Head of R&d and Innovation

**Overview**:
The position will have to lead the various integrations of departments across the group internationally.

**Qualifications**:

- A relevant qualification preferably supported by a business qualification:

- Degree and post graduate qualification
- MBA will be an advantage

**Experience**:

- 10 years’ experience in a similar role or leadership role
- A proven record of leadership of successful senior level general and commercial management teams.
- Experience in the Agricultural Sector.
- Knowledge of the chemicals sector will be beneficial
- An energetic leader with the ability to inspire teams to continue to improve and innovation
- A high level of commercial acumen
- A strong track record of change and people leadership, particularly in supporting acquisitions and turnaround strategies is preferable

**Duties**:

- Assume responsibility for the establishment of effective leadership and rapidly develop managerial responsibility and authority of the role, which includes shaping and directing the strategic focus of the company
- Understand the current strategy and business model in order to validate the business plan in a rapidly changing environment, against the strategic growth targets set for a sustainable business
- Review the business structure and team to ensure that it is well positioned to deliver on the vision of the business, with specific reference to regional geographical growth as well as moving the business model towards value added services
- Establish and maintain effective formal and informal links with major customers, suppliers, principals, key decision-makers and other stakeholders generally, to exchange information and views and to ensure that the company is providing the appropriate range and quality of services
- Represent the company in negotiations with customers, principals, suppliers, government departments and other key contacts to secure the most effective contract terms for the company
- Implement an effective structure to ensure adequate focus on the identification and implementation of new opportunities, both locally and internationally through innovation to ensure sustainable growth
- Prepare, gain acceptance, and monitor the implementation of the annual budget to ensure that budget targets are met, that revenue flows are maximised and that fixed costs are minimized. Achieve agreed growth, cost, cash and profit targets
- Actively live and promote the company’s vision and culture to ensure employee engagement and performance
- Direct and control the work and resources of the business and ensure the recruitment and retention of the required numbers and types of well-motivated, trained and developed staff to ensure that it is able to achieve its mission and objectives, within the South Africa and international business environment

**Job Competencies**:

- Strong interpersonal and leadership skills, ability to communicate, engage and motivate at all levels within the organization, as well as with customers, agents, suppliers and principals
- Cross-cultural leadership experience, with demonstrated ability to adapt and flex their leadership style based on different environments and operating realities
- Sound organisational skills with a strong commercial approach. Inculcate a mind-set of optimisation in the team, how to build on core competencies and to do things differently when it makes sense to do so
- Strong strategic thinking and shaping ability
- Ability to develop direct reports and others
- A self-starter and team player with strong problem solving and analytical skills and the ability to exercise sound judgment and make decisions based on accurate and timely analysis
- Articulate thoughts and express ideas effectively using oral, written, visual and non-verbal communication skills, as well as listening skills to gain understanding.

**General**: