Head of Engineering and Product Development

Placements24; Stellenbosch; Hybrid; ZAR 1,500,000 - 2,500,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Stock options or equity participation

Comprehensive medical, dental, and视vis

Generous retirement savings plan

Relocation assistance available

Hybrid work model promoting work-life

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a visionary Head of Engineering and Product Development to lead our client’s innovation in agricultural technology from Stellenbosch, Western Cape. You will oversee the complete product lifecycle, guide a cross-functional team of engineers and product managers, and translate market needs into ambitious roadmaps while maintaining technical excellence.

The role demands a strategic thinker with deep expertise in hardware/software integration, agile project management, and IP

Qualifications

• Master's in Engineering; MBA is a plus.
• 10+ years in product development and engineering management.
• Experience with hardware/software integration.
• Proven leadership of large engineering/product teams.
• Expertise in agile development methodologies and project management tools.
• Strong product strategy, market analysis, and UX understanding.
• Hybrid office environment experience.

Responsibilities

• Lead engineering and product development teams, setting clear goals and expectations.
• Define and execute the product strategy and roadmap.
• Oversee the entire product lifecycle from concept to launch.
• Drive innovation and identify opportunities for new product development.
• Manage budgets, resources, and timelines effectively.
• Mentor and develop engineering and product management talent.
• Collaborate with marketing, sales, and operations for product success.
• Oversee testing, QA, and regulatory/compliance requirements.
• Protect intellectual property and patent strategies.

Skills

Leadership

Strategic thinking

Agile

Product development

Education

Master's degree in Engineering

MBA

Tools

Project management tools

Job description

About the Role

Our client, an innovative technology firm specializing in agricultural solutions, is seeking a visionary Head of Engineering and Product Development to lead their product innovation and engineering efforts. This leadership role, based in Stellenbosch, Western Cape , is responsible for overseeing the entire product lifecycle, from ideation and design to development, testing, and launch. The successful candidate will guide a team of talented engineers and product managers, fostering a culture of creativity, collaboration, and technical excellence. We are looking for an individual with a strong background in product development, a passion for innovation, and proven leadership capabilities in managing complex engineering projects. This position requires a strategic thinker who can translate market needs and business objectives into successful, cutting-edge products. The ideal candidate will possess a deep understanding of product development methodologies, hardware and software integration, and agile project management. This is an exceptional opportunity to shape the technological future of a growing company in a vital sector. The role demands a leader who can inspire high performance and drive product roadmaps to completion.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the engineering and product development teams, setting clear goals and expectations.
• Oversee the entire product lifecycle, ensuring timely and successful product launches.
• Define and execute the product strategy and roadmap in alignment with company objectives.
• Drive innovation and identify opportunities for new product development.
• Manage project budgets, resources, and timelines effectively.
• Foster a culture of technical excellence, quality, and continuous improvement.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including marketing, sales, and operations, to ensure product success.
• Oversee product testing, quality assurance, and compliance with industry standards.
• Manage intellectual property and patent strategies.
• Stay abreast of technological advancements and market trends in the agricultural technology sector.
• Mentor and develop engineering and product management talent.

Requirements

• Master's degree in Engineering (e.g., Electrical, Mechanical, Computer Science) or a related technical field. An MBA is a plus.
• 10+ years of progressive experience in product development and engineering management, with a strong focus on hardware/software integration.
• Proven experience in leading and scaling engineering and product teams.
• Demonstrated success in bringing new products to market from concept to launch.
• Expertise in agile development methodologies and project management tools.
• Strong understanding of product strategy, market analysis, and user experience design.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Experience in the agricultural technology (AgriTech) sector is highly advantageous.
• Ability to manage complex projects and budgets.
• Comfortable working in a hybrid office environment.

Benefits

• Highly competitive salary and performance-based bonuses.
• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance.
• Stock options or equity participation.
• Generous retirement savings plan.
• Significant paid time off and holiday leave.
• Relocation assistance available.
• Access to cutting-edge research and development facilities in Stellenbosch, Western Cape .
• Opportunities for professional growth, conferences, and training.
• Hybrid work model promoting work-life balance.
• Employee wellness programs.