Remote Agricultural Innovation Lead - AgTech Solutions

Placements24; Midrand; Hybrid; ZAR 1,976,000 - 2,964,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible remote work

Global expert network

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a visionary Remote Agricultural Innovation Lead to drive development and adoption of groundbreaking AgTech solutions. The role focuses on identifying technologies, evaluating impact, and leading remote projects enhancing farm efficiency and profitability.

You will bridge tech advances with practical farming, collaborating with researchers and professionals worldwide, including in Midrand, Gauteng, ZA.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree or PhD in a relevant field with a focus on innovation.
• 7+ years in agricultural innovation, AgTech development, product management, or related strategic role.
• Proven track record of identifying, developing, and launching new technologies or solutions.
• Strong understanding of IoT, AI, precision agriculture and biotechnology.

Responsibilities

• Identify, evaluate, and prioritize emerging technologies and innovative solutions for the agricultural sector.
• Lead the conceptualization, development, and piloting of new AgTech products and services.
• Collaborate with R&D teams, engineers, and external partners to realize innovations.
• Conduct market research and feasibility studies for potential technologies and business models.
• Develop strategic roadmaps for innovation and technology adoption within the company.
• Foster knowledge sharing and a culture of innovation across remote teams.
• Engage with farmers and stakeholders to understand needs and gather feedback on solutions.
• Monitor industry trends, regulatory developments in AgTech.
• Manage innovation project pipelines and ensure timely delivery.

Skills

Strategic thinking

Leadership

Project management

Remote collaboration

Communication

Analytical skills

Innovation mindset

Education

Master’s or PhD in Agricultural Science/Engineering/CS/Business Administration with focus on innovation

Tools

IoT

AI

Precision agriculture

Biotechnology

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a pioneering AgTech company, is seeking a visionary Remote Agricultural Innovation Lead to drive the development and adoption of groundbreaking solutions within the agricultural sector. This fully remote position is crucial for identifying emerging technologies, evaluating their potential impact, and leading projects that enhance farm efficiency, sustainability, and profitability. You will be instrumental in bridging the gap between technological advancements and practical farming applications, working closely with a global network of researchers, developers, and agricultural professionals. The focus will be on conceptualizing and piloting innovative AgTech solutions, with potential applications benefiting farming communities in regions such as **Midrand, Gauteng, ZA**. This role requires a strategic thinker with a deep understanding of agriculture, technology trends, and a proven ability to lead innovation initiatives from a remote setting.

Key Responsibilities

• Identify, evaluate, and prioritize emerging technologies and innovative solutions for the agricultural sector.
• Lead the conceptualization, development, and piloting of new AgTech products and services.
• Collaborate with R&D teams, engineers, and external partners to bring innovative ideas to fruition.
• Conduct market research and feasibility studies for potential new technologies and business models.
• Develop strategic roadmaps for innovation and technology adoption within the company.
• Facilitate knowledge sharing and foster a culture of innovation across remote teams.
• Engage with farmers and agricultural stakeholders to understand their needs and gather feedback on proposed solutions.
• Monitor industry trends, competitive landscape, and regulatory developments in AgTech.
• Manage innovation project pipelines and ensure successful project execution within defined timelines and budgets.
• Prepare proposals, reports, and presentations to communicate innovation strategies and project outcomes.

Requirements

• A Master's degree or Ph.D. in Agricultural Science, Engineering, Computer Science, Business Administration, or a related field with a focus on innovation.
• Minimum of 7 years of experience in agricultural innovation, AgTech development, product management, or a related strategic role.
• Proven track record of identifying, developing, and launching new technologies or solutions.
• Strong understanding of current and emerging agricultural technologies (e.g., IoT, AI, precision agriculture, biotechnology).
• Excellent strategic thinking, problem-solving, and analytical skills.
• Exceptional leadership and project management capabilities.
• Strong communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills, essential for remote collaboration and stakeholder engagement.
• Ability to work autonomously, manage multiple complex projects, and adapt to a rapidly evolving technological landscape.
• A deep passion for transforming agriculture through technology and innovation.
• Experience working in a remote or distributed team environment is highly desirable.

Benefits

• This fully remote position offers unparalleled flexibility and the opportunity to shape the future of agriculture.
• Our client offers a highly competitive salary, comprehensive benefits package including health, retirement, and performance bonuses.
• You will have access to a global network of experts and resources, and the chance to lead transformative projects that will impact agricultural practices worldwide, including in areas like **Midrand, Gauteng, ZA**.
• Continuous learning and professional development are strongly encouraged.