Senior Manager : Office Of The CEO - (Erratum) (Five (5) Years Fixed-Term Contract) (Central Of[...]

Agricultural Research Council; Pretoria; On-site; ZAR 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading agricultural research organization in Pretoria is looking for a Senior Manager for the Office of the CEO. This role involves providing high-level strategic support, assisting with performance oversight, and ensuring effective governance. The ideal candidate has extensive management experience with a strong background in strategic planning and stakeholder management. This is a five-year fixed-term contract with a focus on organizational growth and operational efficiency.

Qualifications

• Minimum 8 years’ management experience, with at least 5 years at senior leadership level.
• Proven track record in strategic planning, governance, and stakeholder management.
• Experience in interacting with Boards and Committees.

Responsibilities

• Provide high-level strategic, operational, and advisory support to the CEO.
• Lead and manage the strategy and planning team.
• Support the CEO in implementing strategic plans and initiatives.

Skills

Strategic planning

Stakeholder management

Leadership

Analytical skills

Communication

Education

NQF 8 qualification (Honours Degree / Postgraduate Diploma)

NQF 9 qualification (MBA / MBL)

Job description

Overview

Job title: Senior Manager : Office Of The CEO - (Erratum) (Five (5) Years Fixed-Term Contract) (Central Office Hatfield)

Job Location: Gauteng, Pretoria

Deadline: September 15, 2025

Job Purpose

The Senior Manager : Office of the CEO provides high-level strategic, operational, and advisory support to the CEO, ensuring organisational alignment, effective governance, and delivery of key initiatives. Acting as a trusted partner to the CEO, this role drives strategic planning, performance oversight, stakeholder engagement, and cross-divisional coordination to achieve ARC’s mission and growth objectives.

Strategic Planning and Monitoring

• Collaborate with executive leadership to define and refine the organisation’s strategic direction.
• Analyse internal and external factors impacting the business landscape, identifying emerging opportunities and risks.
• Develop strategic plans, roadmaps, and frameworks to guide organisational growth and long-term success.
• Develop, implement and maintain policies for performance management that incorporate aspects of monitoring and evaluation.
• Ensure alignment of the ARC monitoring and evaluation objectives to that of various government policy frameworks and acceptable best practice standards / codes.
• Monitor and evaluate organisational performance, oversee performance reporting, and ensure alignment with strategic objectives.
• Lead and manage the strategy and planning team, providing guidance, support, and mentoring.

Market and Internal Performance Analysis

• Conduct comprehensive market, industry, customer, and competitor analyses to inform strategic decision-making.
• Evaluate organisational performance, identifying areas for improvement and optimisation.
• Recommend strategic initiatives to drive revenue growth and enhance operational efficiency.
• Develop and utilise key performance indicators (KPIs) to track progress towards strategic outcomes.

Strategy Implementation and Leadership

• Support the CEO in implementing strategic plans and initiatives in line with the organisation’s mission and goals.
• Oversee the execution of activities outlined in the organisational strategic plan, ensuring effective implementation.

Stakeholder Management

• Build and maintain relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
• Collaborate with external research organisations to position the organisation as a leader in South Africa’s national agricultural research system.
• Provide administrative leadership for partnerships and collaborations with external stakeholders.

Communication and Reporting

• Act as a key point of contact for communication between the CEO and various stakeholders.
• Prepare reports, presentations, and correspondence on behalf of the CEO.

Financial Management

• Assist the CEO in financial planning, budgeting, and monitoring of financial performance.
• Ensure financial sustainability and efficiency through effective financial oversight.

Operational Oversight

• Work with divisional heads to ensure alignment with organisational outcomes
• Monitor performance, identify areas for improvement, and implement operational strategies.

Reporting and Presentation

• Prepare and present reports, findings, and recommendations to senior leadership and key stakeholders.
• Develop performance dashboards and reports to track key metrics and inform decision-making.

Project Management

• Manage and oversee key projects and initiatives, ensuring timely delivery within budget and scope.

Strategic Support to the CEO

• Provide direct support to the CEO in achieving key organisational strategic objectives.
• Identify and drive continuous business improvement initiatives aligned with strategic goals.

Requirements

• NQF 8 qualification (Honours Degree / Postgraduate Diploma in Business Management, Economics, Public Administration, Agriculture or Science).
• Minimum 8 years’ management experience, with at least 5 years at senior leadership level.
• Proven track record in strategic planning, governance, and stakeholder management.
• Experience in interacting with Boards and Committees.
• NQF 9 qualification (MBA / MBL, or equivalent) would be an added advantage.
• Experience working in science / research environment would be an added advantage.
• Strong analytical, communication, and leadership skills, with the ability to influence at the highest levels.

Closing Date

CLOSING DATE FOR APPLICATIONS : 12 SEPTEMBER 2025

Administrative / Management jobs