Research and Development Manager

At 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.

To manage a suite of Hort Innovation Research and Development of investments focused on plant pest & disease surveillance & diagnostics and industry biosecurity plans. The successful management of the R&D portfolio will result in world-class R&D being undertaken and delivered to industry.

The role is focused on driving R&D investments including scoping, tendering, contracting, project management, and liaising with internal and external stakeholders. 

Reporting into the Head of Biosecurity 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 industry. The ideal candidate is someone in the early stages of their career with up to 3 years of experience.

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.
• Project manage R&D investments throughout the project lifecycle, from investment scoping and tendering through to milestone management and supporting the delivery of investment objectives.
• Identify opportunities for cross-sectoral, across horticulture and multi-industry R&D investments focused on plant pest & disease surveillance & diagnostics and industry biosecurity plans, 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 
  • Hort Innovation colleagues including: R&D Managers; Industry Service & Delivery, and Communications.
• Ensuring R&D investments are designed and managed to deliver benefits to growers and industry.
• Participate in project reference groups and external committees.
• Identify potential future investments through gap analysis and stakeholder engagement.
• Always embody Hort Innovation’s values in conduct https://www.horticulture.com.au/hort-innovation/the-company/our-values/ 

Experience and Capability 

• Up to 3 years of working experience in the biosecurity, project management and stakeholder engagement experience, preferably in the horticulture sector.
• Tertiary qualifications (Bachelor level or equivalent) in Agriculture or Science.
• Demonstrated understanding of the principles and application of R&D in horticultural production
• Exposure in entomology, plant pathology, biosecurity, crop protection or integrated pest management, including current research tools and trends. Experience and understanding of other subject matter research areas in horticulture desirable, including a willingness to manage investments in other research areas.
• Experience in R&D project management.
• Ability to connect effectively and build relationships with researchers, growers, government and commercial and/or investment partners. 

How to Apply:

Please submit your current resume and cover letter telling us why you want to join the Hort Innovation team by clicking on 'Apply for this job'.

Being an equal opportunity employer means that Hort Innovation provides the same benefits and opportunities for hiring and advancement to everyone without discriminating due to protected characteristics such as age, gender, sexual orientation, ethnicity, nationality, religion, disability, colour and carer status. We encourage Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander people to apply.