Executive Manager: Crop Sciences and Natural Resources and Engineering (NRE) Five (5) Year Fixed-Term Contract at Agricultural Research Council

Job Description

Strategic Leadership

• Lead the development and implementation of the Division’s Research and Development (R&D) strategy in line with ARC’s strategic objectives and national priorities.
• Translate the Division’s business strategy into deliverables through Research and Development of products and services with clear impact on the agriculture sector.
• Provide leadership to interdisciplinary research within the Division and across ARC’s institutes.

Research & Innovation

• Manage and coordinate high-quality research programmes in crops, natural resources and engineering, that enhance productivity, sustainability and competitiveness of the sector.
• Lead and develop a comprehensive institutional research programme across fruits, field crops, vegetables, medicinal and other plants.
• Identify research priority areas and ensure alignment with ARC’s strategic goals and national priorities.
• Identify and follow up on opportunities for potential new business ventures and secure these.
• Ensure effective data management and sharing practices and infrastructure is in place across the Division.
• Promote scientific excellence through peer-reviewed publications, intellectual property generation and dissemination of research findings.

Stakeholder Engagement and Policy Support

• Foster strategic partnerships with government, industry, academia, and farming communities to translate research outputs into practical solutions and to inform policy in a way that leads to increased agricultural production and productivity.
• Integrate societal and sectoral needs into Crops and NRE Division’s research priorities and ensure these are translated into scientific solutions.
• Provide strategic and sound management advice to ARC Executive management and Crops and NRE staff members on matters pertaining to Cluster activities.

Business Development and Commercialisation

• Identify, secure and manage new research, funding and commercialisation opportunities to grow ARC’s impact and revenue streams.
• Identify and pursue potential new business ventures in collaborations with relevant ARC institutes.
• Market innovative products targeting new clients and expand offerings to existing clients.

Research Funding and Sustainability

• Lead and drive efforts to secure external Research funding ensure financial sustainability and research programmes.
• Strengthen donor, funder and partner relationships to support long-term institutional growth.

Operational Excellence

• Ensure effective management of people and performance across the Crops and NRE-Division.
• Oversee optimal utilisation and management of research facilities and infrastructure.
• Ensure effective financial management in compliance with PFMA and ARC policies and regulations.
• Manage projects and initiatives delegated by the ARC Executive Management or other key stakeholders to ensure delivery within scope, quality, time and budget.

Risk Management

• Identify, assess, monitor and report financial, operational, R&D risks across all the Division’s units.
• Ensure compliance with ARC policies, funder requirements and national regulatory frameworks.

Other Responsibilities

• May be required to perform various ad hoc duties delegated by the Group Executive: Research and Innovation and/or Principal and Chief Executive Officer support achievement of ARC objectives and targets.

Job Requirements

• A PhD or equivalent qualification in crop sciences, natural resources management, agricultural engineering, or a closely related agricultural or biological science discipline relevant to the ARC’s research mandate.
• Registration with a relevant professional or scientific body will be an advantage.
• At least 8 years’ post-PhD experience in a relevant scientific research environment, of which 5 years should have been at Senior Management level.
• Demonstrated research leadership within a scientific research environment.
• Proven experience in successfully leading and managing institutional research programmes.
• A strong track record of peer-reviewed publications or other research outputs, successful sourcing of research funding, and/or demonstrable sector impact.
• A good understanding of the agricultural sector and its regulatory environment.
• Experience in leading, managing and motivating high-performing teams at senior management level.
• Successful fund raising will be an advantage.

CLOSING DATE FOR APPLICATIONS: 23 FEBRUARY 2026