Head of Research Centre

Confidential Hires; Sumatra Barat; On-site; IDR 900,000,000 - 1,500,000,000; Full time

Job summary

Confidential Hires is seeking a seasoned Head of Research Centre to steer strategic research, innovation, and technical development across agribusiness programs. You will guide crop improvement, agronomy, soil health, and plant protection initiatives, translating research into practical gains for operations and commercial outcomes.

You will lead multidisciplinary teams, establish university and industry partnerships, manage budgets, and communicate findings to senior leadership.

Qualifications

• Master's or PhD in Agronomy, Plant Science, Crop Science, Agricultural Biotechnology, Genetics, or related field.
• 15+ years in agricultural research, crop development, agronomy, or related technical roles.
• proven leadership in managing research teams and programs.
• Strong expertise in crop improvement, agronomy, soil health, nutrient management, and plant protection.
• Experience translating research into operational and commercial outcomes.
• Excellent analytical, stakeholder management and communication abilities.
• Fluency in Bahasa Indonesia and English.

Responsibilities

• Lead the overall direction and priorities for the Research Centre.
• Drive research programs spanning crop improvement, agronomy, soil health, and plant protection.
• Evaluate new technologies and methodologies to support long-term business goals.
• Oversee trials, studies, and validation programs to generate actionable insights.
• Translate findings into practical recommendations to boost operational performance.
• Lead, develop, and mentor multidisciplinary research teams.
• Establish collaborations with universities and industry partners.
• Manage budgets, facilities, and resources for key initiatives.
• Present findings and recommendations to senior management and stakeholders.

Skills

Strategic leadership

Research program management

Stakeholder management

Team leadership

Communication skills

Fluency in Bahasa Indonesia

Fluency in English

Education

Master's or PhD in Agronomy/Plant Science or related

Job description

Head of Research Centre

About the Role

A leading agribusiness organization is seeking an experienced Head of Research Centre to provide strategic leadership across research, innovation, and technical development initiatives. The role will oversee scientific programs focused on enhancing crop performance, improving operational productivity, and advancing sustainable agricultural practices.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the overall direction and priorities of the Research Centre.
• Drive research programs covering crop improvement, agronomy, soil health, nutrient management, and plant protection.
• Identify and evaluate new technologies, methodologies, and scientific approaches that support long-term business objectives.
• Oversee research trials, technical studies, and validation programs to generate actionable insights.
• Translate research findings into practical recommendations that improve operational performance.
• Lead, develop, and mentor multidisciplinary teams of researchers and technical specialists.
• Establish collaborations with universities, research institutions, and industry partners.
• Manage research budgets, facilities, and resources to ensure effective execution of key initiatives.
• Present technical findings and recommendations to senior management and key stakeholders.

Requirements

• Master's or PhD in Agronomy, Plant Science, Crop Science, Agricultural Biotechnology, Genetics, or a related discipline.
• Minimum 15 years of experience in agricultural research, crop development, agronomy, or related technical functions.
• Demonstrated leadership experience managing research teams and technical programs.
• Strong expertise in crop improvement, agronomy, soil health, nutrient management, and plant protection.
• Experience translating scientific research into operational and commercial outcomes.
• Strong analytical, stakeholder management, and communication skills.
• Fluency in Bahasa Indonesia and English.

Preferred Background

• Experience within large-scale plantation, agricultural, or crop-based industries.
• Established network within Indonesia's agricultural research and academic communities.
• Familiarity with modern agricultural technologies and innovation programs.