Job Description

Job Purpose:
The Senior Manager: Office of the CEO provides high-level strategic, operational, and advisory support to the CEO, ensuring organisational alignment, effective governance, and delivery of key initiatives. Acting as a trusted partner to the CEO, this role drives strategic planning, performance oversight, stakeholder engagement, and cross-divisional coordination to achieve ARC's mission and growth objectives.
Strategic Planning and Monitoring

• Collaborate with executive leadership to define and refine the organisation's strategic direction.
• Analyse internal and external factors impacting the business landscape, identifying emerging opportunities and risks.
• Develop strategic plans, roadmaps, and frameworks to guide organisational growth and long-term success.
• Develop, implement and maintain policies for performance management that incorporate aspects of monitoring and evaluation.
• Ensure alignment of the ARC monitoring and evaluation objectives to that of various government policy frameworks and acceptable best practice standards/codes.
• Monitor and evaluate organisational performance, oversee performance reporting, and ensure alignment with strategic objectives.
• Lead and manage the strategy and planning team, providing guidance, support, and mentoring.

Market and Internal Performance Analysis

• Conduct comprehensive market, industry, customer, and competitor analyses to inform strategic decision-making.
• Evaluate organisational performance, identifying areas for improvement and optimisation.
• Recommend strategic initiatives to drive revenue growth and enhance operational efficiency.
• Develop and utilise key performance indicators (KPIs) to track progress towards strategic outcomes.

Strategy Implementation and Leadership

• Support the CEO in implementing strategic plans and initiatives in line with the organisation's mission and goals.
• Oversee the execution of activities outlined in the organisational strategic plan, ensuring effective implementation.

Stakeholder Management

• Build and maintain relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
• Collaborate with external research organisations to position the organisation as a leader in South Africa's national agricultural research system.
• Provide administrative leadership for partnerships and collaborations with external stakeholders.

Communication and Reporting

• Act as a key point of contact for communication between the CEO and various stakeholders.
• Prepare reports, presentations, and correspondence on behalf of the CEO.

Financial Management

• Assist the CEO in financial planning, budgeting, and monitoring of financial performance.
• Ensure financial sustainability and efficiency through effective financial oversight.

Operational Oversight

• Work with divisional heads to ensure alignment with organisational outcomes
• Monitor performance, identify areas for improvement, and implement operational strategies.

Reporting and Presentation

• Prepare and present reports, findings, and recommendations to senior leadership and key stakeholders.
• Develop performance dashboards and reports to track key metrics and inform decision-making.

Project Management

• Manage and oversee key projects and initiatives, ensuring timely delivery within budget and scope.

Strategic Support to the CEO

• Provide direct support to the CEO in achieving key organisational strategic objectives.
• Identify and drive continuous business improvement initiatives aligned with strategic goals.

• NQF 8 qualification (Honours Degree/Postgraduate Diploma in Business Management, Economics, Public Administration, Agriculture or Science).
• Minimum 8 years' management experience, with at least 5 years at senior leadership level.
• Proven track record in strategic planning, governance, and stakeholder management.
• Experience in interacting with Boards and Committees.
• NQF 9 qualification (MBA/MBL, or equivalent) would be an added advantage.
• Experience working in science/research environment would be an added advantage.
• Strong analytical, communication, and leadership skills, with the ability to influence at the highest levels.

Enquiries: Dr Tebogo Sethibe, Tel (012) 427- 9727
CLOSING DATE FOR APPLICATIONS: 12 SEPTEMBER 2025
A 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 as well as competency and leadership assessments. Preference will be given to designated groups in terms of the ARC Employment Equity Plan. The Agricultural Research Council is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to the principles and processes of Employment Equity Act. Applications accompanied by a covering letter, detailed CV with at least three recent (3) contactable referees. Certified copies of certificates, supporting documents and a copy of driver's license must be attached on the form.

Skills Required