Impact Area Manager: Advanced Materials and Manufacturing

Kone Staffing Solutions; Pretoria; On-site; ZAR 300,000 - 400,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading staffing agency in Pretoria seeks a seasoned professional for a senior position focusing on research, development, and implementation strategies. The ideal candidate will have over 12 years of experience in RDI and a doctoral degree in materials sciences or engineering. Responsibilities include leading strategic initiatives, enhancing science and technology capabilities, and driving financial sustainability.

Qualifications

• 12+ years post-PhD experience in RDI and/or manufacturing.
• 8+ years of senior-level experience in the RDI sector.
• Proven skills in project leadership within RDI.

Responsibilities

• Contribute to the RDI strategy development.
• Provide strategic leadership within the Impact Area.
• Collaborate with teams to transfer technology to industry.

Skills

RDI project leadership

Strategic leadership

Industry engagement

SET capability building

Education

Doctoral degree in materials sciences or engineering

Job description

Job Responsibilities

• Contribute to the cluster research, development, and implementation (RDI) strategy in conjunction with the cluster leadership.
• Provide and coordinate strategic leadership within the Impact Area.
• Develop, provide, and motivate capacity to deliver on the cluster's strategy.
• Integrate complete solutions aligned with the Impact Area's focus.
• Develop and implement specific components of the RDI strategy for sub-sectors and impacts.
• Contribute to strategic investment goal setting and develop an RDI strategy for the Impact Area.
• Drive and implement a business plan for operation, sustainable growth, and impact.
• Promote staff development through strategic Human Capital initiatives to advance research careers and align with industrial needs.
• Enhance high-quality science, engineering, and technology (SET) expertise and capacity.
• Collaborate with business development and commercialization teams to:
• Transfer technology and solutions to industry and user environments.
• Implement business development and commercialization strategies.
• Package technologies for commercialization or develop investment-ready businesses through financial modeling, market assessment, and business development.
• Lead strategic stakeholder interactions, including international collaborations.
• Establish and service strategic alliances according to the RDI strategy.
• Drive financial sustainability of the Impact Area and attract funding.
• Integrate sector knowledge into multidimensional RDI programs to meet industry needs.
• Contribute to strategic investment planning and manage grant-funded projects and programs.
• Ensure delivery of SET outputs and maintain quality standards.

Minimum Requirements

• Doctoral degree in materials sciences, engineering, or related fields (Metallurgical, Mechanical, or Industrial Engineering).
• Minimum 12 years post-PhD experience in RDI and/or manufacturing.
• At least 8 years of senior-level experience in strategic leadership and/or business management within the RDI sector.
• Proven skills in RDI project leadership.
• Strong track record in engaging with target sectors strategically and understanding industry competitiveness drivers.
• Broad understanding of relevant technologies and their impact on competitiveness.
• Experience in SET capability building, including human capital development, R&D rigor, and infrastructure.