Job Purpose:

• The Senior Manager: Office of the CEO provides high-level strategic, operational, and advisory support to the CEO, ensuring organisational alignment, effective governance, and delivery of key initiatives. Acting as a trusted partner to the CEO, this role drives strategic planning, performance oversight, stakeholder engagement, and cross-divisional coordination to achieve ARC’s mission and growth objectives.

Strategic Planning and Monitoring

• Collaborate with executive leadership to define and refine the organisation’s strategic direction.
• Analyse internal and external factors impacting the business landscape, identifying emerging opportunities and risks.
• Develop strategic plans, roadmaps, and frameworks to guide organisational growth and long-term success.
• Develop, implement and maintain policies for performance management that incorporate aspects of monitoring and evaluation.
• Ensure alignment of the ARC monitoring and evaluation objectives to that of various government policy frameworks and acceptable best practice standards/codes.
• Monitor and evaluate organisational performance, oversee performance reporting, and ensure alignment with strategic objectives.
• Lead and manage the strategy and planning team, providing guidance, support, and mentoring.

Market and Internal Performance Analysis

• Conduct comprehensive market, industry, customer, and competitor analyses to inform strategic decision-making.
• Evaluate organisational performance, identifying areas for improvement and optimisation.
• Recommend strategic initiatives to drive revenue growth and enhance operational efficiency.
• Develop and utilise key performance indicators (KPIs) to track progress towards strategic outcomes.

Strategy Implementation and Leadership

• Support the CEO in implementing strategic plans and initiatives in line with the organisation’s mission and goals.
• Oversee the execution of activities outlined in the organisational strategic plan, ensuring effective implementation.

Stakeholder Management

•  Build and maintain relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
•  Collaborate with external research organisations to position the organisation as a leader in South Africa’s national agricultural research system.
•  Provide administrative leadership for partnerships and collaborations with external stakeholders.

Communication and Reporting

•  Act as a key point of contact for communication between the CEO and various stakeholders.
•  Prepare reports, presentations, and correspondence on behalf of the CEO.

Financial Management

• Assist the CEO in financial planning, budgeting, and monitoring of financial performance.
• Ensure financial sustainability and efficiency through effective financial oversight.

Operational Oversight

• Work with divisional heads to ensure alignment with organisational outcomes
• Monitor performance, identify areas for improvement, and implement operational strategies.

Reporting and Presentation

• Prepare and present reports, findings, and recommendations to senior leadership and key stakeholders.
• Develop performance dashboards and reports to track key metrics and inform decision-making.

Project Management

•  Manage and oversee key projects and initiatives, ensuring timely delivery within budget and scope.

Strategic Support to the CEO

• Provide direct support to the CEO in achieving key organisational strategic objectives.
• Identify and drive continuous business improvement initiatives aligned with strategic goals.

Requirements

• NQF 8 qualification (Honours Degree/Postgraduate Diploma in Business Management, Economics, Public Administration, Agriculture or Science).
• Minimum 8 years’ management experience, with at least 5 years at senior leadership level.
• Proven track record in strategic planning, governance, and stakeholder management.
• Experience in interacting with Boards and Committees.
• NQF 9 qualification (MBA/MBL, or equivalent) would be an added advantage.
• Experience working in science/research environment would be an added advantage.
• Strong analytical, communication, and leadership skills, with the ability to influence at the highest levels.

CLOSING DATE FOR APPLICATIONS: 12 SEPTEMBER 2025