The Company
Grains Research and Development Corporation (GRDC) is responsible for planning, investing, and overseeing research, development, and extension for the grains sector in Australia. They meet the evolving needs of grain growers with a vision to be regarded as the grower’s “RD&E department.” GRDC believes it should be a valued grower asset that is open, transparent, and trusted - a true research partner who seeks to be agile and business like in their operations and improve productivity and profitability for growers.
The Opportunity
GRDC is seeking a Manager - Emerging Technologies to support the future productivity, resilience and sustainability of the Australian grains industry through emerging and enabling technologies.
Working within the Enabling Technologies team, this role focuses on identifying and supporting technologies that improve decision-making, precision, automation and overall system performance across grain production systems. The portfolio spans precision agriculture, autonomous systems, digital platforms and broader agtech innovation.
The role sits at the intersection of industry, research and innovation. You’ll work closely with growers, researchers, advisers and commercial partners to identify opportunities, shape investment priorities and help translate technology into practical outcomes for Australian grain growers.
This is a broad and evolving portfolio offering exposure across multiple technology areas, with scope to help shape future investment opportunities and industry direction.
This involves:
- Identifying emerging opportunities and constraints relevant to Australian grain production systems
- Developing investment proposals aligned to GRDC’s RD&E priorities
- Managing RD&E investments, including contract performance, milestones, risk and delivery outcomes
- Supporting integration of technologies into farming systems and production environments
- Collaborating across crop, systems and sustainability programs to maximise impact and alignment
- Engaging with growers, researchers, agtech companies and industry stakeholders to support adoption outcomes
- Supporting responsible approaches to interoperability, transparency and data governance
- Representing GRDC at industry events, conferences and stakeholder engagements
To be successful in this influential role you will have:
- Experience within agricultural technology, innovation, RD&E, precision agriculture, engineering, automation or related environments
- Strong curiosity, problem-solving capability and interest in emerging technologies
- The ability to assess complex issues and identify practical opportunities and solutions
- Strong communication and stakeholder engagement capability across technical and nontechnical audiences
- Experience working collaboratively across multiple stakeholders and disciplines
- Commercial awareness and the ability to balance innovation with practical industry outcomes
- An adaptable, team-oriented approach
- Relevant tertiary qualifications in agriculture, plant science, engineering, environmental science or related disciplines
- Experience within Australian broadacre or grains production systems (highly regarded)
The role involves periodic travel to engage with growers, researchers and industry stakeholders across Australia’s grain-growing regions. Full Australian Working Rights (Citizenship or Permanent Residency) are required.
Why This Role
- Influence future technology investment across Australian grains
- Work alongside industry, research and agtech leaders
- Broad, evolving portfolio with scope to shape new opportunities
- Strong team culture with genuine flexibility and development support
