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.