Research & Development Manager - 12-month fixed term contract

Research & Development Manager - 12-month fixed term contract Hort Innovation is the grower-owned, not-for-profit research and development corporation for Australia's horticulture industry. Everything we do is built on our vision for a prosperous and sustainable Australian horticulture industry driven by innovation. Values We work as One Team We act with Integrity and Respect We Focus on the Future We make a Positive Difference This role of the Research & Development (R&D) Manager – is to manage a suite of Hort Innovation R&D (and extension) investments in a cross-discipline portfolio, primarily focused on Integrated Pest Management (IPM) aiming to: Better understanding the causes and consequences of pests (insects, diseases, and weeds) on horticulture crops. Support the horticulture industry in implementing sustainable IPM strategies with a focus on tools and technologies for applied solutions Ideate and develop research opportunities that will meet industry strategic investment priorities Improve research outcomes by ensuring impact pathways are mapped and partnerships are developed across commodities and countries. Work collaboratively with Australian horticulture, R&D Corporations, Government, and research providers such as universities to facilitate and coordinate cross sectoral programmes; this role is responsible for scoping R&D investments, tendering, contracting, evaluating and reporting on success of research, development and facilitating linkages to extension programmes. The R&D Manager contributes to the achievement of the Hort Innovation Strategic Plan and Industry Strategic Investment Plans, through management of the R&D portfolio, to ensure delivery of world‑class, high impact R&D across the Australian horticultural industry. Hort Innovation’s Biosecurity R&D team is committed to transformational research focusing on biosecurity, food safety, pest management and crop protection solutions. Role responsibilities Contribute to Hort Innovation’s RD&E portfolio on IPM and biosecurity. 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 scoping and tendering through to delivery of final reports. Develop appropriate extension strategies and monitoring and evaluation for all investments. Identify opportunities for cross-sectoral, horticulture, and multi-industry R&D investments. Ensure R&D investments are designed and managed to deliver benefits to growers and industry. Manage accountability for best practice project management, with consideration to managing foreseeable risks and costs. Manage 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. Contribute to R&D initiatives and continuous improvement across the business. Support the Head of Biosecurity R&D to engage with industry and government directly to resolve issues and communicate outcomes in IPM. Work collaboratively with and coordinate the involvement of Hort Innovation personnel, including relevant Investment Managers, Industry Service Managers, Production & Sustainability R&D, Data & Insights, and Communications personnel, to meet the strategic objectives of the Hort Innovation strategic plan focus areas, Biosecurity team performance objectives, and stakeholder expectations. Education and experience Degree in Agriculture or Science, plus 5+ years’ industry experience. Expertise in horticulture R&D, especially pathology, entomology & molecular biology. Experience in biosecurity or IPM research is an advantage. Familiarity with research tools, trends, and project management. Commercial outcomes focus with knowledge of MERI frameworks. Strong communication and stakeholder engagement skills. Ability to manage diverse research investments and drive implementation. Proactive, resourceful, and problem‑solving mindset. What you'll get Hybrid work environment Salary sacrificing One extra leave day between Christmas and New Year Seasonal vaccinations 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'. 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. #J-18808-Ljbffr