- An established industry association is seeking a Research and Development Manager to provide strategic leadership, governance, and operational management of the organisation’s entire research portfolio. The successful candidate will be responsible for developing and implementing the research strategy, managing research programmes and budgets, leading committees, overseeing governance and contracts, building strategic partnerships, securing co-funding, ensuring technology transfer, and providing scientific and strategic advice to Management, the R&D Committee, and the Board.
Minimum requirements for the role:
- Must have an M. Sc. or PhD in Agriculture, Horticulture, Plant Science, Plant Pathology, Entomology, Crop Science or a related agricultural/scientific discipline, with a PhD being advantageous
- Minimum 8–10 years' relevant experience in agricultural research, applied science or research programme management
- Demonstrated experience managing multidisciplinary research programmes/projects
- Must have experience with research budgets, contracts and funding agreements
- Strong stakeholder-management capability and experience working with universities, research institutions, government and industry
- Sufficient scientific credibility to engage with senior researchers and technical specialists
- Strong management, governance and strategic-planning capabilities
- Must have the ability to translate scientific research into practical outcomes and value for industry
- Must have a valid driver's license and be willing to travel when required
The successful candidate will be responsible for:
- Developing and implementing the long-term R&D strategy aligned with the organisation’s strategy, MOI, and levy objectives.
- Identifying industry priorities and emerging risks.
- Preparing annual operational plans, research roadmaps, and portfolio reviews.
- Advising the CEO, COO, R&D Committee, and Board on strategic research matters.
- Managing the complete research portfolio across Production, Risk Mitigation, and Post-Harvest.
- Overseeing project selection, contracting, implementation, monitoring, and close-out.
- Monitoring milestones, budgets, risks, deliverables, and project impact.
- Recommending the continuation, amendment, or termination of projects.
- Leading the R&D Committee and coordinating all Sub-Committees.
- Preparing agendas, Board submissions, recommendations, minutes, and action registers.
- Maintaining research governance frameworks, policies, and quality assurance systems.
- Ensuring compliance with contracts, intellectual property provisions, and funding conditions.
- Developing and managing the annual research budget.
- Monitoring expenditure, forecasts, and project cash flows.
- Approving research payments within delegated authority.
- Providing financial and portfolio reports to Management and the Board.
- Developing strategic relationships with universities, research institutions, government, processors, growers, and international partners.
- Identifying and securing external funding opportunities.
- Negotiating research collaborations and co-funding agreements.
- Leading the translation of research into practical industry outputs.
- Coordinating technical publications, project summaries, field guides, study groups, MacDay sessions, and research networking events.
- Measuring the adoption and impact of research outcomes.
- Leading, mentoring, and developing research staff.
- Developing KPIs and conducting performance reviews.
- Driving a high-performance research culture.
- Representing the organisation at scientific, technical, and government forums.
- Promoting the interests of the South African macadamia industry nationally and internationally.