AddressAt Hort Innovation we are all about building a prosperous and sustainable future for Australia’s horticulture industry.
We invest millions of dollars into research & development, marketing, adoption, data and international trade initiatives.
Our team is passionate about Australian horticulture and innovation. We prioritise partnerships that deliver real impact and change on farm and beyond the farm gate.
Our company values underpin the culture of Hort Innovation and play an important role in defining the behaviors we collectively strive for. Please take a moment to watch the video featuring our people sharing their insights on our company values.
This position is open for placement in either the Sydney, Melbourne, or Brisbane offices. We currently have an opportunity to join the Hort Innovation team. The R&D Manager – Production will manage a suite of Hort Innovation R&D investments focused on Production and/or Breeding. The successful management of the R&D portfolio will result in world-class R&D being undertaken and delivered to the industry.
The role is focused on driving R&D investments in the area of Production and Breeding, including scoping, design, tendering, contracting, project management, and liaising with internal and external stakeholders.
Reporting into the Head of Production R&D, the R&D Manager contributes to the achievement of the Hort Innovation Strategic Plan and Industry Strategic Investment Plans by ensuring the delivery of high-impact R&D across the Australian horticultural sector.
Roles and Responsibilities
- Drive R&D investments to deliver new knowledge, tools and skills for Australian horticultural industries that address priority issues, and which are socially, environmentally, and economically sustainable.
- Manage R&D investments throughout the project lifecycle, from investment scoping and design, tendering through to project management and supporting the delivery of investment objectives.
- Identify opportunities for cross-sectoral, across horticulture and multi-industry R&D investments focused on Production and/or Breeding’, to enable ongoing and future grower profitability.
- Proactive collaboration on multiple fronts to ensure the R&D program is optimised and delivers on Strategic Investment Plans for horticultural industries.
Stakeholders to engage will include:
- Growers and industry representatives
- Delivery partners
- State and Commonwealth governments
- Hort Innovation colleagues including: R&D Managers across Production and Sustainability, Biosecurity and Trade; Industry Service and Delivery Managers; Investment Managers; Industry Analysis, Communications and Procurement.
- Other RDCs
- Ensuring R&D investments are designed and managed to deliver benefits to growers and industry.
- Accountability for best practice project management, with consideration to managing foreseeable risks and costs.
- Management of project-related Intellectual Property (IP) during the project lifecycle to ensure IP is documented and IP provisions in the Research Agreement align with Hort Innovation IP policy.
- Contribution to R&D initiatives and continuous improvement across the business.
Experience and Capability
The ideal candidate will have:
- Tertiary qualifications (Bachelor level or equivalent) in Agriculture or Science and with relevant industry experience
- Demonstrated understanding of the principles and application of R&D in horticultural production or agricultural systems
- Experience in research project management (minimum of 3 years)
- Strong subject matter expertise in applied crop production (e.g. crop physiology) and/or applied field breeding, including current research tools and trends
- Highly proactive and resourceful self-starter, with demonstrated problem solving skills
- highly developed interpersonal and communication skills including the ability to communicate complex concepts to diverse audiences
- Knowledge of Monitoring, Evaluation, Reporting and Improvement (MERI) frameworks and the impact pathway of agricultural R&D
- Excellent written skills and a high attention to detail
- Experience and understanding of other subject matter research areas in horticulture desirable, including a willingness to manage investments in other research areas
- Capacity to build and maintain productive relationships with a diverse stakeholder group, both internally and externally
- Understanding of commercialisation and implementation of research outcomes, with a commercial outcomes focused mindset
What you'll get
- Capacity Competitive salary
- Hybrid work environment
- Salary sacrificing
- One extra leave day between Christmas and New Year
- Seasonal vaccinations
- Ongoing professional development opportunities
- Reward and recognition program
- Wellbeing focus including free access to an Employee Assistance Program plus other tools and resources
- A highly motivated and fun team
How to Apply:
Please submit your resume and cover letter, telling us why you want to join the Hort Innovation team by clicking on the 'Apply for this job'. Applications close on Monday 27 May 2024.
Hort Innovation is an equal opportunity employer, all applicants will be considered regardless of their race, sexuality, religion, colour, gender identity or parental status. We strongly encourage Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to apply.
