Job Description
Position: Product Manager – Agricultural Technology
Company: John Deere Kenya
Location: Mombasa, Kenya
Experience: 5+ years in product management, preferably in agri-tech
Education: Bachelor’s degree in Business, Agriculture, Engineering or related field
Employment Type: Full-time
Industry: Agriculture Technology
Department: Product Management
Salary: SSP 150,000 – 250,000 per month
Vacancies:1
Company Overview
John Deere Kenya is a leading provider of advanced agricultural equipment and digital solutions across East Africa. With a legacy of innovation spanning more than a century, the company empowers farmers to increase productivity, sustainability, and profitability. Operating from state‑of‑the‑art facilities in Mombasa, John Deere Kenya combines global expertise with deep local market knowledge, delivering precision farming tools, data‑driven platforms, and comprehensive support services. As part of the broader John Deere family, the Kenyan subsidiary contributes to the company’s mission of “Helping Farmers Do More.” The organization is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace, investing in employee development, and driving forward the agricultural transformation agenda that aligns with Kenya’s Vision 2030. This role offers a unique chance to be at the forefront of Kenya Jobs that shape the future of farming, making a tangible impact on food security and rural livelihoods.
Job Overview
The Product Manager – Agricultural Technology will lead the end‑to‑end lifecycle of digital and hardware products designed for smallholder and commercial farmers in Kenya. Reporting to the Head of Product, you will define product strategy, conduct market research, prioritize features, and collaborate with engineering, design, sales, and support teams to deliver solutions that meet the evolving needs of the agricultural sector. This position plays a pivotal role in driving innovation, ensuring product-market fit, and achieving revenue targets. For more information about the company culture and other openings, visit John Deere Kenya Careers. The role is central to John Deere’s commitment to Hiring in Kenya and expanding Career Opportunities in Kenya.
Key Responsibilities
- Develop and execute product roadmaps aligned with market trends and customer feedback.
- Conduct competitive analysis and identify gaps to inform product differentiation.
- Collaborate with engineering and design teams to translate requirements into functional specifications.
- Lead cross‑functional agile sprints, ensuring timely delivery of product milestones.
- Define pricing, positioning, and go‑to‑market strategies for new product launches.
- Monitor product performance metrics and iterate based on data‑driven insights.
- Engage with key stakeholders, including farmers, distributors, and agronomists, to gather insights.
- Prepare and present business cases to senior leadership for investment decisions.
Required Skills
- Strong analytical and strategic thinking abilities.
- Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
- Proficiency in product management tools (e.g., JIRA, Aha!, Confluence).
- Understanding of agricultural practices and technology adoption in Kenya.
- Ability to translate complex technical concepts into clear business value.
- Experience with agile development methodologies.
- Data‑driven decision‑making with proficiency in Excel or similar tools.
- Leadership mindset with a collaborative approach.
Education
A Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Agricultural Sciences, Engineering, or a related discipline is required. Advanced certifications in product management or agritech are advantageous and demonstrate a commitment to professional growth.
Experience
Minimum of five years of product management experience, preferably within the agricultural technology sector or related fields such as IoT, precision farming, or agri‑services. Demonstrated success in launching products that have achieved measurable market adoption and revenue growth is essential.
Salary
The compensation package ranges from SSP 150,000 to SSP 250,000 per month, commensurate with experience and qualifications. The package includes performance‑based bonuses and comprehensive benefits.
Benefits
- Health insurance covering employee and dependents.
- Retirement savings plan with company matching.
- Paid annual leave and public holidays.
- Employee assistance program and wellness initiatives.
- Company‑provided laptop and mobile device.
- Opportunities for international exposure and conferences.
Training
- Onboarding program covering John Deere’s product portfolio and agritech ecosystem.
- Continuous learning budget for certifications and courses.
- Mentorship from senior product leaders.
- Access to internal knowledge hubs and industry webinars.
- Leadership development tracks for high‑potential employees.
Working Environment
John Deere Kenya offers a dynamic, collaborative workspace in Mombasa’s vibrant business district. The office features modern meeting rooms, quiet zones for focused work, and a cafeteria serving diverse meals. Employees enjoy a culture that values innovation, sustainability, and community engagement, with regular team‑building activities and corporate social responsibility initiatives that support local farming communities.
Application Process
Interested candidates should submit their updated CV and a cover letter outlining relevant experience through the online portal on our website. Applications will be screened by the Talent Acquisition team, followed by an initial phone interview, a technical assessment, and a final interview with senior leadership. Successful applicants will be notified within two weeks of the final interview.
Equal Opportunity Statement
John Deere Kenya is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees, regardless of gender, ethnicity, disability, or background. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to any protected characteristic.