Director of Agricultural Research and Innovation

Placements24; Sandton; Hybrid; ZAR 350,000 - 600,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Bonus potential

Stock options

Health coverage

Retirement planning

Job summary

Placements24 is recruiting a Director of Agricultural Research and Innovation for a fully remote role. You will shape our R&D strategy, lead a global team of scientists, and drive the development of innovative agricultural technologies and crop solutions.

The position requires a Ph.D. with 15+ years in agricultural R&D and at least 5 years in leadership. You will manage budgets, foster partnerships, and ensure regulatory compliance while delivering strategic outcomes from a remote work setting.

Qualifications

• PhD in Agronomy, Plant Science, Biotechnology, Agricultural Engineering, or a related science discipline.
• Minimum 15 years in agricultural R&D with at least 5 years in senior leadership.
• Proven track record of leading R&D initiatives to market.
• Deep knowledge of modern agricultural science and emerging technologies.
• Ability to develop and implement strategic research roadmaps.
• Exceptional leadership and communication skills.
• Experience managing budgets and R&D portfolios.
• Strong global network in agricultural research.
• Proven ability to thrive in remote work environments.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute a long-term R&D strategy aligned with business objectives.
• Lead and manage a global team of scientists and technical experts.
• Oversee the full R&D lifecycle from ideation to commercialization.
• Identify trends, tech advancements, and market opportunities in agriculture.
• Establish collaborations with universities and industry partners.
• Allocate R&D budgets and resources effectively.
• Foster a culture of innovation and scientific rigor.
• Oversee IP management including patent filings.
• Ensure compliance with scientific, ethical, and regulatory standards.
• Communicate R&D progress to executives and the board.

Skills

PhD in Agronomy/Plant Science

Leadership experience

R&D strategy

Budget management

Education

PhD

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leading agribusiness conglomerate with a global footprint and a strong commitment to innovation, is seeking a visionary Director of Agricultural Research and Innovation, to be based remotely. This executive leadership role will shape the future of the company's R&D strategy, driving the development of groundbreaking agricultural technologies, sustainable practices, and novel crop solutions. The Director will oversee a portfolio of research projects, foster strategic partnerships, and champion a culture of scientific excellence and continuous improvement. This is a pivotal, fully remote position for a leader passionate about transforming agriculture through cutting-edge science and forward-thinking strategy.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and execute a comprehensive long-term research and innovation strategy aligned with the company's business objectives.
• Lead and manage a global team of scientists, researchers, and technical experts across various disciplines.
• Oversee the entire R&D lifecycle, from ideation and experimental design to product development and commercialization.
• Identify emerging scientific trends, technological advancements, and market opportunities relevant to agriculture.
• Establish and manage strategic collaborations with universities, research institutions, and industry partners.
• Ensure the effective allocation of R&D budgets and resources to maximize impact and ROI.
• Foster a culture of innovation, collaboration, and scientific rigor within the R&D department.
• Oversee intellectual property management, including patent filings and protection of proprietary technologies.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant scientific, ethical, and regulatory standards.
• Communicate R&D strategies, progress, and outcomes to executive leadership, the board, and other stakeholders.

Requirements

• A Ph.D. in Agronomy, Plant Science, Biotechnology, Agricultural Engineering, or a related scientific discipline.
• A minimum of 15 years of progressive experience in agricultural research and development, with at least 5 years in a senior leadership or directorial role.
• Proven track record of successfully leading R&D initiatives and bringing innovative agricultural products or technologies to market.
• Extensive knowledge of modern agricultural science, including genetics, crop physiology, sustainable farming systems, and emerging technologies.
• Demonstrated ability to develop and implement strategic research roadmaps.
• Exceptional leadership, team management, and communication skills.
• Experience in managing budgets and R&D portfolios.
• Strong network within the global agricultural research community.
• Proven ability to thrive and lead effectively in a remote work environment.
• Excellent strategic thinking and problem-solving capabilities.

Benefits

This is a remote executive position offering a highly competitive salary, commensurate with extensive experience and leadership capabilities, alongside a comprehensive executive benefits package including significant bonus potential, stock options, extensive health coverage, and retirement planning. This role offers the unique opportunity to shape the future of agriculture on a global scale, driving innovation and sustainability from a flexible, remote work setting.