Agri-Tech Innovation Specialist

Placements24; Queenstown; Hybrid; NZD 165,000 - 248,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive rates

Remote work

Flexible schedule

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking an Agri-Tech Innovation Specialist for a fully remote contractor role near Queenstown. You will identify new technologies, scout startups, and foster collaborations to accelerate adoption of cutting-edge solutions in agriculture.

The ideal candidate combines technical understanding with market insight and creative problem-solving. You will independently drive innovation, manage multiple priorities, and build partnerships across the agri-tech ecosystem.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Agriculture, Engineering, Computer Science, Business, or a related field.
• Minimum of 7 years in technology innovation, R&D, venture capital, or a strategic agri-tech role.
• Proven track record identifying and evaluating new technologies and business models.
• Strong understanding of trends and challenges in modern agriculture and food systems.
• Excellent research, analytical, and critical thinking skills.
• Exceptional communication, presentation, and networking abilities.
• Ability to work independently, manage multiple priorities, and deliver results remotely.
• Experience with project management and stakeholder engagement.
• Passion for sustainable agriculture and tech advancement.
• Proficiency with digital collaboration tools and platforms.

Responsibilities

• Identify and evaluate emerging technologies relevant to agriculture (IoT, AI, biotech, precision farming).
• Scout for and assess agri-tech startups and innovative solutions.
• Facilitate partnerships between agricultural players and technology innovators.
• Conduct market research and feasibility studies for new agri-tech applications.
• Support the development and scaling of pilots and technology demonstrations.
• Contribute to strategy development for agri-tech adoption and innovation initiatives.
• Organize and participate in virtual workshops, webinars, and industry events.
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of global trends in agricultural technology.
• Provide technical guidance and mentorship to agri-tech entrepreneurs and project teams.
• Develop content (white papers, case studies) highlighting successful innovations.

Skills

Strategic thinking

Technology scouting

Stakeholder engagement

Remote work

Education

Bachelor’s/Master’s in a relevant field

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a pioneering agricultural technology incubator based in the vicinity of Queenstown, Eastern Cape , is seeking a highly innovative and results-driven Agri-Tech Innovation Specialist . This is a fully remote contractor role designed for a forward-thinking individual with a passion for leveraging technology to solve challenges in agriculture. You will be responsible for identifying emerging technologies, scouting for innovative startups, and fostering collaborations within the agri-tech ecosystem. The ideal candidate will possess a unique blend of technical understanding, market insight, and a creative mindset. You will play a crucial role in accelerating the adoption of cutting-edge solutions across the agricultural value chain. This position requires strong communication skills, a proactive approach, and the ability to work independently to drive innovation from a distance.

Key Responsibilities

• Identify and evaluate emerging technologies relevant to the agricultural sector (e.g., IoT, AI, biotech, precision farming).
• Scout for and assess promising agri-tech startups and innovative solutions.
• Facilitate partnerships and collaborations between established agricultural players and technology innovators.
• Conduct market research and feasibility studies for new agri-tech applications.
• Support the development and scaling of pilot projects and technology demonstrations.
• Contribute to strategy development for agri-tech adoption and innovation initiatives.
• Organize and participate in virtual workshops, webinars, and industry events to promote innovation.
• Maintain an up-to-date knowledge base of global trends and advancements in agricultural technology.
• Provide technical guidance and mentorship to agri-tech entrepreneurs and project teams.
• Develop content (e.g., white papers, case studies) highlighting successful agri-tech innovations.

Requirements

• A Bachelor's or Master's degree in Agriculture, Engineering, Computer Science, Business, or a related field.
• Minimum of 7 years of experience in technology innovation, R&D, venture capital, or a strategic role within the agri-tech sector.
• Proven track record of identifying and evaluating new technologies and business models.
• Strong understanding of current trends and challenges in modern agriculture and food systems.
• Excellent research, analytical, and critical thinking skills.
• Exceptional communication, presentation, and networking abilities.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently, manage multiple priorities, and deliver results in a remote setting.
• Experience with project management and stakeholder engagement.
• Passion for sustainable agriculture and technological advancement.
• Proficiency in using digital collaboration tools and platforms.

Benefits

• Competitive contractor rates commensurate with experience and expertise.
• Opportunity to work with a dynamic and innovative organization at the forefront of agri-tech.
• Flexible remote working arrangement, allowing for a great work-life balance.
• Exposure to a wide range of cutting-edge agricultural technologies and innovative startups.
• Contribution to significant advancements in sustainable agriculture and food security.
• Professional development opportunities and access to industry networks.
• The chance to shape the future of farming through technological integration.
• Project-based engagement with potential for long-term collaboration.
• Be part of a mission-driven initiative to modernize the agricultural sector.
• Resources and support provided to facilitate remote project execution.