Research and Technical Manager Biological at Mayfly Agri (Pty) Ltd

• A well-established agrochemical manufacturer is seeking a Research and Technical Manager to be responsible for leading and overseeing research and innovation, biological product development, production support, quality control, laboratory management and technical regulatory functions to drive product innovation, operational efficiency and business growth.

Minimum requirements for the role:

• Must have a Master's Degree (MSc) in Mycology, Microbiology, Biotechnology, Microbial Ecology, Biological Sciences or a related scientific discipline; A PhD in a relevant biological or agricultural science discipline will be advantageous
• Additional training in fermentation technology, microbial production systems, biological product development, or project management will be advantageous
• Minimum 8 years' post-graduate experience in microbiological, mycological, biotechnology, or agricultural research environments
• Minimum 5 years' management experience leading scientific, research, or technical teams
• Demonstrated experience in fungal biology, microbial production systems, fermentation, or biological product development
• Proven experience in process improvement, product development, and technology transfer into commercial production
• Experience overseeing laboratory operations, quality control systems, technical compliance, and product registration support
• Experience engaging with customers, technical advisors, research institutions, and multidisciplinary teams
• Knowledge of agricultural biological products and crop production systems will be highly advantageous

The successful candidate will be responsible for:

• Developing and implementing the research and innovation strategy for the biologicals business.
• Establishing and managing a pipeline of research, product development and process improvement projects.
• Identifying new technologies, products and opportunities to support business growth.
• Building and protecting the company's intellectual property, microbial cultures, strains and technical knowledge base.
• Leading investigations and trials to improve the efficiency, consistency, quality and scalability of AMF and Trichoderma production systems.
• Providing technical support and problem-solving expertise to Production teams.
• Facilitating the transfer of successful research outcomes into commercial production.
• Maintaining the mother culture system and molecular identification processes.
• Leading the development of new biological products, formulations and application technologies.
• Designing and overseeing laboratory, greenhouse and field trials.
• Ensuring accurate reporting, data management and documentation of research findings.
• Supporting the commercialisation of new technologies and products.
• Providing strategic leadership to the Microbial Quality Control and Laboratory function.
• Ensuring effective quality systems, laboratory governance, regulatory compliance and quality assurance activities.
• Driving continuous improvement initiatives that support product integrity, production reliability and customer satisfaction.
• Providing advanced technical support to Sales, Marketing, Technical Advisors, customers and distribution partners.
• Developing and delivering technical training programmes.
• Supporting product registration activities through protocol development and technical data generation.
• Ensuring compliance with quality, safety, environmental and regulatory requirements.
• Leading, mentoring and developing a high-performing research, technical support and quality control team.
• Managing departmental budgets, laboratory resources, infrastructure and equipment.
• Building strong relationships with internal stakeholders, customers, research institutions and industry partners.
• Fostering a culture of innovation, accountability and scientific excellence.