Research & 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 behaviours we collectively strive for. Please take a moment to watch the video featuring our people sharing their insights on our company values.
The R&D Manager role is responsible for driving high‑value R&D investments in a cross-discipline portfolio including Breeding and Biotechnology that translate innovation into measurable productivity, profitability and sustainability outcomes for Australian horticulture, with a strong focus on commercial relevance, adoption and return on investment.
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 Production R&D, the R&D Manager (multi discipline) contributes to the achievement of the Hort Innovation Strategic Plan and Industry Strategic Investment Roadmap by ensuring the delivery of high impact R&D across the Australian horticultural industry.
Responsibilities
- Design, procure and manage high‑impact R&D investments focused on Breeding and Biotechnology with clear accountability for outcomes, driving productivity, profitability and sustainability benefits for horticultural industries.
- Grow the future investment pipeline by originating R&D opportunities within single industries, across horticulture, and across sectors and industries, leveraging co‑investment where appropriate to scale impact and deliver long‑term grower returns.
- Apply disciplined portfolio and project management practices to ensure investments are delivered on time, within scope and budget, with proactive management of risks, dependencies and performance to maximise return on investment
- Collaborate strategically across the organisation and sector to optimise the R&D program, ensure alignment with industry priorities and drive integration across production, sustainability, biosecurity and market access objectives.
- Build and maintain strong relationships with key stakeholders, including growers, industry bodies, delivery partners, government agencies and other RDCs, to strengthen collaboration, co‑investment and outcome‑focused delivery
- Contribute to continuous improvement and capability uplift across the business, supporting improved R&D practices, and actively contributing to broader innovation, commercialisation and impact initiatives.
- Provide stewardship of project‑related Intellectual Property (IP) across the investment lifecycle, ensuring IP is appropriately identified, documented and managed.
Experience and Capability
- Tertiary qualifications (Bachelor level or equivalent) in Agriculture or Science and with relevant industry experience (+ 5 years)
- Demonstrated understanding of the principles and application of R&D in horticultural production context
- Strong subject matter expertise in Breeding and/or biotechnology (e.g. applied field breeding and Biotechnology), including current research tools and trends. This will be complimented with the flexibility to learn and work outside of current areas of expertise
- Experience and understanding of other subject matter research areas in horticulture desirable, including a willingness to manage investments in other research areas including linkages to productivity priorities and research needs to support efficient production of premium horticultural produce
- Highly proactive and resourceful self-starter
- Demonstrated strong interpersonal and communication skills
- Ability to build and maintain networks and relationships with diverse stakeholders
- Demonstrated problem solving skills
- Experience in research project management
- Commercial outcomes focused mindset
- Knowledge of Monitoring, Evaluation, Reporting and Improvement (MERI) frameworks and the impact pathway of agricultural R&D
- High level of oral & written communication ability
- Understanding of commercialisation and implementation of research outcomes
What you’ll get
- 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, via Seek or email.
Please note, this role can be located in Sydney, Melbourne or Brisbane.
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.
