Senior Research Manager

Vilama - Business, HR and Tax Consulting; Johannesburg; On-site; ZAR 800,000 - 1,200,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading consulting firm in Johannesburg is seeking a Senior Manager for Research to lead a vital division. This leadership role demands strategic oversight in research, ensuring operational excellence, and effective collaboration across departments. The ideal candidate holds a PhD in Life Sciences with extensive management experience, ensuring the organization meets its strategic goals.

Qualifications

• 5 years post-qualification experience in managing Research and Development at senior level.
• Demonstrable record of project management, partnership development, and collaboration.
• Experience in budget formulation and financial management is mandatory.

Responsibilities

• Managing budgetary and resource allocation decisions.
• Overseeing Institute’s research and management agenda.
• Monitoring KPIs and making data-driven decisions.

Skills

Strategic Thinking

Problem-Solving

Leadership

Negotiation Skills

Risk Management

Education

PhD in Life Sciences or equivalent

Bachelor Degree in Veterinary Science/Equivalent

Job description

Role Purpose:

Be a senior leader in the organization and overseeing on of the Research Divisions in the organisation. Manage and ensure established collaborations with the support divisions and manage the team in the Division to produce sound research as guided by the organization and its strategic targets..

Key Performance Area

• 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 relevant Executive Manager to develop and execute strategic plans that align with the institution's mission and vision.
• Lead and Direct the Institute's Research and Management Agenda.
• Shared Services Management: Collaborating with the Executive Manager: Shared Services/ Corporate Support to oversee 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, to 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 ensure the institution's services are responsive to those needs.

Qualifications and Experience Indicator

• Bachelor Degree in Veterinary Science/Equivalent (Veterinarian), with a PhD in Life Sciences or equivalent doctoral degree (e.g. Immunology, Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Microbiology or Vaccinology) mandatory required. 5 years post-qualification experience in managing Research and Development and Service Delivery at senior level
• Registration with SAVC is an essential requirement.
• 10 years management experience in service delivery and research and development at middle management level will also be considered an added advantage.
• Demonstrable record of research and development, service delivery, project management, partnership development and collaboration.
• Experience in budget formulation and financial management is mandatory required.
• High level experience in management of human resources will be an added advantage.
• Valid driver's license is mandatory required.

Knowledge / Skills / Other characteristics

• Strategic Thinking: Ability to develop and implement long-term financial projections for a Unit or Division.
• Financial Acumen: Strong understanding of financial principles, practices, and regulations
• Leadership: Ability to lead and develop high-performing teams.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Problem-Solving: Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Attention to Detail: High level of accuracy and attention to detail in Research and management of tasks.
• Positive attitude and team player.
• Ability to work independently manage a division with less or no supervision.
• Proficient in multitasking and prioritizing tasks.
• Risk management
• Flexibility and Adaptability
• Project management
• Negotiation skills
• Ethical conduct
• Change Management
• Technology Proficiency
• Good communication (written and verbal) skills.
• Good communication (written and verbal) skills.
• Good negotiation and interpersonal skills

Operational Excellence:

• Produce presentable accurate and high-quality work at all times
• Follow processes without fail
• Produce new initiatives / processes to improve on all-round effectiveness and performance of a research unit
• Uphold high personal and ethical standards
• High level of professionalism and emotional intelligence
• Ability to build trust, Respect, confidentiality
• Hands-on and practical approach with attention to detail
• Service delivery attitude

Please Note: When applying, send e mail to [e-mail] please state (Senior Manager Research) on the subject line for ease of reference.

If you have not heard from us after 2 weeks from the closing date of the advert, please consider your application unsuccessful. Thank you for your interest, we wish you well in your career and future endeavors.