Lead Remote Project Manager, Agricultural Technology Integration

Placements24; Paarl; Hybrid; ZAR 1,000,000 - 1,600,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Bonus structure

Home office stipend

Health insurance

Remote-first culture

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Lead Remote Project Manager to drive agricultural technology integration across farming operations. This remote role enables contribution from anywhere in South Africa, leading cross-functional teams to implement precision farming, IoT, and data analytics initiatives.

You will develop plans, manage budgets and timelines, assess risks, and report ROI to senior leadership. A strong background in project management within agriculture, PMP or equivalent certification, and

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or higher in a related field.
• PMP or equivalent certification is highly desirable.
• Minimum 8 years in project management with 5+ years in agricultural technology implementations.
• Proven experience with precision agriculture, IoT, or farm management software.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute comprehensive project plans for agricultural technology integration.
• Lead distributed teams of agronomists, engineers, data scientists, and IT specialists.
• Oversee implementation of precision farming equipment, FMS, and IoT devices.
• Ensure successful data collection, integration, and analysis from various systems.
• Manage budgets, timelines, and resources; align with strategic objectives.
• Identify and mitigate project risks related to tech adoption and operations.
• Facilitate remote communication among stakeholders and vendors.
• Monitor performance, ROI, and report outcomes to leadership.
• Drive continuous improvement through technology deployment.

Skills

Leadership

Remote team management

Stakeholder management

Data analysis

Education

Bachelor's degree in Agriculture/IT

Master's degree or PMP/Agricultural Technology certification

Tools

MS Project

Smartsheet

Remote collaboration tools

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leader in agricultural innovation, is seeking an experienced Lead Remote Project Manager to drive the integration of cutting-edge technologies across its diverse farming operations. This is a fully remote position, allowing you to contribute from any location in South Africa. You will be responsible for the end-to-end management of projects involving precision agriculture, farm management software, IoT sensor deployment, and data analytics platforms. The ideal candidate will possess a strong background in project management, a deep understanding of agricultural processes, and expertise in implementing technology solutions in the agricultural sector. You will lead distributed teams of specialists, contractors, and farm managers, ensuring seamless adoption and maximizing the benefits of technological advancements. This role offers a significant opportunity to shape the future of sustainable and efficient farming practices.

Key Responsibilities

Develop and execute comprehensive project plans for agricultural technology integration initiatives. Lead and manage cross-functional, distributed teams of agronomists, engineers, data scientists, and IT specialists. Oversee the implementation of precision farming equipment, farm management software (FMS), and IoT devices. Ensure successful data collection, integration, and analysis from various agricultural systems. Manage project budgets, timelines, and resources, ensuring alignment with strategic objectives. Identify, assess, and mitigate project risks, particularly those related to technology adoption and operational impact. Facilitate effective remote communication and collaboration among project stakeholders. Manage relationships with technology vendors, software providers, and service partners. Monitor project performance, measure ROI, and report on key outcomes to senior leadership. Drive innovation and continuous improvement in agricultural practices through technology deployment.

Requirements

A Bachelor's degree in Agriculture, Agronomy, Agricultural Engineering, Information Technology, or a related field. A Master's degree or relevant certifications in Project Management (PMP) or Agricultural Technology are highly desirable. A minimum of 8 years of progressive experience in project management, with at least 5 years focused on agricultural technology implementation. Proven experience managing projects involving precision agriculture, IoT in farming, or farm management software. Strong understanding of agricultural operations, crop cycles, and farm management principles. Excellent leadership, communication, and stakeholder management skills, with proven success in managing remote teams. Proficiency in project management software (e.g., MS Project, Smartsheet) and remote collaboration tools. Ability to analyze complex data sets and translate insights into actionable project plans. Experience with sensor technologies, data analytics platforms, and cloud-based agricultural solutions. A reliable internet connection and a dedicated home office environment suitable for remote work. Proactive problem-solving skills and the ability to work independently.

Benefits

Our client offers a highly competitive salary and an attractive benefits package tailored for remote employees. This includes a generous bonus structure, performance incentives, and a stipend for home office setup and connectivity. Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance are provided. We are committed to your professional growth, offering access to online training, industry webinars, and opportunities to attend virtual agricultural technology conferences. You will join an innovative and collaborative remote-first culture, contributing to the advancement of sustainable agriculture from anywhere in the country.