Head: R&D Management

Mintek Pty Ltd.; Randburg; On-site; ZAR 1,200,000 - 1,800,000; Full time

Job summary

Mintek seeks to appoint an experienced leader who can shape the way the organisation manages, develops and grows its research and innovation enterprise. Reporting to the Executive Manager: RDI Operational Services, the Head: R&D Management will work with technical and functional leaders to strengthen research capability and position Mintek for sustained impact.

The role focuses on integrating R&D strategy, governance, infrastructure, integrity and partnerships to support growth and excellence in

Qualifications

• Masters in Science or Engineering required.
• 8–10 years in a research or knowledge-based organisation; 5+ years in R&D management.
• Strong leadership, stakeholder management, negotiation and communication capabilities.
• Experience in financial, HR, risk management and R&D management processes.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development and implementation of an integrated R&D management strategy aligned to Mintek’s strategic priorities.
• Translate strategic priorities into practical frameworks, governance mechanisms and measurable outcomes.
• Establish and continuously improve policies, systems, processes and tools that enable effective and efficient management of the R&D portfolio.
• Provide strategic leadership in strengthening research capacity across SET Human Capital Programmes.
• Provide strategic direction for the development and effective utilisation of world-class research infrastructure and environments.
• Ensure that research information assets, physical and virtual environments, and supporting capabilities enable high-quality research and innovation.
• Champion a culture of research excellence, integrity and accountability across the organisation.
• Build relationships across government, academia, industry and other stakeholders.
• Identify opportunities to enhance Mintek's visibility, networks and influence and grow revenue base for R&D funding.
• Provide strategic leadership and support in the negotiation and management of significant enterprise-level R&D funding grants.

Skills

Leadership

Stakeholder management

Negotiation

Communication skills

Presentation skills

Strategic thinking

Education

Master's degree in Science or Engineering

PhD in Science or Engineering

Job description

Industry: Scientific, Research & Development

Job category: Others: RandD, Science and Scientific Research

Location: Randburg

Contract: Permanent

Remuneration: Market Related

EE position: Yes

Introduction

Mintek seeks to appoint an experienced leader who can shape the way the organisation manages, develops and grows its research and innovation enterprise. Reporting to the Executive Manager: RDI Operational Services, the Head: R&D Management will work with technical and functional leaders to strengthen research capability, optimise the R&D portfolio, build strategic partnerships and position Mintek for sustained research impact.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

R&D Strategy and Portfolio Management:

• Lead the development and implementation of an integrated R&D management strategy aligned to Mintek’sstrategic priorities.
• Translate strategic priorities into practical frameworks, governance mechanisms and measurable outcomes.
• Establish and continuously improve policies, systems, processes and tools that enable effective and efficientmanagement of the R&D portfolio.

Research Capacity and Infrastructure:

• Provide strategic leadership in strengthening research capacity across Science, Engineering, & Technology(SET) Human Capital Programmes.
• Provide strategic direction for the development and effective utilisation of world-class research infrastructureand research environments.
• Ensure that research information assets, physical and virtual environments, and supporting capabilitiesenable high-quality research and innovation.

Research Excellence and Integrity:

• Champion a culture of research excellence, integrity and accountability across the organisation.
• Ensure that research management practices support both institutional priorities and recognised standardsof research excellence and integrity.

Strategic Partnerships:

• Build relationships across government, academia, industry and other relevant research and innovationstakeholders.
• Work closely with technical division leadership to identify and pursue opportunities that enhance Mintek'svisibility, networks and influence.
• Contribute to strategies that grow and diversify Mintek's revenue base to support sustainable investment inR&D and research infrastructure.
  
• Provide strategic leadership and support in the negotiation and management of significant enterprise-levelR&D funding grants.

QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE:

• Minimum - Masters in Science or Engineering related field.
• Ideal - PhD in a Science or Engineering related field.
• Minimum 8 - 10 years’ experience in a research or knowledge-based organisation; a proven track record of atleast five (5) years in R&D management; management and execution of research projects, incubating new initiatives, and conceptualising R&D policies.
• Experience in financial, HR, risk management, and R&D management processes.
• Strong leadership, stakeholder management, negotiation and communication capabilities.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills.
• Sound understanding of the national and international R&D funding landscape.