How to become a Research and Development Manager

Also called: R & D Manager

Plans, organises, directs, controls and coordinates research and development activities within an organisation.

Main tasks

• Develops and implements research project strategies, priorities and targets to support commercial and policy developments
• Leads major research projects and coordinates activities of other research workers
• Assesses the benefits and monitors the costs and effectiveness of research and development activities
• Interprets results of research projects, and recommends associated product and service development innovations
• Provides advice on research and development options available to the organisation
• Monitors leading-edge developments in relevant disciplines and assesses implications for the organisation
• May publish results of significant research projects

Ways in

• University: Business & Commerce degrees, Offered by 39 universities in Australia
• TAFE and VET: Advanced Diploma of Program Management (BSB60720); Diploma of Leadership and Management (BSB50420); Advanced Diploma of Leadership and Management (BSB60420); Certificate IV in Leadership and Management (BSB40520)

Pay · Outlook · AI and this job

• Typical full-time pay: $150,124 a year
• About 19,800 people work in this job group now, and about 24,300 are projected by 2035. (+22.8%)
• AI is likely to change parts of this job. Jobs and Skills Australia rates its automation exposure as medium.

Related jobs

• Corporate Services Manager
• Finance Manager
• Human Resources Manager
• Policy and Planning Manager
• Quality Assurance Manager
• Regulatory Affairs Manager

Not sure this is for you? Take the 2-minute career quiz

Questions people ask

How do I become a Research and Development Manager?

Ways in include: Business & Commerce degrees; Advanced Diploma of Program Management; Diploma of Leadership and Management.

How much does a Research and Development Manager earn in Australia?

Median full-time pay is $150,124 a year (Jobs and Skills Australia).

Is a Research and Development Manager a growing career in Australia?

Yes. Employment is projected to grow 23% by 2035, from about 19,800 to about 24,300 people (Jobs and Skills Australia).

Do you need a degree to become a Research and Development Manager?

Usually. 83% of people in this job hold a bachelor's degree or higher.

Will AI change the work of a Research and Development Manager?

AI is likely to change parts of this job. Jobs and Skills Australia rates its automation exposure as medium.

Sources

• Jobs and Skills Australia: Occupation data (ANZSCO), from ABS Labour Force and Census (February 2026), CC BY 4.0, retrieved 2026-10-04
• Jobs and Skills Australia: Generative AI Capacity Study, interactive table data (September 2025), CC BY 4.0, retrieved 2026-10-04
• Jobs and Skills Australia: Employment Projections (Victoria University) (May 2025 to May 2035), CC BY 4.0, retrieved 2026-10-04
• Australian Taxation Office: Taxation Statistics, Individuals Table 15A (2023-24), CC BY 2.5 AU, retrieved 2026-10-04

Updated 2026-10-04