Vacancy No: 2017-16891
Urrbrae
Full time up to 60 months
$220,362 - $367,270 (SAES 2)

The Department of Primary Industries and Regions SA (PIRSA) is a key economic development agency responsible for leading the delivery of the State Government’s Premium Food and Wine Produced in our Clean Environment and Exported to the World economic priority and regional development agenda.

South Australia’s food and wine are central to the state’s identity and make a significant contribution to the local economy.  Our proximity to key Asian markets and expertise in research and technology, provides South Australia with a significant opportunity to leverage growing global demand for premium products and increase the sustainability and competitiveness of our industries.

Based in Adelaide – one of the most liveable cities of the world - this unique position as the Executive Director of the South Australian Research and Development Institute (SARDI) is an opportunity to join PIRSA in shaping the future of the state.

As a division of PIRSA, SARDI delivers science outcomes in support of South Australia’s important agribusiness sector, with an emphasis on fisheries and aquaculture, grain, livestock and viticulture industries.  In particular, SARDI is nationally and internationally recognised for its strengths in the areas of animal welfare, climate change and water use in agriculture.

The Executive Director, SARDI will enhance the critical connection between research and industry, in order to transform South Australia’s economy.  He or she will deliver scientific excellence, develop strategic partnerships and collaborations nationally and internationally, identify new research opportunities and funding sources, and promote the protection and exploitation of Intellectual Property.

Through a strong combination of business and scientific research expertise, the Executive Director, SARDI will increase focus on industry development and brokering of commercial opportunities. This will require leading SARDI through a change, to increase efforts in post-farmgate research and capitalise on resulting commercial opportunities.

This role is responsible for leading a specialised workforce in excess of 300 staff, and requires highly developed skills in business and staff leadership, including demonstrated entrepreneurial experience and management and stakeholder engagement capacity.

ESSENTIAL QUALIFICATIONS

A degree in business management or equivalent experience is essential.

SPECIAL CONDITIONS

This is a contract / term vacancy up to 60 months. A current driver's licence and a willingness to drive is required. You may be required to work elsewhere within South Australia. Significant intrastate and interstate (and possibly overseas) travel will be necessary. A flexible approach to working hours is necessary; out of hours work is a requirement due to the nature of the role.

ENQUIRES

Confidential enquiries can be made to Professor Mehdi Doroudi, Deputy Chief Executive on (08) 8226 3994.

APPLICATIONS

Ms Salu McFarland
GPO Box 1671, ADELAIDE SA 5001
Email: salu.mcfarland@sa.gov.au

For information on how to apply and a copy of the Role Description visit www.pir.sa.gov.au/pirsa/careers

APPLICATIONS CLOSE 10 February 2017