Automation Engineering Lead

Department: Data Science / AI / ML

Location: Kenya, South Africa

Employment Type: FullTime

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

Brief of the Role

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.

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.