Associate Director Research and Development

About Red Sea Global and Botanica

Red Sea Global is seeking an Associate Director Research and Development for Botanica, a subsidiary focused on providing sustainable greenery across Red Sea Global’s destinations. Botanica integrates new species with local flora, managing over 1 million square meters and cultivating over 5 million plants since 2020, with a goal of 30 million by 2030. The company is committed to ecological harmony and sustainable development, with 40% of its team from the local community in Tabuk, specifically Umluj and Tabuk.

Role Overview

The Plant Nursery R&D Associate Director will lead the research and innovation strategy and Biosecurity compliance for RSG Nursery. This full-time role focuses on plant propagation, sustainable practices, quality control, and product development. The position requires a balance of scientific expertise, strategic leadership, and business acumen to ensure research outcomes are translated into scalable nursery operations and profitable products.

Key Responsibilities

• Define and execute the nursery’s R&D roadmap in alignment with business goals and market trends.
• Provide leadership in plant science, horticultural innovation, and sustainability.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams including production, operations, sales, and marketing to ensure research outcomes meet operational and market needs.
• Support plant propagation programs to develop new, marketable, and resilient cultivars.
• Advance propagation techniques such as tissue culture, grafting, cuttings, seed, and hydroponics for efficiency and quality.
• Conduct research on soil, substrates, irrigation, and nutrients to optimize plant growth.
• Develop and implement integrated pest and disease management (IPM) strategies.
• Explore new technologies including automation, AI, and digital monitoring tools for RSG Nursery applications.
• Translate R&D outcomes into scalable nursery practices that improve productivity and plant quality.
• Establish and monitor quality standards for plant health, growth, and survival rates.
• Champion sustainable and climate-resilient practices across nursery operations.
• Build and lead a high-performing team of horticulturists, researchers, and technical staff.
• Manage R&D budgets, grants, and funding opportunities.
• Drive external partnerships with MEWA, universities, research institutions, and industry organizations.
• Ensure adherence to regulatory, phytosanitary, and environmental standards.
• Lead eco-certification initiatives and promote sustainable practices.
• Stay updated on government policies (MEWA), biodiversity conservation practices, and global horticultural trends.
• Collaborate with Business Development and Operations teams to launch and position new plant varieties.
• Provide technical expertise to clients, distributors, and key stakeholders.
• Represent the nursery at industry conferences, publications, and patent filings to strengthen brand reputation.

Qualifications and Experience

• A minimum of 5-10 years of relevant experience in research and development within plant science or horticulture.
• Demonstrated expertise in plant propagation techniques and sustainable horticultural practices.
• Experience in leading teams and managing R&D budgets.
• Strong understanding of regulatory and environmental standards in the horticultural sector.

Working Environment

This role offers the opportunity to contribute to world-class projects in locations such as The Red Sea and Amaala, working within a company that is shaping the future of sustainable tourism and development. The position is based in Tabuk, covering Umluj and Tabuk, and is a full-time commitment.

Benefits of Joining

• Contribute to a project focused on transforming landscapes and preserving biodiversity at scale.
• Work with industry experts in a dynamic and evolving environment.
• Be part of a company recognized for its leadership in sustainable tourism and development.