R&D Operations Manager (Makassar)

As Cocoa Research and Site Manager based in Makassar, your day-to-day responsibilities will revolve around ensuring seamless operations at the research site. You will be entrusted with managing a diverse team of technicians who carry out field experiments in genetics, breeding, agronomy, and integrated pest management.

R&D Operations Manager – Cocoa | Open to Other Agricultural/Crop Experience

Salary: Competitive and based on experience

Location: Makassar

Keywords: collaborative, supportive leadership, training opportunities, knowledgeable, dependable, inclusive, flexible working opportunities, generous pensions contributions

A leading organisation in the agricultural sector is seeking a Cocoa Research and Site Manager to join their team in Makassar. This role offers you the opportunity to make a significant impact on cocoa research and development across Southeast Asia, combining technical expertise with people leadership. You will oversee field experiments, manage operational excellence, and play a pivotal role in deploying research outputs to farmers and suppliers. The position provides a unique blend of scientific oversight, operational management, and community engagement, all within a supportive environment that values collaboration, training opportunities, and flexible working arrangements. If you are passionate about advancing sustainable agriculture and enjoy nurturing teams while driving meaningful change, this is your chance to contribute to a renowned research programme.

• You will lead a dedicated team of technicians and contract workers, ensuring smooth operations and high-quality data collection for genetics, breeding, agronomy, and integrated pest management trials.
• The role offers extensive collaboration with commercial and sustainability teams across Southeast Asia, allowing you to translate research findings into practical deployment models for farmers and suppliers.
• Enjoy a workplace that prioritises safety, professional development through cross-training programmes, and strong community relationships, providing you with ongoing support and growth opportunities.

What you'll do:

As Cocoa Research and Site Manager based in Makassar, your day-to-day responsibilities will revolve around ensuring seamless operations at the research site. You will be entrusted with managing a diverse team of technicians who carry out field experiments in genetics, breeding, agronomy, and integrated pest management. Your role extends beyond operational oversight; you will also provide scientific guidance by analysing data records to uphold rigorous research standards. You will design new R&D projects in close partnership with plant science leaders while coordinating engagement activities that foster teamwork. Safety is paramount in this position—you will champion best practices to create a secure environment for all staff. Additionally, you will recruit new talent for your team as required, develop succession plans for key roles, collaborate with engineering teams on equipment maintenance, work closely with sister sites to improve research outcomes, manage budgets efficiently, prepare detailed reports for senior stakeholders, host senior leaders during site visits, and actively participate in community relations initiatives.

• Oversee daily activities and schedules of field technicians and contractors to ensure efficient execution of cocoa R&D experiments and trials.
• Lead, coordinate, execute, and supervise the collection and evaluation of data records related to genetics, breeding, agronomy, and integrated pest management at the site.
• Provide robust data management support by analysing collected data using statistical methods to maintain high standards of research quality.
• Design, plan, and implement new R&D projects in alignment with plant science technical leaders’ objectives.
• Coordinate engagement activities and meetings at the site as requested by technical leaders to foster collaborative research environments.
• Promote a safe working culture in the field by observing best practices in safety protocols and contributing to a positive safety environment.
• Hire new members for the R&D Operations team as needed while developing succession pipelines for technician roles.
• Partner with engineering teams on installation and maintenance of equipment used in genetics, breeding, agronomy, and IPM trials.
• Collaborate proactively with sister sites such as Tarengge and Makassar R&D to enhance research programmes and laboratory data quality.
• Build annual operational and capital budgets for the site while preparing comprehensive reports for senior management.

What you bring:

To excel as Cocoa Research and Site Manager you will bring substantial experience from agricultural engineering or crop science fields—ideally supported by postgraduate qualifications. Your background should include hands-on involvement in farm operations coupled with scientific data collection proficiency. You are adept at interpreting complex scientific protocols while leveraging advanced computer skills for robust data analysis. Your collaborative approach enables you to lead multi-disciplinary projects successfully even when formal authority is limited. Communication is one of your strengths; you can engage confidently across all levels of an organisation as well as within local communities. Fluency in both English and Bahasa Indonesian is vital for this role given its regional scope. Experience specifically related to cocoa research or cacao farming will set you apart alongside prior supervisory responsibilities within field environments. Your ability to nurture teams through training programmes ensures skill development while maintaining high performance standards.

• Master’s degree in Agricultural Engineering, Agronomy or Crop Science with proven field experience; PhD preferred but not mandatory.
• Proficient ability to comprehend scientific documents and protocols relevant to cocoa research.
• Advanced computer skills including Outlook, Skype, Excel, Word, PowerPoint for effective data management.
• Minimum five years’ experience in farm or field operations combined with scientific data collection expertise.
• Technical depth in applied research with capability to collaborate at peer level with global plant science R&D scientists.
• Experience managing multi-disciplinary projects through others without direct authority demonstrating collaborative leadership skills.
• Strengths in written & verbal communication enabling effective interaction across all organisational levels.
• Fluent English language skills both spoken and written; fluency in Bahasa Indonesian is essential.
• Experience in cocoa research or cacao farming highly desirable along with supervisory or line manager experience in field settings.
• Ability to communicate effectively during local community events fostering positive relationships.

What sets this company apart:

This organisation stands out as a leader in agricultural innovation thanks to its commitment to sustainable practices and impactful research programmes across Southeast Asia. Employees benefit from an inclusive culture where collaboration is encouraged at every level—from field technicians up through senior management. The company invests heavily in professional development through regular cross-training sessions designed to upgrade skillsets while supporting career progression via clear succession pathways. Flexible working opportunities allow staff to balance personal commitments alongside professional responsibilities. Generous pension contributions further enhance long-term financial security for employees. The organisation’s dedication to safety ensures that every team member operates within a secure environment supported by robust policies. Community engagement is integral here; staff are empowered to build positive relationships locally which strengthens both social responsibility efforts and operational success. By joining this team you become part of a network that values knowledge sharing—helping drive agricultural advancements that benefit farmers throughout Southeast Asia.

What's next:

If you are ready to advance your career by making a real difference in cocoa research while enjoying supportive leadership and training opportunities apply now!

Apply today by clicking on the link provided.

Due to the high volume of applications we are experiencing, our team will only be in touch with you if your application is shortlisted.