Group Research & Innovation Manager

Group Research & Innovation Manager | Crown Farms | FujairahShape the Future of Agricultural Innovation in the Regioncrownfarms.aeWe are seeking an experienced and commercially minded Group Research & Innovation Manager to establish and lead the Research & Innovation function for a diversified agriculture and farming holding company.

This is not a laboratory-based research role. Rather, it is a strategic leadership position responsible for building and governing the Group's research and innovation framework, managing a portfolio of research initiatives, and ensuring that research translates into measurable operational, commercial, and sustainability outcomes.

The successful candidate will work closely with Farm Managers, business leaders, technical specialists, universities, research institutes, consultants, and technology providers to coordinate and deliver high-impact research programs across multiple business units.

Research mandates will originate from and be sponsored by the operating businesses, while the Research & Innovation Manager will provide governance, structure, project leadership, coordination, and knowledge management across the Group.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement the Group's Research & Innovation strategy aligned with corporate objectives.
• Design and maintain the Group's Research Governance Framework.
• Establish standardized research policies, procedures, methodologies, templates, and stage-gate processes.
• Build and manage the Group's research and innovation portfolio.
• Evaluate and prioritize research proposals based on strategic alignment, commercial impact, feasibility, and ROI.Coordinate cross-functional research programs involving farms, laboratories, consultants, universities, suppliers, and technology partners.
• Monitor project progress, budgets, risks, milestones, and outcomes.
• Establish an innovation culture and systems for capturing and evaluating ideas.
• Develop strategic partnerships with universities, research institutes, government entities, and technology providers.
• Maintain a centralized research knowledge repository and lessons-learned database.
• Support commercialization and implementation of successful research outcomes.
• Prepare executive dashboards and periodic reports on portfolio performance

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Agriculture, Aquaculture, Food Science, Animal Science, Agricultural Engineering, Biotechnology, or related discipline.
• Master's degree preferred.PMP, PRINCE2 or equivalent certification is an advantage.
• Innovation or Research Management qualifications are desirable.
• Experience
• Minimum 10 years of relevant professional experience.
• At least 5 years leading applied research, innovation, technical development, or R&D programs within agriculture, aquaculture, food production, agribusiness, or related industries.
• Experience managing cross-functional projects and external research partnerships.
• Proven ability to translate research into practical operational improvements

Why Join Us

This is a unique opportunity to establish and shape a Group-wide Research & Innovation function within one of the region's growing agriculture and farming platforms. The successful candidate will play a pivotal role in advancing innovation, sustainability, operational excellence, and long-term value creation across a diversified portfolio of businesses.

Application Deadline: 20 August 2026#Agriculture #Innovation #ResearchManagement #UAEJobs #Agritech #Hiring #CrownFarms