Associate Director - Research and Development

Company Overview

Botanica, a subsidiary of Red Sea Global, is dedicated to sustainable greenery initiatives across the Red Sea Global’s destinations. With a focus on integrating new plant species alongside native flora, Botanica supports the ecological vision of the Red Sea Global group, collectively driving sustainable development. Spanning more than 1 million square meters, Botanica has cultivated over 5 million plants since 2020 and aims to grow this number to 30 million by 2030. The team is composed of passionate professionals, including 40% from the local community, committed to achieving ecological balance and setting new global sustainability benchmarks.

Why Join Us?

• Engage in large-scale sustainability projects transforming landscapes and conserving biodiversity.
• Opportunity to innovate and expand skills alongside industry leaders in a dynamic environment.
• Work for a globally recognized company pioneering sustainable tourism and development.
• Contribute to world-class projects in a stunning natural setting.

Role Summary

The Associate Director of Research and Development at the Plant Nursery will spearhead research strategies and ensure compliance with biosecurity standards for the RSG Nursery. This leadership role blends scientific knowledge, strategic planning, and business insights to translate research into scalable, profitable nursery products and sustainable practices.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement an R&D strategy aligned with commercial objectives and market demands.
• Provide expert guidance in plant sciences, horticultural innovations, and sustainability initiatives.
• Engage cross-functional teams including production, operations, sales, and marketing to align research outcomes with operational and market requirements.
• Support propagation programs aimed at generating new, robust cultivars with market potential.
• Refine propagation methodologies such as tissue culture, grafting, cuttings, seeds, and hydroponics to enhance efficiency and quality.
• Investigate soil, substrate, irrigation, and nutrient optimization to boost plant development.
• Design and implement integrated pest and disease management systems.
• Research and adopt new technologies, including automation, AI, and digital monitoring, applicable to nursery operations.
• Translate research findings into scalable nursery protocols to improve productivity and plant health.
• Set and monitor plant health, growth, and survival standards to maintain quality benchmarks.
• Lead the adoption of sustainable and climate-resilient practices throughout nursery functions.
• Build and oversee a high-performing team comprising horticulturists, researchers, and technical staff.
• Manage budgets focused on R&D projects, including grant acquisition and funding partners.
• Forge and maintain partnerships with governmental agencies like MEWA, universities, research bodies, and industry groups.
• Ensure consistent compliance with regulatory, phytosanitary, and environmental guidelines.
• Champion eco-certification programs and promote sustainable operational standards.
• Maintain current awareness of government policies, biodiversity conservation, and international trends in horticulture.
• Collaborate with Business Development and Operations to successfully introduce and market new plant varieties.
• Deliver expert consultancy to clients, distributors, and key stakeholders.
• Represent the nursery at industry events, academic publications, and intellectual property registrations to enhance brand prestige.

Candidate Profile and Requirements

• Master’s degree or PhD in Horticulture, Plant Science, Botany, Agronomy, or a related discipline.
• At least 8 years of experience in plant research, horticulture, or nursery management, including a minimum of 5 years in leadership roles.
• Proven knowledge in plant propagation and integrated pest and disease control.
• Solid understanding of sustainable nursery practices focused on climate resilience.
• Track record of successfully leading R&D projects from initial concept through commercialization.
• Exceptional leadership, communication, and project management capabilities.
• Fluency in English; proficiency in Arabic is advantageous.
• Experience with automation, precision agriculture, or digital monitoring technologies.
• Demonstrated ability to obtain research funding including grants and foster collaborative partnerships.
• Well-established network within horticultural research communities.
• Strong business insight to link research outputs with commercial applications.
• Hold certifications related to horticulture, nursery management, or botany.
• Experience working with native, drought-tolerant plant species.
• Familiarity with sustainable landscape architecture and ecological restoration practices.
• Multilingual skills suited to the geographical context are desirable.