and maintaining relationships with technology vendors, research institutions, and innovation partnersn

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• nCreating compelling presentations and demonstrations for senior stakeholders and cross-functional teamsn

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• nManaging the team’s prototyping pipeline from ideation through to handoff for formal project developmentn

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• nEstablishing best practices for rapid prototyping using generative AI coding tools and modern development workflowsn

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• nvaluating proof-of-concept outcomes and making recommendations on technology investment and adoptionn

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What You’ll need

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• nProven experience leading technical teams in R&D, innovation, or emerging technology rolesn

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• nStrong software development background with hands-on experience across multiple technology domainsn

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• nDemonstrated expertise in machine learning, AI, or related computational fieldsn

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• nExtensive experience with generative AI tools for coding, content creation, and productivityn

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• nAbility to rapidly learn and apply new technologies, frameworks, and platformsn

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• nExcellent communication and presentation skills, with ability to translate technical concepts for diverse audiencesn

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• nTrack record of building relationships with external technology partners and vendorsn

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• nPassion for emerging technology and a natural curiosity about future industry trendsn

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Desirable

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• nExperience in betting, gaming, or entertainment industriesn

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• nFamiliarity with API integration, particularly in financial or betting contextsn

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• nKnowledge of neural networks and deep learning architecturesn

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• nExperience with automated content generation pipelinesn

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What’s on offer

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• n£/€1,000 learning fundn

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• nTwice-yearly bonus (with part of it guaranteed!)n

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• nUnlimited Holidayn

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• nPension contribution schemen

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• nPrivate healthcaren

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• nHybrid Workingn

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• nAccess to thousands of Udemy coursesn

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• nInvest via the Company Sharesave Schemen

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About Flutter

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Flutter is the world’s leading online sports betting and iGaming operator, with a market leading position in the US and across the world. Our ambition is to change our industry for the better, making use of our significant scale and challenger mentality.

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By Changing the Game, we believe we can deliver long-term growth while promoting a positive, sustainable future for the industry. We are well-placed to do so through the distinctive, global advantages of the Flutter Edge, which gives our brands access to group-wide benefits to stay ahead of the competition, as well as our clear vision for sustainability through our Positive Impact Plan.

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Flutter operates a diverse portfolio of leading online sports betting and iGaming brands including FanDuel, Sky Betting & Gaming, Sportsbet, PokerStars, Paddy Power, Sisal, tombola, Betfair, MaxBet, Junglee Games and Adjarabet.

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About Flutter UK & Ireland

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The UK & Ireland region of Flutter unites some of the biggest brands in the betting and gaming industry; Betfair, Paddy Power, PokerStars, Sky Betting & Gaming and tombola.

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At Flutter UK & Ireland, we strive for the next level and drive innovation to set the pace as leaders, putting our customers first, always. We win together through team spirit and unparalleled dedication. When we’re free to be ourselves, we thrive and unleash our unique talents —creating a culture that empowers our people to change the game. We see opportunity everywhere and there is always more to discover…

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We’re working to be an inclusive employer. We encourage people from all backgrounds, ways of thinking and working to apply. Everyone brings different perspectives and experiences; you don’t have to meet all the requirements listed to apply for this role.

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If you need any adjustments to make this role work for you let us know, and we’ll see how we can accommodate them.

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