Remote Lead Agronomist - Crop Innovation & Technology

Placements24; Benoni; Hybrid; ZAR 3,046,000 - 5,415,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Stock options may be available

Fully remote work setup

Competitive executive-level salary + 1

Professional development opportunities

Job summary

Placements24 seeks a highly experienced Lead Agronomist to spearhead crop innovation and technology initiatives in a fully remote, international role. You will lead a dispersed team of agronomists and researchers, driving precision farming, AI analytics, and advanced crop monitoring systems to improve yields and sustainability worldwide.

The role requires a Ph.D. or Master’s in Agronomy with 10+ years in the field, including 5+ in leadership.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. or Master’s in Agronomy or related field.
• 10+ years of progressive agronomy experience, 5+ in leadership.
• Experience with precision agriculture, data analytics, and AI in agriculture.
• Proven track record leading R&D projects and bringing innovations to market.
• Deep knowledge of crop physiology, soil science, pest management, and sustainable farming.
• Exceptional leadership and remote-team mentorship skills.
• Outstanding communication and remote collaboration abilities.
• Proficiency in data analysis software and agriculture platforms.

Responsibilities

• Lead and mentor a team of agronomists and researchers.
• Oversee R&D on precision agriculture, AI, IoT, and sensing technologies.
• Develop strategies to improve yields, quality, and resilience through technology.
• Analyze large datasets from satellites, sensors, and farm management software.
• Collaborate with product teams to integrate agronomic expertise into new offerings.
• Stay at the forefront of agricultural technology trends and identify opportunities.
• Conduct field trials and pilot programs to validate technologies and practices.
• Communicate findings to stakeholders and leadership.
• Contribute to scientific publications and conference presentations.
• Align activities with sustainable and efficient agriculture.

Skills

Leadership

Data analytics

AI in agriculture

Remote communication

Education

PhD in Agronomy

Master’s in Agronomy

Tools

Data analysis software

Satellite imaging tools

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a forward-thinking agricultural technology company, is seeking a highly experienced and innovative Lead Agronomist to spearhead their crop innovation and technology initiatives. This is a fully remote position, enabling you to drive advancements in agriculture from your home office. You will lead a team of agronomists and researchers, focusing on the development and implementation of cutting‑edge technologies such as precision farming, AI-driven analytics, and advanced crop monitoring systems. Your expertise will be crucial in identifying new opportunities to enhance crop yields, improve quality, and promote sustainable farming practices globally. This role requires a deep understanding of agronomy, a passion for technology, and exceptional leadership skills to guide a dispersed team effectively. You will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of agriculture through technological innovation, all managed within a fully remote operational framework. Collaboration and communication will be key to success in this dynamic, digitally-enabled role.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and mentor a team of agronomists and researchers in the development of innovative crop solutions.
• Oversee research and development projects focused on precision agriculture, AI, IoT, and advanced sensing technologies.
• Develop and implement strategies for improving crop yields, quality, and resilience through technological advancements.
• Analyze large datasets from various sources (e.g., satellite imagery, ground sensors, farm management software) to derive actionable insights.
• Collaborate with product development teams to integrate agronomic expertise into new technological offerings.
• Stay at the forefront of agricultural technology trends and identify emerging opportunities for innovation.
• Conduct field trials and pilot programs to validate new technologies and practices.
• Communicate findings and recommendations to stakeholders, including clients, investors, and internal leadership.
• Contribute to scientific publications and present at industry conferences.
• Ensure all activities align with the company's mission of promoting sustainable and efficient agriculture.

Requirements

• Ph.D. or Master's degree in Agronomy, Agricultural Science, Plant Science, or a related field.
• A minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in agronomy, with at least 5 years in a leadership or senior research role.
• Demonstrated experience with precision agriculture technologies, data analytics, and AI in agriculture.
• Proven track record of leading successful R&D projects and bringing innovations to market.
• Deep understanding of crop physiology, soil science, pest management, and sustainable farming systems.
• Exceptional leadership, team management, and mentorship skills.
• Outstanding communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills, suitable for a remote-first environment.
• Proficiency in data analysis software and platforms relevant to agriculture.
• Ability to think strategically and drive innovation in a fast-paced environment.
• Willingness to travel occasionally for critical project meetings or site visits when required.

Benefits

• This fully remote position offers a highly competitive executive-level salary and bonus structure, along with a comprehensive benefits package.
• You will have the opportunity to shape the future of agricultural technology and work with a passionate, innovative team.
• Enjoy the flexibility and autonomy of a remote work setup, coupled with opportunities for significant professional impact and growth.
• Our client invests in their employees' development through continuous learning initiatives and access to leading-edge tools and resources.
• Stock options may be available for qualifying candidates.
• This is a chance to lead transformative projects in the agricultural sector from anywhere.