Project Manager - AgriTech Innovations

Placements24; Paarl; Hybrid; ZAR 900,000 - 1,300,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Performance-based bonuses

Health plan

Professional development & conferences

Remote work flexibility

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking an innovative Project Manager to lead AgriTech projects from concept to market launch in a fully remote capacity. You will manage IoT sensors, data analytics, precision farming, and automation initiatives while collaborating with researchers, engineers, farmers, and business stakeholders.

The role requires 6+ years in tech-focused project management, with a strong background in agriculture or R&D, and proficiency in Agile and Waterfall methodologies.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in a related field (Agricultural Science, Engineering, CS, or Business Administration).
• 6+ years of project management experience in tech-driven projects.

Responsibilities

• Oversee full lifecycle of AgriTech projects from ideation to market deployment.
• Develop comprehensive project plans with scope, milestones, and budgets.
• Lead remote cross-functional teams of engineers, data scientists, agronomists, and software developers.
• Manage risks, dependencies and mitigation strategies in a virtual setting.
• Ensure on-time delivery meeting quality and performance metrics.
• Coordinate pilot programs and field trials to validate solutions.
• Contribute to strategic roadmap for AgriTech innovation.

Skills

Project management

Remote team leadership

Agile

Waterfall

Jira

Confluence

MS Project

Communication

Analytical thinking

Education

Master's degree (Agricultural Science/Engineering/CS/Business Admin)

Tools

Jira

Confluence

MS Project

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a forward-thinking agricultural technology company, is seeking an innovative Project Manager to lead the development and deployment of groundbreaking AgriTech solutions. This fully remote position offers a unique opportunity to drive advancements in sustainable farming practices and contribute to food security. You will be responsible for managing projects involving IoT sensors, data analytics, precision agriculture, and automation technologies from concept through to market launch. The ideal candidate will have a robust background in project management, ideally within the agricultural, technology, or R&D sectors, coupled with a strong understanding of emerging technologies and their application in agriculture. This role demands exceptional leadership, strategic thinking, and the ability to foster collaboration across geographically dispersed teams. You will work closely with researchers, engineers, farmers, and business stakeholders to ensure projects meet technical specifications, business goals, and deliver tangible benefits to the agricultural community. If you are passionate about leveraging technology to transform agriculture and thrive in a remote, innovative environment, this role is for you.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee the entire lifecycle of AgriTech projects, from ideation and feasibility studies to product development and market implementation.
• Develop comprehensive project plans, defining scope, objectives, milestones, resource requirements, and budgets.
• Lead and motivate cross-functional, remote project teams including engineers, data scientists, agronomists, and software developers.
• Manage project risks, identify dependencies, and implement proactive mitigation strategies in a virtual setting.
• Ensure timely and successful delivery of projects, meeting quality standards and performance metrics.
• Facilitate clear and consistent communication among all project stakeholders, including internal teams, external partners, and clients.
• Manage project budgets, track expenses, and provide regular financial reports.
• Stay abreast of the latest advancements in AgriTech and relevant technologies.
• Coordinate pilot programs and field trials to validate new solutions.
• Contribute to the strategic roadmap for AgriTech innovation within the organization.

Requirements

• Master's degree in Agricultural Science, Engineering, Computer Science, Business Administration, or a related field.
• Minimum of 6 years of project management experience, with a strong emphasis on technology-driven projects, preferably in agriculture or a related sector.
• Demonstrated experience leading remote teams and managing complex R&D or technology development projects.
• Solid understanding of AgriTech concepts, such as IoT, data analytics, AI in agriculture, precision farming, and automation.
• Proficiency in project management methodologies (Agile, Waterfall) and tools (e.g., Jira, Confluence, MS Project).
• Exceptional leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills, especially in a virtual context.
• Ability to translate technical concepts into business value.
• Strong analytical and critical thinking abilities.
• Experience working in a fully remote capacity is essential.
• A passion for sustainable agriculture and technological innovation.

Benefits

• Our client offers a competitive salary and performance-based bonuses.
• This is a fully remote position, providing unparalleled flexibility and work-life balance.
• Employees benefit from a comprehensive health plan and opportunities for continuous professional development, including access to cutting-edge research and industry conferences.
• You will work with a passionate team dedicated to making a real impact on the future of agriculture.
• The role offers significant autonomy and the chance to shape the direction of AgriTech innovation.
• Although the company operates remotely, the focus is on innovative solutions potentially impacting regions like the fertile area around Stellenbosch, Western Cape , where agricultural advancements are highly valued.