Kerchanshe Group is the largest producer and exporter of coffee in Ethiopia, and engage in manufacturing, agro-processing and export business. It has a proud history of providing quality coffees to the local and international markets. Currently Kerchanshe Group needs a dedicated and motivated candidate.

Job Purpose

• To establish and lead our new R&D Division. This role offers a unique opportunity to drive innovation and excellence across diverse sectors, including coffee export, agriculture, manufacturing, assembly and dealership, construction, transport, and hospitality.

Main Duties and Responsibilities

• Strategic Leadership:

  • Design and implement R&D strategies aligned with the company’s mission to foster innovation and growth.

  • Establish a robust R&D framework, policies, and standards across all business sectors.

• Research and Innovation:

  • Identify and conduct innovative research to improve systems, processes, material utilization, energy efficiency, and overall operational effectiveness.

  • Drive sustainable practices to minimize waste, enhance efficiency, and maximize profitability.

  • Formalize research methods for situational assessments and develop actionable insights.

• Collaboration and Networking:

  • Build partnerships with academic institutions, research organizations, government agencies, and industry leaders to enhance research initiatives.

  • Foster interdisciplinary collaboration across sectors.

• Team Development:

  • Recruit, mentor, and lead a high-performing R&D team.

  • Provide ongoing training and development opportunities to ensure the team remains at the forefront of innovation.

• Stakeholder Engagement:

  • Lead stakeholder consultations to ensure alignment with business objectives and sector needs.

  • Present research findings and actionable recommendations to executives and stakeholders.

• Performance Management:

  • Develop and implement monitoring and evaluation systems for R&D activities.

  • Prepare and present periodic progress reports (monthly, quarterly, and annual).

• Resource Management:

  • Effectively manage budgets and resources to maximize research impact.

Job Requirements

Qualification and Skills

• Ph.D. or Master’s degree in Agricultural Science, Plant Science, Soil Science, Industrial Engineering, Statistics/Data Science, Economics, Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or related fields with significant research components.

  Experience:

• Minimum of 10 years of experience in R&D roles, with at least 5 years in leadership positions.

• Proven expertise in conducting and leading practical and theoretical research across sectors like agriculture, manufacturing, transport, and construction.

• Experience in market trend analysis, regulatory environment assessment, and developing sector-specific road maps

  Skills:

• Exceptional analytical and problem-solving skills

• Strong leadership and team management abilities

• Effective communication and stakeholder engagement capabilities

• Familiarity with advanced data analysis tools and methodologies

  Preferred Attributes:

• Experience working in a multinational or multi-sector environment.

• Proven ability to navigate complex regulatory and operational landscapes.

• Strong publication record or proven industry contributions.

How to Apply

If you are passionate about research, innovation, and leadership, we encourage you to apply by sending your CV to hr@kerchanshe.com with the subject “Research and Development Director” within seven working days from  Jan 14,2025 up to Jan 20,2025. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.