Job Description

A dynamic Agricultural Seed Producer is seeking an experienced Research Manager to be responsible for driving cutting-edge research initiatives. The Research Manager will lead projects to enhance market intelligence, develop data-driven strategies for seed product development, and foster innovation through collaboration with internal teams and external partners. This role demands strong leadership, expertise in agricultural research, and robust project management skills to deliver impactful results in the row crop seed industry.
Minimum requirements for the role:

• Must have a Bachelor's degree in a relevant field (e.g., Agronomy, Agricultural Science, Plant Breeding, Data Science, or related discipline)
• Master's degree in research, data analysis, or a specialized field (e.g., Crop Science, Agricultural Economics) is highly advantageous
• Minimum 5 years' experience in research methodology, data analysis, and project management, preferably in the agricultural or seed industry
• Proven experience leading research projects related to row crop seed or agronomy
• Strong leadership and team management skills to oversee multiple research initiatives
• Proficiency in research methodologies, statistical analysis, and tools/software relevant to agricultural data (e.g., R, SPSS, or similar)
• Exceptional project management skills, with experience managing budgets, timelines, and cross-functional teams
• Excellent communication and presentation skills to convey complex research findings to diverse audiences, including farmers, industry partners, and company leadership
• Knowledge of South African agriculture, row crop seed markets, and agronomic practices is advantageous
• Ability to collaborate effectively with internal teams and external stakeholders, including research institutions and agricultural communities

The successful candidate will be responsible for:

• Leading and coordinating research projects focused on row crop seed to enhance market intelligence and support competitive advantage.
• Developing data-driven strategies to inform the development of innovative seed products tailored to South African agricultural needs.
• Collaborating with internal teams (e.g., product development, sales, and marketing) and external partners (e.g., farmers, research institutions) to drive innovation in row crop seed solutions.
• Designing and implementing research methodologies to evaluate seed performance, agronomic traits, and market trends.
• Managing project timelines, budgets, and resources to ensure timely and successful delivery of research initiatives.
• Analyzing and interpreting data to provide actionable insights and recommendations to stakeholders.
• Presenting research findings to internal teams, leadership, and external partners to guide strategic decision-making.
• Staying updated on industry trends, advancements in seed technology, and agricultural practices in South Africa.

Please note that subsequent to the screening and shortlisting process, all further communication will be entered into, only with the shortlisted candidates