R&D Program Lead, Dairy Tech & Innovation

LIC; Otago; On-site; NZD 110,000 - 150,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Extra leave days

Flexible working options

Discounted health, life, income and

Job summary

LIC is a farmer-owned co-operative with a long history of supporting dairy herd improvement in New Zealand. Join LIC's Research & Development team to turn innovative science into practical solutions that create value for dairy farmers.

You’ll lead a portfolio of research projects, collaborating with scientists and stakeholders to deliver on time, within budget, and aligned with LIC's strategic goals. Bases 10 minutes from Hamilton in a semi-rural location, the role offers a lifestyle change with

Qualifications

• Experience managing projects or delivering complex programmes.
• Tertiary qualification in Applied Science, Science, Agriculture or related field.
• 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 a portfolio of scientific and business projects by planning through 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.

Skills

Project management

Stakeholder engagement

Communication skills

Resource coordination

Organisational planning

Strategic thinking

Adaptable

Scientific trials

Interest in science

NZ farming systems

Education

Applied science degree

Agriculture background

Related field

Job description

LIC is a farmer-owned co-operative with a long history of supporting dairy herd improvement in New Zealand. Join LIC's Research & Development team to turn innovative science into practical solutions that create value for dairy farmers.

You’ll lead a portfolio of research projects, collaborating with scientists and stakeholders to deliver on time, within budget, and aligned with LIC's strategic goals. Bases 10 minutes from Hamilton in a semi-rural location, the role offers a lifestyle change with