Frontier R&D Manager

Job Description

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

Your Team

The Frontier R&D team operates at the cutting-edge of emerging technology within Flutter UKIs Disruptive R&D function. We identify and evaluate technology trends over amonth 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.

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

What You ll Do

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

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Working closely with the Head of Disruptive R&D to transform early-stage concepts into structured, demonstrable prototypes

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Conducting technology horizon scanning to identify emerging trends relevant to betting, gaming, and entertainment

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Building and maintaining relationships with technology vendors, research institutions, and innovation partners

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Creating compelling presentations and demonstrations for senior stakeholders and cross-functional teams

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Managing the teams prototyping pipeline from ideation through to handoff for formal project development

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Establishing best practices for rapid prototyping using generative AI coding tools and modern development workflows

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valuating proof-of-concept outcomes and making recommendations on technology investment and adoption

What Youll need

• Proven experience leading technical teams in R&D, innovation, or emerging technology roles

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Strong software development background with hands-on experience across multiple technology domains

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Demonstrated expertise in machine learning, AI, or related computational fields

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Extensive experience with generative AI tools for coding, content creation, and productivity

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Ability to rapidly learn and apply new technologies, frameworks, and platforms

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Excellent communication and presentation skills, with ability to translate technical concepts for diverse audiences

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Track record of building relationships with external technology partners and vendors

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Passion for emerging technology and a natural curiosity about future industry trends

Experience in betting, gaming, or entertainment industries

• Familiarity with API integration, particularly in financial or betting contexts

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Knowledge of neural networks and deep learning architectures

• Experience with automated content generation pipelines

Access to thousands of Udemy courses

• Invest via the Company Sharesave Scheme

About Flutter

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.

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.

Flutter operates a diverse portfolio of leading online sports betting and iGaming brands including Fan Duel, Sky Betting & Gaming, Sportsbet, Poker Stars, Paddy Power, Sisal, tombola, Betfair, Max Bet, Junglee Games and Adjarabet.

About Flutter UK & Ireland

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

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...

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 dont have to meet all the requirements listed to apply for this role.

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