Job Description

The ARC- Vegetable, Industrial and Medicinal Plants (ARC-VIMP) seeks to appoint a highly skilled, experienced, and dynamic person to the following positions at Roodeplaat, Pretoria:

• Assess the commercial potential of innovations or inventions.
• Conduct market research and competitive analysis.
• Perform technical and commercial due diligence.
• Manage the transition from research to development to commercialization.
• Develop commercialization strategies (e.g., licensing, startup creation, partnerships).
• Define business models and go-to-market plans.
• Identify and engage potential industry partners or licensees.
• Negotiate terms for licensing, spinouts, and collaboration agreements.
• Assist in the creation of spinouts, including business plan development and investor engagement.
• Provide input on governance, funding, and operational models.
• Work with IP/legal teams to manage patents, trademarks, and other intellectual property assets.
• Support patent filing decisions based on commercial relevance.
• Liaise with researchers, investors, legal teams, and business development units.
• Build and manage industry and investor relationships.
• Write reports, pitch decks, and funding proposals.

Job Requirements

• Relevant PhD or DSc in Agricultural Economics/ Business Administration or Management or related field or a Masters's degree with MBA/MBL 10 years relevant experience.
• Additional qualification in Business Development, IP Law, or Commercial Law is advantageous.
• Minimum 8 years of experience in Agribusiness development, commercialization of agricultural products or technologies, value chain development and market research and entry strategies.
• Understanding of R&D processes and product development cycles.
• At least 8 years of experience in agribusiness development, commercialization projects.
• Income generation to a level of at least r10 million or more.
• Proven record of accomplishment of being an invited international speaker or being involved/ invited as participant in international events of high importance.
• Proven track record of accomplishment for generating external income for programme and project in programme.
• Proven track record of development of new varieties and registration of BPR.
• Proven track record of strategic and operational planning skills and expertise registration with a scientific and professional body will be an added advantage.
• Management qualification will be added advantage.
• Minimum 25 peer reviewed publications. Meets peer norm requirements for specific field of expertise, with a minimum (on average) of three peer-reviewed publications per year. Minimum 25 peer reviewed publications at date of appointment.
• Registration with a scientific and professional body will be an added advantage.
• Experience in commercial strategy development and go to market planning.
• Awareness of market trends and competitor analysis.
• Ability to assess market viability, commercial potential, and business model.
• Strong communication and researchers, legal teams, investors, and business partners.
• Ability to work with legal teams on licensing agreements, contracts, MTAs and NDAs.
• Proven ability to negotiate, influence, and build strategic partnership.
• Excellence project planning, budgeting, and timeline management skills.
• Experience working with agribusiness will be added as advantage.
• Good ability to write proposals and investors communication.
• Strategic thinking and problem-solving ability.
• Entrepreneurial mindset and self-motivated.
• Familiar with local, regional, and international agricultural markets.
• Knowledge of regulatory frameworks affecting agricultural trade.
• Proficiency in Microsoft office, customer relationship management (CRM), or project management tools.
• Experience with startup ecosystems, venture capital, or spinouts is highly valuable.
• Valid driver's license.

Enquiries: Dr Lerato Matsaunyane, Tel: (012) 808 800
CLOSING DATE FOR APPLICATION: 31 JANUARY 2026
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 and preference will be given to designated groups 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.
Applications accompanied by covering letter, detailed CV (Including certified copies of certificates, supporting documents, copy of driver's license and at least three contactable referees) must be attached on the form.
SAQA evaluation report must accompany foreign qualifications. Incomplete applications will not be considered. 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.
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Skills Required