Agricultural Technology Innovation Manager Job Vacancy in Kalulushi, Zambia – Agriculture & AgriTech

Job Description

Position: Agricultural Technology Innovation Manager

Company: John Deere Zambia

Location: Kalulushi, Zambia

Experience: 5-7 years in agri‑technology, project management, or related fields

Education: Bachelor’s degree in Agricultural Engineering, Agronomy, or related discipline

Employment Type: Full-time

Industry: Agriculture & AgriTech

Department: Innovation & Development

Salary: SSP 120,000 – SSP 180,000 per month

Vacancies:1

Company Overview

John Deere Zambia is a leading provider of advanced agricultural equipment and digital solutions across Southern Africa. With a legacy of over a century in farming innovation, the company supports Zambian growers in increasing productivity, sustainability, and profitability. As part of a global network, John Deere Zambia combines local market insight with cutting‑edge technology to deliver precision farming tools, data‑driven insights, and comprehensive after‑sales support. The organization is committed to creating career opportunities that empower professionals to shape the future of agriculture in Zambia, contributing to food security and economic growth. This role offers a unique platform for ambitious leaders to drive transformative projects that align with national development goals and the broader vision of modernizing Zambia’s agricultural sector.

Job Overview

The Agricultural Technology Innovation Manager will lead the design, development, and implementation of next‑generation agri‑tech solutions tailored for Zambian farms. Reporting to the Head of Innovation, you will collaborate with cross‑functional teams, external research institutions, and local farmer cooperatives to pilot digital platforms, IoT sensors, and data analytics tools that enhance crop yields and resource efficiency. This position plays a pivotal role in expanding John Deere’s portfolio of smart farming solutions, ensuring they meet the unique challenges of Zambia’s diverse agro‑ecological zones. For more information about our mission and values, visit https://zambiajobssearch.com/. The role is central to our commitment to creating high‑impact jobs in Zambia and supporting the country’s agricultural transformation.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and execute a strategic roadmap for agri‑technology innovation aligned with market needs and company objectives.
• Lead multidisciplinary project teams to design, test, and roll out precision farming solutions, including satellite imaging, soil sensors, and AI‑driven decision support tools.
• Partner with local universities, research institutes, and farmer groups to co‑create pilot projects and gather field data.
• Manage the full product lifecycle from concept through commercialization, ensuring compliance with Zambian agricultural regulations.
• Analyze performance metrics and generate insights to continuously improve solution efficacy and farmer adoption rates.
• Prepare business cases, budgets, and ROI analyses for new technology initiatives.
• Represent John Deere Zambia at industry conferences, trade shows, and stakeholder meetings to promote innovation and brand leadership.

Required Skills

• Strong understanding of precision agriculture, IoT, and data analytics applied to farming.
• Proven project management expertise, with ability to lead cross‑functional teams.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills, capable of translating technical concepts for diverse audiences.
• Analytical mindset with proficiency in statistical tools and data visualization.
• Strategic thinking and ability to align technology initiatives with business goals.
• Fluency in English; knowledge of local languages is an advantage.

Education

A Bachelor’s degree in Agricultural Engineering, Agronomy, Computer Science, or a related field is required. A Master’s degree or professional certifications in project management, data science, or agronomy will be considered a strong asset.

Experience

Minimum of five to seven years of experience in agricultural technology development, precision farming, or related sectors. Demonstrated success in leading innovation projects and delivering measurable outcomes in a farming context is essential.

Salary

The competitive salary range for this role is SSP 120,000 to SSP 180,000 per month, commensurate with experience and qualifications. Performance‑based bonuses and incentive schemes are also part of the compensation package.

Benefits

• Comprehensive health insurance covering employee and dependents.
• Retirement savings plan with company matching contributions.
• Paid annual leave, sick leave, and public holidays.
• Company vehicle or transportation allowance for field visits.
• Access to employee assistance programs and wellness initiatives.

Training

• Continuous professional development through workshops, certifications, and industry conferences.
• On‑the‑job training in emerging agri‑tech platforms and data analytics tools.
• Mentorship programs with senior leaders across John Deere’s global network.

Working Environment

The role is based in Kalulushi with regular travel to farms, research sites, and partner locations across Zambia. John Deere Zambia offers a collaborative, inclusive, and safety‑focused workplace where innovation thrives. Employees benefit from modern office facilities, state‑of‑the‑art labs, and a culture that encourages creativity and continuous learning.

Application Process

Interested candidates should submit their updated CV and a cover letter outlining their relevant experience through the online portal on our website. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, and shortlisted candidates will be contacted for interviews.

Equal Opportunity Statement

John Deere Zambia is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees, regardless of gender, race, religion, or background. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without discrimination.