Automation Engineering Lead – AI & Automation for Agriculture

About the role

Our client, a social enterprise supporting millions of smallholder farmers, is looking for an AI and automation engineering leader to build a dedicated automation capability. The role combines hands‑on engineering, strategic partnership with business leaders, and technical leadership to scale farmer impact.

Key responsibilities

• Partner with senior leadership to define how AI, automation and engineering can accelerate strategic priorities and farmer outcomes.
• Translate business needs into a clear, scalable engineering and automation roadmap.
• Evaluate emerging technologies, recommend investments, and drive digital transformation initiatives.
• Lead the design, development and production deployment of AI‑driven automation solutions.
• Oversee complex enterprise system integrations (APIs, middleware, third‑party platforms).
• Guide technical decision‑making, conduct architecture and code reviews, and balance trade‑offs.
• Manage a portfolio of projects, prioritize delivery, and ensure high‑impact outcomes.
• Influence senior stakeholders, champion organizational change, and deliver measurable business results.

Required profile

• Master’s degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Data Science, AI, Information Systems or equivalent; or Bachelor’s degree with relevant certifications.
• Deep understanding of how AI, automation and software engineering drive strategy and performance.
• Expert knowledge of enterprise systems, automation platforms, digital transformation and change management.
• Strong commercial and operational acumen with the ability to influence senior leaders.
• Proven track record delivering production‑grade technology solutions while building capability and leading teams.

Required skills

• AI development and automation engineering.
• Enterprise system integration (APIs, middleware, third‑party platforms).
• Solution architecture and systems‑thinking.
• Technical decision‑making, architecture and code review.
• Portfolio management and prioritisation.

What we offer

• Opportunity to shape the automation capability of a high‑impact social enterprise.
• Leadership role with direct influence on strategic initiatives.
• Collaborative environment working closely with senior business partners.