126 Research Manager jobs in South Africa

• BCom/BSc in Stats, Marketing, or Management
• 5+ years in a similar role
• Strong data analysis and Excel skills
• Experience with Agile, Power BI (advantageous)
• Excellent leadership, communication, and project management skills

Direct message the job poster from Insight Giant Corporate Training

About the Role

Our client is seeking a dynamic Senior Research Manager with deep expertise in education and training to support research and planning initiatives within the skills development ecosystem. This is a six-month contract role based in Pretoria, ideal for a seasoned professional with strong analytical capabilities, SETA or public-sector experience, and the drive to influence education and workforce policy through data-driven research.

Job Purpose

This role is responsible for leading and managing research initiatives that inform sector skills planning, education strategies, and development frameworks within the broader training and skills landscape. The incumbent will oversee the implementation of a research agenda that supports strategic decision-making, ensures compliance with regulatory frameworks, and fosters innovation in skills planning and development.

Key Responsibilities

• Research Leadership: Lead cross-functional research projects focused on education, training, and skills development priorities, aligning with national and sectoral objectives.
• Skills Planning Analysis: Support the development and refinement of the Sector Skills Plan (SSP) and Workplace Skills Plans (WSPs) by contributing relevant research insights.
• Project Management: Manage and supervise multi-disciplinary research teams, ensuring high-quality outputs are delivered within timelines and budget.
• Data Interpretation & Reporting: Analyse research findings and produce actionable reports that guide policy development and organisational planning.
• Stakeholder Engagement: Liaise with stakeholders across government, SETAs, educational institutions, and employers to gather data, validate research, and promote collaboration.
• Knowledge Dissemination: Present findings to executive teams, working groups, and sector stakeholders to influence decisions and build capacity in research interpretation.
• Quality Assurance: Ensure all research outputs comply with national standards, ethical guidelines, and organisational protocols.

Qualifications and Experience

• A Bachelor’s degree (NQF Level 7) in Research, Education, Social Sciences, or a related field.
• Minimum of 5–7 years’ experience conducting and managing research in a SETA, education, or public-sector environment.
• Experience in leading research teams or supervising large-scale research projects.
• A postgraduate qualification (NQF Level 8) in Research, Development Studies, or Education Policy.
• Deep understanding of the national skills development framework and related legislation.

Skills and Competencies

• Research Expertise: Proven ability to design, lead, and evaluate applied research projects in the education or public service sector.
• Analytical Thinking: Strong quantitative and qualitative analysis skills with proficiency in research software/tools.
• Communication: Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including report writing and presentation.
• Strategic Planning: Ability to align research outcomes with broader sectoral strategies and planning processes.
• Team Leadership: Demonstrated leadership in managing research teams and fostering a collaborative environment.

If you're passionate about evidence-based policy, strategic research, and making a meaningful impact in the education and skills landscape, we invite you to apply for this exciting opportunity.

• Seniority level Mid-Senior level

• Employment type Contract

• Job function Research, Analyst, and Information Technology
• Industries Education Administration Programs

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Pretoria, Gauteng, South Africa 2 months ago

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Our client is seeking an experienced and technically astute Research & Development Manager to lead their Research & Development laboratory operations and oversee projects related to alternative raw materials, packaging changes, stability testing, and the transition from new product development to commercial launches. The successful candidate will report directly to the Head of R&D and will work closely with the Chief Innovation Officer.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee all R&D lab activities, including setting weekly work plans and monitoring progress.

• Manage projects covering regulatory compliance, raw material changes, new packaging, and product promotions.

• Chair weekly project tracker meetings and provide clear updates to the Head of R&D and other stakeholders.

• Draft and approve departmental SOPs to ensure operational excellence.

• Collaborate with Manufacturing and QA teams to resolve batch failures, reworks, and customer complaints.

• Oversee documentation from Operational and Stability Chemists to internal and external stakeholders.

• Maintain Bills of Materials (BOM) in Syspro.

• Manage MMI storage, archiving, updates, and issuing.

• Oversee IEP/CEP sample and report control.

• Mentor, develop, and appraise the R&D team, identifying and implementing training needs.

