Job Description

Strategic Leadership

• Lead the development and implementation of the Division's Research and Development (R&D) strategy in line with ARC's strategic objectives and national priorities.
• Translate the Division's business strategy into deliverables through Research and Development of products and services with clear impact on the agriculture sector.
• Provide leadership to interdisciplinary research within the Division and across ARC's institutes.

Research & Innovation

• Manage and coordinate high-quality research programmes in crops, natural resources and engineering, that enhance productivity, sustainability and competitiveness of the sector.
• Lead and develop a comprehensive institutional research programme across fruits, field crops, vegetables, medicinal and other plants.
• Identify research priority areas and ensure alignment with ARC's strategic goals and national priorities.
• Identify and follow up on opportunities for potential new business ventures and secure these.
• Ensure effective data management and sharing practices and infrastructure is in place across the Division.
• Promote scientific excellence through peer-reviewed publications, intellectual property generation and dissemination of research findings.

Stakeholder Engagement and Policy Support

• Foster strategic partnerships with government, industry, academia, and farming communities to translate research outputs into practical solutions and to inform policy in a way that leads to increased agricultural production and productivity.
• Integrate societal and sectoral needs into Crops and NRE Division's research priorities and ensure these are translated into scientific solutions.
• Provide strategic and sound management advice to ARC Executive management and Crops and NRE staff members on matters pertaining to Cluster activities.

Business Development and Commercialisation

• Identify, secure and manage new research, funding and commercialisation opportunities to grow ARC's impact and revenue streams.
• Identify and pursue potential new business ventures in collaborations with relevant ARC institutes.
• Market innovative products targeting new clients and expand offerings to existing clients.

Research Funding and Sustainability

• Lead and drive efforts to secure external Research funding ensure financial sustainability and research programmes.
• Strengthen donor, funder and partner relationships to support long-term institutional growth.

Operational Excellence

• Ensure effective management of people and performance across the Crops and NRE-Division.
• Oversee optimal utilisation and management of research facilities and infrastructure.
• Ensure effective financial management in compliance with PFMA and ARC policies and regulations.
• Manage projects and initiatives delegated by the ARC Executive Management or other key stakeholders to ensure delivery within scope, quality, time and budget.

Risk Management

• Identify, assess, monitor and report financial, operational, R&D risks across all the Division's units.
• Ensure compliance with ARC policies, funder requirements and national regulatory frameworks.

Other Responsibilities

• May be required to perform various ad hoc duties delegated by the Group Executive: Research and Innovation and/or Principal and Chief Executive Officer support achievement of ARC objectives and targets.

• A PhD or equivalent qualification in crop sciences, natural resources management, agricultural engineering, or a closely related agricultural or biological science discipline relevant to the ARC's research mandate.
• Registration with a relevant professional or scientific body will be an advantage.
• At least 8 years' post-PhD experience in a relevant scientific research environment, of which 5 years should have been at Senior Management level.
• Demonstrated research leadership within a scientific research environment.
• Proven experience in successfully leading and managing institutional research programmes.
• A strong track record of peer-reviewed publications or other research outputs, successful sourcing of research funding, and/or demonstrable sector impact.
• A good understanding of the agricultural sector and its regulatory environment.
• Experience in leading, managing and motivating high-performing teams at senior management level.
• Successful fund raising will be an advantage.

Enquiries: Dr Linda Mtwisha: arcrecruitment@arc.agric.za
CLOSING DATE FOR APPLICATIONS: 23 FEBRUARY 2026
Competitive remuneration package will be congruent with the scope, responsibilities, and the stature of the position. Competitive remuneration package will be congruent with the scope, responsibilities, and the stature of the position. The appointment will be subject to a positive security clearance, competency/leadership assessments and preference will be given to designated groups (including people with disabilities) in terms of the ARC Employment Equity Plan. Permanent appointments are subject to six (6) months' probation period. The Agricultural Research Council is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to the principles and processes of Employment Equity Act.
SAQA evaluation report must accompany foreign qualifications. Applicants who do not receive any response four (4) weeks after the closing date must regard their applications as unsuccessful. The company has the right not to appoint.

Skills Required