Strategic Leader, Agricultural R&D & Industry Impact

Mayfly Agri; Gauteng; On-site; ZAR 1,800,000 - 2,400,000; Full time

Job summary

Mayfly Agri in South Africa seeks a senior leader to drive long-term R&D strategy across Production, Risk Mitigation, and Post-Harvest. You will oversee budgeting, governance, and funding, while coordinating with universities, government, and industry partners to translate research into practical outcomes.

You will mentor research staff, lead the R&D Committee, and present to Management and the Board on portfolio performance and strategic priorities, advancing the national macadamia sector.

Qualifications

• Requires PhD advantageous
• Minimum 8–10 years' relevant experience in agricultural research, applied science or research programme management
• Experience managing multidisciplinary research programmes/projects
• Budget, contracts and funding agreement experience
• Strong stakeholder-management with universities, research institutions, government and industry
• Sufficient scientific credibility to engage with senior researchers and technical specialists
• Strong governance, governance and strategic-planning capabilities
• Ability to translate scientific research into practical outcomes and value for industry
• Valid driver’s license and willingness to travel when required

Responsibilities

• Develop long-term R&D strategy aligned with the organisation’s strategy, MOI, and levy objectives.
• Identify industry priorities and emerging risks.
• Prepare annual operational plans, research roadmaps, and portfolio reviews.
• Advise CEO, COO, R&D Committee and Board on strategic research matters.
• Manage the complete research portfolio across Production, Risk Mitigation, and Post-Harvest.
• Oversee project selection, contracting, implementation, monitoring, and close-out.
• Monitor milestones, budgets, risks, deliverables, and project impact.
• Recommend continuation, amendment, or termination of projects.
• Lead the R&D Committee and coordinate all Sub-Committees.
• Prepare agendas, Board submissions, recommendations, minutes, and action registers.
• Maintain research governance frameworks, policies, and quality assurance systems.
• Ensure compliance with contracts, IP provisions, and funding conditions.
• Develop and manage the annual research budget.
• Monitor expenditure, forecasts, and project cash flows.
• Approve research payments within delegated authority.
• Provide financial and portfolio reports to Management and the Board.
• Develop strategic relationships with universities, research institutions, government, processors, growers, and international partners.
• Identify and secure external funding opportunities.
• Negotiate research collaborations and co-funding agreements.
• Lead the translation of research into practical industry outputs.
• Coordinate technical publications, project summaries, field guides, study groups, MacDay sessions, and research networking events.
• Measure adoption and impact of research outcomes.
• Lead, mentor, and develop research staff.
• Develop KPIs and conduct performance reviews.
• Drive a high-performance research culture.
• Represent the organisation at scientific, technical, and government forums.
• Promote the interests of the South African macadamia industry nationally and internationally.

Education

M. Sc. or PhD in Agriculture, Horticulture, Plant Science, Plant Pathology, Entomology, Crop Science or related discipline

Job description

Mayfly Agri in South Africa seeks a senior leader to drive long-term R&D strategy across Production, Risk Mitigation, and Post-Harvest. You will oversee budgeting, governance, and funding, while coordinating with universities, government, and industry partners to translate research into practical outcomes.

You will mentor research staff, lead the R&D Committee, and present to Management and the Board on portfolio performance and strategic priorities, advancing the national macadamia sector.