Personal Assistant - Research & Development Division

SUMMARY:
Personal Assistant – Research & Development Division (IT & Innovation Focused)

Location: Middelburg or Witbank, Mpumalanga, South Africa
Employment Type: Full-Time, Permanent
Salary Range: R300,000 – R450,000 per annum

Position Overview
Our client – a progressive, future-focused organization in the mining and industrial innovation sector – is seeking a dynamic, IT-oriented Personal Assistant to support the company’s Research & Development (R&D) Department. This is not a traditional PA role. The successful candidate will act as a research engine, digital organizer, and strategic support partner, assisting in the development, evaluation, and execution of projects focused on innovation, technology, and continuous improvement.
This is a growth-focused opportunity ideal for someone who is digitally fluent, naturally curious, and passionate about contributing to strategic research, innovation, and operational excellence.

POSITION INFO:

 This is a growth-focused opportunity ideal for someone who is digitally fluent, naturally curious, and passionate about contributing to strategic research, innovation, and operational excellence.
 
Core Responsibilities

1. Research & Knowledge Management

• Conduct advanced desktop research on global innovations, industry trends, competitive intelligence, technologies, and product developments.
• Summarize research into structured briefs, slide decks, and data sets for presentation to the R&D and executive teams.
• Maintain and update a centralized knowledge management system (including shared drives, databases, and cloud repositories).

1. Digital & IT Administrative Support

• Create and manage documents, reports, presentations, and proposals using MS Office, Google Workspace, and design tools (e.g., Canva, Notion, Miro).
• Support integration of AI tools, automation platforms, and productivity soô€…Œware into R&D processes.
• Track soô€…Œware tools, licenses, subscriptions, and digital assets used in the R&D department.

1. Project Coordination

• Maintain and update project trackers, Gant charts, action logs, and progress dashboards.
• Coordinate timelines and deliverables across cross-functional teams (e.g., engineers, procurement, finance).
• Support budgeting and procurement activities related to R&D initiatives.

1. Executive & Operational Support

• Manage calendars, schedule meetings, take minutes, and track follow-ups for the R&D director or innovation head.
• Organize site visits, events, technical workshops, and interdepartmental coordination sessions.
• Ensure tight control over deadlines, document control, and confidentiality of sensitive materials.

• Minimum Qualification: Diploma or degree in Administration, Information Systems, Project Management, Communications, or a related field.
• Preferred: Coursework or certification in research, data analytics, innovation management, or IT systems.
• Experience: Minimum 3–5 years’ experience as a Personal Assistant, Executive Assistant, Project Coordinator, or Administrative Officer.
• Experience in R&D, innovation, tech start-up, mining, or engineering environments is highly desirable.

• Advanced Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and Google Workspace (Docs, Sheets, Slides).
• Proficiency in project tools like Trello, Monday.com, Asana, Notion, or Microsoft Planner.
• Familiarity with online research tools, data dashboards, or AI platforms like ChatGPT, Perplexity, etc.
• Strong document formaô€†«ng, presentation design, and data organizing abilities.

• Digitally Fluent: Comfortable with soô€…Œware tools, automation, and learning new platforms.
• Research-Oriented: Passion for learning, data gathering, and simplifying complex information.
• Organized & Structured: Excellent at time management, document control, and priority handling.
• Professional & Confidential: Handles sensitive projects with discretion and loyalty.
• Agile & Curious: Thrives in fast-paced environments and eager to support innovation.
• Communicative: Strong written and verbal communication; confident drafting memos and presentations.
• Proactive: Anticipates needs, tracks tasks without follow-up, and drives action.
• AI-Ready: Embraces new technologies and understands the evolving digital landscape.
• Driven & Dedicated: Highly motivated with a strong work ethic; willing to go the extra mile (including extended hours when necessary) to achieve ambitious goals.
• Innovative & Visionary: Brings a creative mind-set and a forward-looking vision to drive innovation and align with the company’s long-term goals.
• High-Energy & Adaptable: Thrives in a fast-paced, high-performance environment and quickly adapts to changing demands without compromising quality.
• Educated & Growth-Oriented: Possesses a strong educational background and an exceptional drive for self-improvement, with clear life goals to thrive and advance in their career.

• Valid driver’s license and own transport is advantageous.
• Must have no criminal record and no adverse media exposure.
• Willing to comply with polygraph testing policy.
• Locally Committed: Ideally based in Middelburg (or open to relocating there), ensuring a strong on-site presence and engagement with the local team.

• Exposure to senior leadership and strategic project development.
• Involvement in innovation sprints, pilot programs, and technical research platforms.
• Fast-tracked progression into R&D coordination, innovation support, or operations analysis roles for high-performing candidates.