Lead programs. Align delivery. Turn strategy into outcomes.
Sympac Solutions are seeking an experienced R&D Manager with strong program and delivery management expertise to lead our Research & Development function. This role is accountable for coordinating complex delivery programs, ensuring our product roadmap and architectural direction are executed predictably, transparently, and in alignment with business priorities.
This is a program-management leadership role, focused on planning, governance, and delivery outcomes — not hands‑on technical design.
About Us
At Sympac Solutions, we've been delivering innovative ERP and business software solutions to Australian businesses for over 30 years. Our products support customers across retail, trade, construction, electrical, and wholesale industries.
As part of Constellation Software through the Vela Software Group (Asia Pacific), we combine long‑term product thinking with the agility of a close‑knit business.
Why Join Us?
* Lead end‑to‑end delivery programs across our product portfolio
* Provide delivery leadership for roadmap and architectural initiatives
* Directly manage the Solutions Architect, ensuring architectural work supports program goals
* Operate with clear executive visibility and accountability
* Enjoy a flexible, family‑friendly work environment
* Access professional development, bonus schemes, and internal career pathways
The Role
As R&D Manager, reporting to the Operations Excellence Manager, you will be responsible for the governance, coordination, and execution of R&D programs across development and QA teams.
You will ensure the product roadmap and architectural blueprint — defined in partnership with the Solutions Architect — are translated into cohesive delivery programs with clear priorities, sequencing, and measurable outcomes.
Rather than owning technical design, you will own delivery alignment, risk management, and stakeholder communication, ensuring architecture, development, QA, and client priorities move forward together.
Key Responsibilities
Program & Delivery Governance
* Own delivery planning across BAU, non‑conformances, and strategic initiatives
* Structure work into clearly governed delivery programs with defined milestones
* Manage interdependencies, risks, and delivery trade‑offs
* Ensure delivery progress is visible, measurable, and predictable
* Provide program‑level leadership for execution of the product roadmap
* Manage the Solutions Architect to ensure architectural work is prioritised and sequenced to support delivery objectives
* Ensure architectural initiatives are integrated into delivery plans, not treated as standalone work
* Balance short‑term delivery commitments with long‑term platform sustainability
Resource & Capacity Management
* Coordinate capacity across development and QA to support agreed priorities
* Resolve delivery conflicts and resource constraints
* Establish sustainable delivery rhythms and planning discipline
* Lead and support team leaders and senior roles through clear expectations and regular 1:1s
* Support onboarding and effective integration of new team members
* Foster a culture of accountability, transparency, and continuous improvement
Quality, Release & Risk Oversight
* Ensure QA is embedded into delivery planning and release governance
* Monitor quality trends, release readiness, and defect risk
* Support automation and efficiency initiatives from a program‑outcomes perspective
Reporting & Stakeholder Communication
* Own preparation and delivery of Quarterly Status Reports (QSRs)
* Provide leadership and executives with clear, actionable insights on delivery health, risks, and capacity
* Act as the primary escalation point for R&D delivery and program risks
Skills & Experience
* Australian work authorisation required for this position.
* Strong experience in program, delivery, or portfolio management within a software development environment.
* Minimum 5-7 years of program and delivery management experience required.
* Proven ability to coordinate multiple workstreams and competing priorities.
* Experience managing senior technical roles (e.g. Solutions Architects) from a delivery and outcomes perspective.
* Experience managing 5 or more direct reports required.
* Excellent stakeholder communication, planning, and reporting skills.
* Strong working knowledge of Jira or similar delivery governance tools.
* Experience in ERP or complex business‑critical software environments.
* Exposure to platform modernisation or technical debt reduction programs (at a governance level).
* Experience embedding QA and release governance into delivery frameworks.
What We're Looking For
You are a delivery‑first leader who brings structure and clarity to complex environments. You focus on outcomes over outputs, enabling technical leaders to do their best work while ensuring the organisation delivers on its commitments.
Make the Move
If you're ready to lead delivery programs, align architecture with outcomes, and drive predictable execution, apply now and join Sympac Solutions.
Application Questions
* Which of the following statements best describes your right to work in Australia?
* How many years' experience do you have as a Research and Development Manager?
* How many years' experience do you have in a software development role?
* How many years of project management experience do you have?
* Do you have experience leading agile teams?
* Do you have multi‑drop delivery experience?
* Do you have experience using SAP?
* How many years' experience do you have in a quality assurance (QA) role?
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