Frontier R&D Manager
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. 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.
- Leading and mentoring the Frontier R&D team, setting priorities and ensuring delivery of high-quality prototypes and research outputs.
- Working closely with the Head of Disruptive R&D to transform early-stage concepts into structured, demonstrable prototypes.
- Conducting technology horizon scanning to identify emerging trends relevant to betting, gaming, and entertainment.
- Building and maintaining relationships with technology vendors, research institutions, and innovation partners.
- Creating compelling presentations and demonstrations for senior stakeholders and cross-functional teams.
- Managing the team's prototyping pipeline from ideation through to handoff for formal project development.
- Establishing best practices for rapid prototyping using generative AI coding tools and modern development workflows.
- Evaluating proof-of-concept outcomes and making recommendations on technology investment and adoption.
- Proven experience leading technical teams in R&D, innovation, or emerging technology roles (required).
- Strong software development background with hands-on experience across multiple technology domains (required).
- Demonstrated expertise in machine learning, AI, or related computational fields (required).
- Extensive experience with generative AI tools for coding, content creation, and productivity (required).
- Ability to rapidly learn and apply new technologies, frameworks, and platforms (required).
- Excellent communication and presentation skills, with ability to translate technical concepts for diverse audiences (required).
- Track record of building relationships with external technology partners and vendors (required).
- Passion for emerging technology and a natural curiosity about future industry trends (required).
- Experience in betting, gaming, or entertainment industries (nice-to-have).
- Familiarity with API integration, particularly in financial or betting contexts (nice-to-have).
- Knowledge of neural networks and deep learning architectures (nice-to-have).
- Experience with automated content generation pipelines (nice-to-have).
- £/€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
Flutter Entertainment is the world leader in online sports betting and iGaming, operating some of the most innovative, diverse and distinctive brands in the sector. 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 - bringing together hundreds of teams and thousands of colleagues who create trusted entertainment for millions of customers every week.