Research & Development Manager (Fertilizer)

Agritalent; Gauteng; On-site; ZAR 800 000 - 1 200 000; Full time

Job summary

A multinational agri-business seeks an experienced Research & Development Manager to lead and innovate in fertilizer product development. Ideal candidates will hold a Master's Degree and possess over 10 years of experience in the Agriculture industry, with a focus on team leadership and scientific research. Responsibilities include coordinating cross-functional research, driving product improvement, and ensuring the company remains at the forefront of technology in the industry.

Qualifications

• Master's Degree in a relevant field.
• Minimum of 10 years' experience in the Agriculture Industry.
• 5+ years of team leadership experience.
• Fluency in Afrikaans, English, or French advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Lead the formulation and development of new fertilizer products.
• Evaluate opportunities to enhance fertilizer effectiveness.
• Define and implement an R&D roadmap aligned with business goals.
• Design trial protocols and manage research projects.
• Troubleshoot technical issues during production phases.
• Mentor junior team members.

Skills

Scientific discovery

Project management

Team leadership

Biotechnology knowledge

Problem-solving skills

Data analysis

Innovative mindset

Education

Master's Degree in Biotechnology or Agronomy

Job description

Introduction

An Agritalent client, a multinational agriusiness, seeks a Research & Development Manager to lead and oversee the development of innovative fertilizer products that meet market needs.

This role drives scientific discovery, product improvement and process optimization by coordinating cross‑functional research efforts, collaborating with internal teams and external partners.

This role will encompass working for all geographic areas of the Company's presence.

The R&D Manager ensures that the company remains at the forefront of fertilizer technology.

Duties & Responsibilities

Lead the formulation and development of new fertilizer products.

• Evaluate opportunities that will enhance the effectiveness of fertilizers by improving crop performance.
• Perform project and product feasibility studies.
• Define and implement an R&D roadmap aligned with business goals and market trends in order to define short- and long-term projects.
• Apply scientific methods to support research findings.
• Design trial protocols, oversee the management of the research projects, analyse data and write reports within required timelines; maintain good documentation practices for protocols and reports, develop SOPs.
• Support product registration process.
• Troubleshoot technical issues during production phases.
• Hands‑on involvement with experiments in the laboratory, greenhouse and field trials.
• Manage the routine activities in the laboratory.
• Foster a culture of innovation, safety and continuous learning and collaboration within the R&D department.
• Improve the knowledge of biotechnology within the agronomic team.
• Lead and mentor junior members of the team.
• Allocate resources, manage R&D budgets, and track project timelines.
• Bring world class trends to the business.

Desired Experience & Qualification

Master's Degree in a field of Biotechnology (Biochemistry, Microbiology, Plant Physiology) or Traditional Agronomy. A minimum of 10 years' experience in the Agriculture Industry. 5+ years of experience leading teams. Fluent in Afrikaans / English / French would be advantageous. Remain up to date in your area of specialty or expertise.

• Apply a body of knowledge and experience to current business situations in order to add value and improve business efficiencies and profitability.
• Apply technical or specialist expertise and experience for the benefit of the organization and consider the context in which these are applied.

Ensure that your functional expertise supports that of other experts, rather than being in competition with them (e.g. colleagues).