Project Manager - Agricultural Technology Integration

Placements24; Paarl; Hybrid; ZAR 700,000 - 1,000,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive pay bonus

Medical & retirement benefits

Hybrid work model

Professional development

Travel expenses covered

Job summary

Placements24 seeks a seasoned Project Manager to lead the integration of precision farming tech across Paarl farms. The role blends remote strategic planning with on-site deployment, training, and operations support.

You will coordinate IoT sensors, drones, automation, and data platforms, working with farmers, tech providers, and internal teams to boost efficiency, sustainability, and yield through innovation.

Qualifications

• 5+ years in project management focused on agricultural tech.
• Experience delivering tech implementations in field environments.
• Bachelor's degree in related field.

Responsibilities

• Manage full lifecycle of agricultural technology integration projects from planning to deployment and post-implementation support.
• Develop detailed project plans, timelines, budgets and resource requirements for technology rollouts.
• Oversee installation, configuration and testing of new technologies (sensors, drones, automated systems).
• Coordinate with internal farm managers, technical staff and external technology suppliers.
• Ensure seamless integration with existing farm management systems and data platforms.
• Conduct training sessions for farm staff on new technologies and data analysis tools.
• Monitor project performance, identify challenges and implement solutions for adoption and efficiency.
• Manage project risks, ensuring data security and system reliability.
• Prepare regular progress reports for senior management.
• Foster a culture of innovation and continuous improvement in agricultural practices.

Skills

Project management

Agricultural tech

Data analysis

Stakeholder management

Communication

PM software

Education

Bachelor's degree in Agriscience / related field

Tools

IoT platforms

Data analytics tools

Automation systems

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a forward-thinking agricultural enterprise operating across several farms near Paarl, Western Cape, is seeking a skilled Project Manager to lead the integration of advanced agricultural technologies. This role utilizes a hybrid work model, combining remote strategic planning and data analysis with essential on-site engagement for system implementation, training, and operational oversight across the Paarl region. You will be responsible for managing projects related to precision farming, IoT sensors, automated irrigation, and data management systems. The ideal candidate will possess a strong blend of technical acumen in agricultural technology, project management expertise, and excellent communication skills to bridge the gap between technology providers and farm operations. This is a vital role in enhancing farm efficiency, sustainability, and yield through technological innovation.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage the full lifecycle of agricultural technology integration projects, from planning and vendor selection to deployment and post-implementation support.
• Develop detailed project plans, timelines, budgets, and resource requirements for technology rollouts.
• Oversee the installation, configuration, and testing of new agricultural technologies (e.g., sensors, drones, automated systems).
• Coordinate with internal farm managers, technical staff, and external technology suppliers.
• Ensure seamless integration of new technologies with existing farm management systems and data platforms.
• Conduct training sessions for farm staff on the use of new technologies and data analysis tools.
• Monitor project performance, identify challenges, and implement solutions to ensure successful adoption and operational efficiency.
• Manage project risks, ensuring data security and system reliability.
• Prepare regular project progress reports and performance analyses for senior management.
• Foster a culture of innovation and continuous improvement in agricultural practices through technology.

Requirements

• A minimum of 5 years of experience in project management, with a strong focus on agricultural technology, precision farming, or related fields.
• Proven experience in managing technology implementation projects in a field or operational environment.
• Solid understanding of agricultural practices and challenges, combined with knowledge of relevant technologies (IoT, data analytics, automation).
• Ability to effectively manage responsibilities in a hybrid work environment, balancing remote tasks with on-site needs.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and stakeholder management skills.
• Proficiency in project management software and experience with data analysis tools.
• Bachelor's degree in Agricultural Science, Agronomy, Agricultural Engineering, Computer Science, or a related field.
• Experience working with farmers and agricultural stakeholders is highly desirable.
• Project management certifications are a plus.

Benefits

• Competitive salary and performance-related bonuses.
• Comprehensive medical aid and retirement benefits.
• Opportunities for professional development in the rapidly evolving field of agritech.
• A hybrid work model that supports work-life integration.
• The chance to work on innovative projects making a real impact on agriculture in the Paarl region.
• Travel expenses covered for on-site project activities.