Who we are

Kene is an award-winning R&D funding advisory firm, helping innovative businesses in the UK secure valuable R&D funding relief. As a certified B Corp and a Sunday Times Best Place to Work 2024, we are committed to empowering businesses to reinvest in innovation and drive forward their industries.
Now, we’re expanding our reach by building a high-calibre team in South Africa, and we’re looking for a dynamic Lead to spearhead this growth.

The opportunity

This is an exciting founding role where you’ll be responsible for building and leading Kene’s South African team as part of our global R&D Funding Advisory. You’ll work closely with innovative businesses, exploring cutting-edge advancements across engineering and technology, while ensuring they maximise their funding opportunities. If you thrive in a high-impact environment, love solving complex technical and financial challenges, and want to build something from the ground up, this role is for you.

What you'll be doing

Build & Lead the South African R&D Tax Consulting Team‍

Hire, mentor, and develop a team of 2-3 consultants, setting a strong foundation for future growth.

Work with Global Clients

Engage with innovative businesses across a variety of industries, helping them access R&D tax relief to fuel their innovation.

Assess Cutting-Edge R&D

Work closely with engineers, scientists, and finance teams to identify qualifying R&D activities and expenditures.

Deliver High-Quality Claims

Compile technical and financial reports that support robust R&D tax claims, ensuring compliance with HMRC regulations.

Client & Stakeholder Management

Act as a trusted advisor to clients, maintaining strong relationships while navigating complex claim processes.

Shape the Future of Kene SA

Establish operational frameworks, refine best practices, and contribute to the long-term success of the South African team.

What we're looking for

We're seeking a charismatic, driven, and emotionally intelligent leader with:

4+ years of experience in engineering, accounting, or tax

‍Ideally with exposure to R&D, technical consulting, or financial services.

Management experience

You’ve led teams, developed talent, and know how to drive performance.

A passion for innovation

You love understanding how things work and can engage with engineers and business leaders alike.

A commercial mindset

You’re strategic, able to identify growth opportunities, and capable of building strong client relationships.

Excellent communication skills

You can simplify complex technical and financial concepts for a range of stakeholders.

Why you'll love this role

International Exposure

Work with a global team and world-leading businesses across multiple industries.

🌍 Shape a New Market

Be a key player in launching and scaling Kene in South Africa.

⚙ Work at the Cutting Edge

Engage with groundbreaking innovations in engineering, technology, and science.

📈 Career Growth & Impact

Take on a leadership role with growth potential in a high-impact, high-performance environment.

Kene is committed to encouraging equality, diversity, and inclusion among our workforce, and eliminating unlawful discrimination.

If you’re excited about leading from the front and making a tangible impact, we’d love to hear from you!

Contact Catalina: catalina.lohmeier@kene.partners