Project Manager - R&D

Livestock Improvement Corporation (LIC); Hamilton; Hybrid; NZD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Extra leave days

Flexible working options

Insurance discounts (health, life, etc

Employee shares scheme

Wellbeing discounts

Free onsite parking

Hamilton office with park-like setting

Job summary

Livestock Improvement Corporation (LIC) seeks a skilled project leader to manage a portfolio of scientific and business research initiatives in dairy genetics and on-farm solutions. You will work with scientists, technical experts and stakeholders to deliver projects on time and within budget, influencing innovation across NZ dairying.

You will lead planning, budgeting and collaboration while supporting IP protection and future farming systems in a changing environment.

Qualifications

• Experience managing projects or delivering complex programmes of work.
• Tertiary qualification in Applied Science, Science, Agriculture or a related field (preferred).
• Strong communication, stakeholder engagement and influencing skills.
• Experience coordinating internal resources, contractors and external partners.
• Well-developed organisational, planning and problem-solving abilities.
• Strategic thinker who can balance big-picture outcomes with day-to-day delivery.
• Adaptable, proactive and comfortable working in a changing environment.
• Experience conducting scientific trials is advantageous.
• An interest in science, innovation and agricultural research.
• The ability to build a strong understanding of New Zealand farming systems.
• A passion for developing solutions that support the future success of the dairy industry.

Responsibilities

• Lead and coordinate research projects from planning through to delivery.
• Ensure project milestones, budgets, timelines and reporting requirements are achieved.
• Providing leadership and oversight across a portfolio of scientific projects.
• Develop budgets, maintaining forecasts, and supporting effective resource planning.
• Facilitating collaboration across project teams and stakeholders.
• Managing contracts and external service providers.
• Supporting the protection of LIC’s intellectual property and freedom to operate.

Skills

Project management

Stakeholder engagement

Communication

Resource coordination

Planning

Strategic thinking

Adaptability

Scientific trials

Interest in science

Understanding NZ farming

Dairy industry knowledge

Education

Applied Science

Agriculture

Science

Tools

Contract management

Job description

LIC is a farmer-owned co-operative that’s been supporting herd improvement in New Zealand’s dairy sector for more than 115 years. We’re focused on providing superior genetics, reliable testing and diagnostics, integrated on-farm software, and great customer service, all designed to help farmers make smarter decisions every day.

As a proud generational co-operative, we’re here for farmers, their families, and rural communities, not just for today, but for the future. And none of it happens without our people. Whether on farm, in the lab, or behind the scenes, every one of us plays a part in helping New Zealand farmers succeed.

Your Role

Join LIC's Research & Development team and help turn innovative science into practical solutions that create value for dairy farmers.

You’ll lead a portfolio of research projects, working with scientists, technical experts and stakeholders to ensure projects are delivered on time, within budget, and aligned with LIC’s strategic goals.

This is an opportunity to influence innovation, support customer success and help shape the future of New Zealand's dairy industry.

Your Key Focus

Successfully manage a portfolio of scientific and business projects by:

• Leading and coordinating research projects from planning through to delivery.
• Ensuring project milestones, budgets, timelines and reporting requirements are achieved.
• Providing leadership and oversight across a portfolio of scientific projects.
• Developing budgets, maintaining forecasts, and supporting effective resource planning.
• Facilitating collaboration across project teams and stakeholders.
• Managing contracts and external service providers.
• Supporting the protection of LIC’s intellectual property and freedom to operate.

Your Key Skills & Experience

• Experience managing projects or delivering complex programmes of work.
• Tertiary qualification in Applied Science, Science, Agriculture or a related field (preferred).
• Strong communication, stakeholder engagement and influencing skills.
• Experience coordinating internal resources, contractors and external partners.
• Well-developed organisational, planning and problem-solving abilities.
• Strategic thinker who can balance big-picture outcomes with day-to-day delivery.
• Adaptable, proactive and comfortable working in a changing environment.
• Experience conducting scientific trials is advantageous.
• An interest in science, innovation and agricultural research.
• The ability to build a strong understanding of New Zealand farming systems.
• A passion for developing solutions that support the future success of the dairy industry.

In Return

Based 10 minutes from Hamilton, in a semi-rural location, the role provides the opportunity for a lifestyle change for those seeking a better work‑life balance and wanting to escape the 'rat race' and cost of living in bigger cities. Alternatively, we are open to flexible working arrangements.

In addition to a competitive salary, you’ll receive some great benefits including:

• Extra leave days
• Flexible working options
• Discounted health, life, income and disability insurances
• Access to our employee shares scheme
• Wellbeing discounts
• Free onsite parking
• Our Hamilton office is located in a park‑like setting, with tennis court, pool, and onsite café and social club!

The role provides the opportunity to join a progressive and forward‑thinking agri‑tech organisation, where you’ll play a key role in driving the future of dairy in NZ and around the globe.