Head of Research and Development based in Kerinci, Indonesia

Company Overview:
Asian Agri is one of Asia’s leading private palm oil producers, managing 100,000 hectares of plantations and partnering with 60,000 hectares of smallholder farms. With over 22,000 employees, the company is committed to sustainable growth, innovation, and community development.

Job Summary:
The Head of Research and Development (R&D) will lead and manage the company’s R&D function in the palm business. This pivotal role ensures that Asian Agri continues to push the boundaries of agronomic science, plantation efficiency, and sustainable best practices. The successful candidate will drive strategic initiatives, guide new product development, manage pest/disease and fertilizer programs, and align research efforts with broader business goals.

Key Responsibilities:

- Strategic Leadership & Vision
- Develop and execute an R&D strategy tightly aligned with Asian Agri’s business goals and sustainability agenda.
- Monitor global technology trends and agronomic research, adopting or pioneering new innovations as appropriate.

- Project Oversight & Execution
- Oversee the planning, execution, and delivery of R&D projects, ensuring timeliness, budget control, and quality.
- Lead conceptualization, product development, and commercialization of new varieties, plantation inputs, or agronomic methods.

- Agronomic Excellence & Technical Oversight
- Oversee fertilizer recommendation programs and manage research on pest and disease control for plantation health.
- Ensure trials, field research, lab work, and technology adoption produce measurable yield and sustainability gains.

- Team & Resource Management
- Lead, mentor, and grow a multifaceted R&D team, including researchers, technicians, and field scientists.
- Manage budgets, resource allocation, and laboratory and field infrastructure.

- Cross-functional Collaboration & Stakeholder Engagement
- Coordinate with operations, production, sustainability, quality, marketing, and other functions to translate R&D output into business value.
- Present research findings, opportunities, and challenges to senior leadership, and engage with external partners such as universities, research institutions, and industry bodies.

- Compliance, Quality & Intellectual Property (IP)
- Ensure R&D practices comply with industry standards, regulatory norms, certification schemes (e.g., RSPO, ISPO), and internal policies.
- Oversee intellectual property protection, including patents and trade secrets, and ensure confidentiality where needed.
- Stay abreast of regulatory changes and evolving agricultural policy; adjust R&D processes proactively.

Qualifications & Experience:

- Advanced degree (Ph.D. or Master’s) in Biomolecular Science, Plant Science, Agronomy, Crop Genetics, or a related discipline.
- Minimum 15 years of experience in R&D, with at least 5 years in a senior leadership role.
- Strong track record in agriculture, plantations, or palm oil R&D, especially in technology adoption, product development, or agronomy.
- Depth of knowledge in plant breeding, soil science, fertilizer management, and pest & disease systems.
- Demonstrated ability to lead teams, motivate talent, and foster a culture of innovation.
- Strategic mindset, analytical capability, and ability to tie R&D initiatives to business performance.
- Excellent oral and written communication skills; able to convey complex research to diverse audiences, including executives, field teams, and partners.
- Familiarity with sustainability standards, regulatory frameworks, and industry compliance (e.g., sustainable palm oil certifications).