SENIOR MANAGER : RESEARCH - ANIMAL HEALTH AND PROTECTION (FIVE (5) YEARS RENEWABLE FIXED-TERM C[...]

The Agricultural Research Council; Gauteng; On-site; ZAR 300 000 - 400 000; Full time

Job summary

A leading agricultural research institution in Gauteng is seeking an experienced professional to manage resources, implement strategic plans, and oversee organizational performance. The ideal candidate will lead research agendas, ensure compliance, and promote stakeholder engagement while enhancing operational efficiencies. This role demands strong leadership skills and a commitment to ethical standards, ensuring excellent service delivery and continuity in operations.

Responsibilities

• Managing budgetary and resource allocation decisions to support the institution's mission and goals.
• Identifying and implementing process improvements and operational efficiencies.
• Collaborating with Executive Manager to develop and execute strategic plans.
• Lead and direct the Institute’s Research and Management Agenda.
• Collaborating in overseeing shared services functions within the institution.
• Ensuring policies and regulations are effectively communicated and adhered to.
• Monitoring key performance indicators (KPIs) to assess performance.
• Identifying and mitigating operational risks and challenges.
• Building and maintaining positive relationships with stakeholders.
• Promoting the adoption of innovative technologies and practices.
• Implementing plans for emergency response and disaster recovery.
• Ensuring compliance with relevant laws and ethical standards.
• Overseeing personnel, including hiring, training, and performance management.
• Collaborating on financial health, budget, and cost management.
• Providing updates to executive leadership and stakeholders.
• Handling internal conflicts and disputes effectively.
• Leading the response to crises and emergencies.
• Upholding and promoting ethical standards within the organisation.
• Engaging with stakeholders to understand their needs.

Job description

Responsibilities

• Resource Allocation : Managing budgetary and resource allocation decisions to support the institution's mission and goals.
• Process Improvement : Identifying and implementing process improvements and operational efficiencies to enhance service delivery and reduce costs.
• Strategic Planning : Collaborating with Executive Manager : Animals and Biotechnology to develop and execute strategic plans that align with the institution's mission and vision.
• Lead and Direct : Lead and Direct the Institute’s Research and Management Agenda.
• Shared Services Management : Collaborating with the Executive Manager : Shared Services / Corporate Support, in overseeing the shared services functions within the institution, ensuring they operate cohesively and meet their respective objectives.
• Policy Implementation : Ensuring that policies, procedures, and regulations are effectively communicated and adhered to throughout the Institute.
• Performance Evaluation : Monitoring key performance indicators (KPIs) and metrics to assess the institution's performance and make data-driven decisions.
• Risk Management : Identifying and mitigating operational risks and challenges that could impact the institution's mission or reputation.
• Stakeholder Relations : Building and maintaining positive relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
• Innovation and Technology : Promoting the adoption of innovative technologies and practices to enhance service delivery and operational effectiveness.
• Emergency Response and Continuity Planning : Implementing plans for emergency response, business continuity, and disaster recovery.
• Compliance and Legal Affairs : Ensuring that the institution complies with all relevant laws, regulations, and ethical standards.
• Human Resources Management : Collaborating with Human Capital Business Partner, oversee personnel, including hiring, training, and performance management, to maintain a skilled and motivated workforce.
• Financial Management : Collaborating with Finance Business Partner, oversee Institute’s finances and financial health, budget and cost management and financial reporting.
• Communication and Reporting : Providing regular updates to Executive leadership, governing boards, and other stakeholders on operational performance and progress toward goals.
• Conflict Resolution : Handling internal conflicts and disputes within the Institute in a fair and constructive manner.
• Crisis Management : Leading the institution's response to crises or emergencies, coordinating efforts to mitigate negative impacts.
• Ethical Leadership : Upholding and promoting ethical standards and values within the organisation, setting a positive example for all employees.
• Stakeholder Engagement : Engaging with Stakeholders to understand their needs and concerns and ensuring the institution's services are responsive to those needs.