R&D Manager (South Africa)

DECCO Postharvest; Johannesburg; On-site; ZAR 600 000 - 900 000; Full time

Job summary

A leading agricultural firm in Johannesburg is seeking an experienced R&D Manager to lead innovation and technical excellence across operations. The role includes managing teams, coordinating product development, and providing vital technical support. The ideal candidate should hold a relevant MSc degree and have significant experience in the agricultural industry. Strong communication and project management skills are essential for success in this busy environment.

Qualifications

• Experience in R&D roles within the postharvest or agricultural industry.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and support innovation pipelines.
• Self-motivated and comfortable working independently or as part of a team.

Responsibilities

• Lead laboratory and field teams, ensuring high performance.
• Develop and implement testing protocols and validate products.
• Drive product development activities aligned with regional priorities.

Skills

Project management

Analytical skills

Communication skills

Technical expertise in chemistry

Education

MSc in Chemistry, Horticulture, or related field

Tools

MS Office (Excel, Word, Outlook)

Job description

Direct message the job poster from DECCO Postharvest

R&D Manager plays a pivotal role in driving innovation and delivering technical excellence across Decco's South African operations. Reporting directly to the Global R&D Head, this position manages laboratory and field teams, coordinates regional product development and validation projects, and provides technical support to commercial, marketing, and regulatory functions. The role also contributes actively to prioritized global initiatives and serves as a catalyst for Decco's regional strategic growth plan.

Job Responsibilities

Team Management, Coordination and Communication

Lead, develop, and mentor laboratory and field teams to ensure high performance and continuous learning.

Set clear objectives and KPIs, monitor performance, and foster a culture of accountability and innovation.

Develop and submit monthly reports detailing laboratory activities, project progress, and key milestones.

Design, validate, and implement testing protocols for laboratory, field, packhouse, and third‑party (CRO) studies.

Maintain up-to-date records, SOPs, and ensure timely procurement and upkeep of laboratory equipment and consumables.

Communicate R&D results effectively and in a timely manner to internal and external stakeholders.

Liaise and engage with university researchers, extension agents, consultants, startup partners, and customers to drive adoption of new products.

Collaborate with other regional managers to share learnings and align on project implementation.

Maintain proactive engagement with regulatory authorities, consultants, and industry associations to ensure compliance and manage registrations, renewals, and dossiers.

Technical Support to Region

Assume full accountability for resolving technical issues in the market, including product quality, equipment challenges, and customer inquiries.

Partner closely with the sales team and customers to provide timely technical assistance, documentation, certifications, and reports.

Lead technical meetings with customers to address product performance, testing needs, and troubleshooting.

Participate in seminars, congresses, and industry events in coordination with the formulation team.

Develop and guide robust testing plans and protocols, providing feedback on results and outcomes.

Conduct regular visits to customers, field trials, and packhouse locations to gather high-quality data and insights.

Drive product development activities from strategy through implementation, in alignment with regional and global priorities.

Plan and coordinate commercial and semi-commercial trials, including protocol design, packaging, and collaboration with growers.

Oversee product validation during packaging and generate comprehensive reports and recommendations.

Identify and expand applications of current products to new crops, segments, and countries.

Actively engage with third-party researchers and institutions for independent product validation opportunities.

Lead and report progress of global and regional trials, ensuring alignment and transparency.

Support fellow regional R&D Managers by sharing technical information, documentation, and trial data.

Contribute to special projects focused on biologicals, fungicides, and low-toxicity alternatives.

Competencies

Strategic Planning and Analysis

Ability to prioritize and manage multiple projects simultaneously.

Proactive in planning, executing, and tracking deliverables.

Technical Expertise

Strong attention to detail and high standards of quality.

Comfortable working with laboratory chemicals and analytical tools.

Proficiency in MS Office (Excel, Word, Outlook).

Communication and Interpersonal Skills

Strong oral and written communication skills in English.

Ability to influence, present effectively, and build relationships with diverse stakeholders.

Professionalism and Adaptability

Self‑motivated, organized, and results‑driven.

Comfortable working in a fast‑paced and changing environment.

Self‑directed and capable of working independently or as part of a cross‑functional team.

Education / Experience / Skills

MSc or higher degree (PhD preferred) in Chemistry, Horticulture, Plant Physiology, Formulation, or related disciplines.

Minimum 5 years' experience (max.12 years) in R&D roles within the postharvest or agricultural industry.

Demonstrated ability to manage complex projects and support both short‑term operational needs and long‑term innovation pipelines.

Strong analytical, problem‑solving, and project management capabilities.

Innovation mindset, eager to learn, adopt new technologies, and drive continuous improvement.

Seniority Level

Mid‑Senior level

Employment Type

Full‑time

Job Function

Research and Business Development

Industries

Chemical Manufacturing