Group Executive - Metallurgy

SUMMARY:
A leading research and development organisation in the minerals and metallurgy sector is seeking to appoint a seasoned professional to lead its Extractive Metallurgy Cluster. The successful candidate will be responsible for providing strategic direction, ensuring operational excellence, and maintaining financial and performance sustainability within the cluster.

POSITION INFO:
Key Responsibilities:

• Provide strategic leadership and direction to the Extractive Metallurgy Cluster.
• Align cluster strategy with industry needs, trends, and opportunities.
• Maintain a balanced Research, Development, and Innovation (RDI) portfolio.
• Ensure sustainability across financial, human resources, SHEQ, and risk areas.
• Drive impactful contributions aligned with the organisation’s mandate.
• Lead performance management initiatives within the cluster.
• Engage high-level stakeholders across industry, academia, public sector, and international platforms.
• Optimise internal grant funding to achieve strategic, financial, and commercial objectives.

• Drive a culture of collaboration and alignment with organisational values.
• Lead the development and execution of the Cluster’s RDI strategy and strategic programmes.

• Ensure financial sustainability through effective operational management.
• Diversify revenue streams and maintain a balanced funding/commercialisation mix.

• Align Cluster and Discipline plans with broader organisational and market needs.
• Ensure appropriate resourcing with a strong focus on SET (Science, Engineering, and Technology) capacity.
• Drive transformation initiatives and succession planning.

• Deliver on set KPIs and ensure performance measurement systems are in place to monitor RDI outputs.

• Identify and mitigate risks within Cluster operations and RDI activities.
• Ensure adherence to all internal policies, procedures, and ethical standards.

• Build and manage strategic relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
• Oversee reporting on RDI projects and manage technology transfer and commercialisation activities.

• A Master’s degree in Extractive Metallurgy, Engineering, or a related scientific field.
• Preferred: PhD in a relevant discipline.

• A minimum of 10 years’ experience within a research or knowledge-based environment.
• At least 5 years in a senior management role focused on RDI and/or commercialisation.
• Strong industry knowledge and a proven track record in commercialising RDI outputs.
• Demonstrated experience in managing teams and leading stakeholder engagement both nationally and internationally.

• Excellent communication, presentation, and analytical skills.
• Strong leadership and strategic planning capabilities.
• Proven business development and commercialisation expertise, including IP and technology management.
• Ability to multitask and work in a fast-paced, results-driven environment.
• In-depth technical knowledge in at least one discipline within the Extractive Metallurgy Cluster.