General Manager Strategy and Innovation

• Grains Research and Development Corporation (GRDC)
• Commercial executive sought to shape and drive world-class grains investment
• Canberra preferred; or Adelaide, Toowoomba, Perth | Salary negotiable

Australia's grain growers fund more than a billion dollars in research, development and extension every five years. GRDC is the statutory corporation responsible for directing that investment well and its ambition continues to grow. Building on a strong strategic platform, GRDC is increasing investment at the discovery end of its portfolio, launching major new global investment missions, and deepening commercial partnerships with some of the world's leading agricultural and life science organisations. The incoming General Manager, Strategy and Innovation (GM) will be at the centre of all of it.

The role
Reporting to the Managing Director, this is a senior executive appointment with accountability for enterprise-wide strategy, portfolio design, and commercial partnerships. An immediate focus will be on the renewal of GRDC's five-year RD&E Strategic Plan – building on existing momentum and sharpening GRDC's focus on boundary-pushing investment that positions growers and industry for the future.

Central to that renewed agenda are a series of major new investment missions, each involving a global call for partners and decade-long capital commitments. The GM will drive this process, identifying new partners, breaking out of traditional pathways, and building the long-term collaborations that genuinely game-changing research requires. Alongside this, a $300 million investment portfolio spanning 600–700 projects demands disciplined capital allocation across discovery, applied research, and adoption. GRDC's commercial partnerships with major agribusiness and life science organisations need a GM capable of negotiating from a position of strength, protecting the IP interests of growers, and building relationships that deliver genuine co-investment.

GRDC also oversees GrainInnovate, a venture capital and managed investment fund that provides deal flow, market intelligence, and access to emerging innovation. The incoming GM will provide governance oversight and use it as an active source of opportunity.
Leading a team across 5 branches, the GM will set clear direction, develop senior capability, and maintain high performance across a complex portfolio.

The person
We are seeking a commercially sophisticated executive who has operated at senior levels in a large agribusiness organisation. The ability to allocate capital to growth opportunities, build and negotiate complex commercial partnerships, and think strategically across a diverse portfolio are the core requirements. GRDC brings deep scientific expertise to every investment decision; the GM brings the commercial discipline to ensure that expertise is translated into maximum value for growers.

A track record in commercial strategy within the grains sector or a closely related part of agribusiness is essential. This includes crop protection, grain supply chain, plant breeding, agri-inputs, and OEM agricultural equipment. Candidates with experience across the broader plant-based value chain where commercialisation dynamics are comparable will also be considered.

GRDC's executive team operates as a cohesive, high-performing group of self-starters. The culture is one of initiative, accountability, and delivery – people who think strategically, proactively build momentum, and follow through consistently. The successful candidate will bring both the commercial credentials and the leadership character to contribute to that culture.

How to apply:
Candidate information: Please click on the "Additional Information" button to download a copy of the Candidate Information Pack. For more information, please contact Andrew McEncroe on email publicsector@derwentsearch.com.au or call 02 9223 1855 quoting reference number: 34349.

To apply: Please provide a cover letter highlighting your suitability for the role and a resume by the due date.

Applications close: Sunday, 24 May 2026.