About the Position

Automation Engineering Lead

Location: Kenya; South Africa

Employment Type: Full time

Department: Data Science / AI / ML

Build an Agricultural Enterprise's Automation Capability | AI & Automation Engineering Leadership | Hands-On Engineering + Business Partnership | Kenya-Based (Flexible for the Right Candidate)

Our client is seeking an exceptional AI and automation engineering leader to build their automation capability, lead high-impact solutions, and help scale farmer impact through hands-on engineering, business partnership, and technical leadership.

Our client is a social enterprise supporting millions of smallholder farmers through farm supplies, financing, and digital services, currently investing heavily in an internal AI and automation engineering capability to support its long-term strategic ambitions.

Brief of the Role

Qualities We Seek

Knowledge

Master's degree in a relevant technical field (Computer Science, Software Engineering, Data Science, AI, Information Systems) or a Bachelor's degree with relevant certifications
Comprehensive understanding of how AI, automation, and software engineering drive organizational strategy and business performance
Expert knowledge of enterprise systems, automation platforms, digital transformation, and organizational change management
Deep understanding of the organization's operating model, customer journeys, and long-term strategic ambitions

Technical Skills

Demonstrated expertise building and deploying production-grade AI, automation, and software solutions, including complex enterprise system integrations (APIs, middleware, third-party platforms)
Strong solution architecture and systems-thinking, with the ability to translate strategic business priorities into scalable technical roadmaps and identify practical applications for emerging technologies
Proven ability to guide technical decision-making, evaluate complex trade-offs, and conduct rigorous architecture and code reviews
Robust portfolio management and prioritization capabilities to ensure sustained, high-impact delivery

Other

Proven track record in hands-on delivery of production-grade technology solutions, balancing deep engineering contribution with effective leadership and capability building
Strategic leader with strong commercial and operational acumen, capable of influencing senior stakeholders and driving organizational change amidst ambiguity
Ownership-driven mindset, accountable for delivering measurable business outcomes and passionate about leveraging technology to maximize farmer impact

Responsibilities & Expectations

Set and Drive AI Strategy, Automation, and Engineering

Partner with senior leadership to identify how automation, AI, engineering, and technology can accelerate strategic priorities and farmer impact
Translate business needs into a clear engineering and automation roadmap
Evaluate emerging technologies and recommend investments that improve customer experience, operational efficiency, scalability, and financial sustainability
Act as a strategic thought partner to business leaders on opportunities, trade-offs, risks, and innovation priorities

Lead the Design and Delivery of Scalable AI, Automation, and Business Solutions

Ensure automation, AI, enterprise systems, integrations, and software solutions are designed to solve real business problems and deliver measurable value
Guide solution architecture and engineering decisions to balance speed, quality, sustainability, and scalability
Personally contribute to the design, review, prototyping, and delivery of high-priority automation, AI, integration, and software initiatives
Conduct architecture reviews, solution reviews, and technical quality assessments
Establish and oversee integration standards across enterprise systems, AI platforms, automation solutions, middleware, APIs, and third-party technologies
Ensure business systems exchange information reliably and efficiently
Oversee the successful delivery, adoption, and performance of the automation and engineering portfolio

Build and Strengthen AI & Automation Engineering Capability

Lead, coach, and develop a high-performing engineering team, fostering a culture of ownership, innovation, and disciplined execution
Establish robust governance and performance standards (SOPs) to ensure consistent delivery excellence, reliability, and continuous improvement
Build long-term technical leadership and succession pipelines by mentoring specialists in AI, automation, and integration aligned with strategic goals

Drive Organizational Transformation Through Automation and AI

Champion the adoption of automation, AI, and modern engineering practices across the organization
Identify opportunities to simplify processes, improve decision-making, reduce cost-to-serve, and enhance customer experience
Ensure automation and AI initiatives are delivering measurable operational and business impact
Position the organization as a leader in the practical application of technology within agricultural operations

Provide Stewardship of the AI & Automation Engineering Portfolio

Monitor the health, performance, value realization, and sustainability of engineering investments across the organization
Proactively manage technical, operational, and delivery risks
Balance immediate delivery priorities with long-term platform, capability, and organizational needs
Ensure the engineering portfolio continues to support business growth, resilience, and future strategic ambitions

Maintain External Awareness and Organizational Influence

Stay informed on industry trends, emerging technologies, and leading engineering practices
Build strong partnerships across the organization and external technology ecosystems
Represent engineering and automation priorities in strategic discussions and planning forums
Continuously elevate the organization's understanding and effective use of technology

What You Can Expect from the Company

Career Growth and Development

A strong culture of constant learning and investment in people - weekly check-ins with your manager, access to mentorship and training programs, and regular feedback on your performance
Career reviews every six months, with time set aside to discuss your aspirations and career goals
The opportunity to shape a growing organization and build a rewarding long-term career

Comprehensive Benefits

Health insurance, housing, and comprehensive benefits

Automation Engineering Lead

Job description