Frontier R&D Manager

Manager, Frontier R&D
Location: London/ Dublin/Leeds (Hybrid),
Reports to: Head of Disruptive R&D
Direct Reports: Prototyping Engineer, Research Graduate

Your Team
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.

What You 'll Do

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

What You'll need

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, with ability to translate 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
Familiarity with API integration, particularly in financial or betting contexts
Knowledge of neural networks and deep learning architectures
Experience with automated content generation pipelines

What’s on offer

£/€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

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 FanDuel, Sky Betting & Gaming, Sportsbet, PokerStars, Paddy Power, Sisal, tombola, Betfair, MaxBet, 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, PokerStars, 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 don't 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.

Frontier R&D Manager

Benefits

Job Description