• Ensure R&D team members are fully trained to transition NPD and formula upgrades to commercial manufacturing.

• Manage team administration, including attendance, discipline, and performance standards.

• Support the Head of R&D with departmental budgeting and cost management.

• Manage departmental resources, including purchasing consumables and evaluating new equipment.

• Compile accurate raw material files and key technical documentation.

• Prepare and present monthly statistical and performance reports to the Head of R&D.

Requirements

• Bachelor of Science (BSc) in a relevant scientific field.

• Coschem Diploma / Diploma in Cosmetic Formulation, with a postgraduate qualification in Project Management.

• Minimum 6–8 years in a cosmetics R&D environment, with at least 5 years in an R&D managerial role.

• Strong technical expertise in cosmetics or pharmaceuticals.

• Proven project management track record, delivering projects on time and within budget.

• Excellent leadership, mentoring, and people management skills.

• Strong regulatory knowledge and understanding of product compliance.

• A PhD in materials sciences or engineering (Metallurgical, Mechanical, or Industrial Engineering NOT chemical Eng).
• 5+ years of post-PhD experience in Research, Development & Innovation or Manufacturing.
• 8+ years in senior-level strategic leadership or business management within the Research, Development and Innovation sector.
• Proven leadership in Research and Development projects.
• A strong track record in:
  
  • Strategic industry engagement and insight into competitiveness drivers (product/manufacturing).
  • Technological insight and its impact on industry competitiveness.
  • Capacity building, including human capital development, research rigor, and infrastructure development.

The candidate will report to the Vice President of Research. Incumbent will manage all aspects of ongoing research studies. Attention to detail, self-starter, well organized, as well as good communication skills are essential. The applicant must adhere to patient confidentiality. The individual will be responsible for the oversight of studies conducted out of the clinical trials unit, including contracts, overseeing the research coordinators, study progress reports, orders, and other tasks as needed.

• Monitor study metrics and site performance using standard study management tools.
• Oversee the individual study progress over the duration of each project.
• Act as the direct liaison between sponsors/investigators and the research coordinator or Vice President.
• Establish research data and workflow plans.
• Contribute to the development and implementation of SOPs, project-specific procedures, technical guidance documents, and patient acquisition plans.
• Direct the establishment of clinical and analytical study-related protocols and documents, as well as research/clinical data analysis.
• Manage the orders, sample deliveries, and supplies required for each study.
• Interface with investigational sites, clinical consultants, and labs.
• Manage research data sites and renewal terms related to each study and CTU functions.
• Direct all aspects of research data generation and analysis, including external site clinical studies and internal analytical studies.
• Drive internal communication, including timelines, budget, progress, and project needs for clinical trials to product teams and senior management.
• Interface with ORA, IRB, WMC, and other pharmaceutical/hospital research offices.

Education requirement: Bachelor's degree in biology, mathematics, computer science, natural sciences, or related areas.

Licenses or certifications: CITI certification.

Technical/Computer skills: Ability to use a combination of validated Electronic Data Capture (EDC) systems and/or other internal or commercial software tools and proven ability to learn and apply new software quickly as projects require. Familiarity with REDCap preferred. Strong IT skills, including excellent knowledge of various software programs and packages including MS Word, Excel, and Access.

Prior experience: Minimum of two years of related professional experience.

Skills:

• Ability to multi-task and meet established deadlines.
• Ability to work effectively both as part of a project team and independently.
• Excellent oral and written English communication skills.
• Proven experience using data management systems, tools, and processes to support multi-site, multimode research studies.
• Ability to effectively apply knowledge and skills in a highly organized fashion while adhering to required guidelines, SOPs, and client expectations.
• Good organizational and analytical/problem-solving skills with strong attention to detail.
• Ability to work productively with minimal supervision.
• Ability to attain, maintain, and apply a working knowledge of GCPs and applicable SOPs.
• Strong customer focus and excellent interpersonal skills.

To qualify, applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States and should not require now, or in the future, sponsorship for employment visa status.

USD $70,000.00/Yr.

USD $70,000.00/Yr.