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Automation Engineering Lead

On-site in Spain·Full-time·Added 2 months ago (last checked 3 Nov)

OnHires

9 open roles

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Our summary

Work mode: On-site, Spain
Contract: Full-time
Experience: Senior level
Education: University degree
Benefits: Private health insurance

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Skills

Requirements

What we're looking for

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
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
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

The role

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.

What you'll do

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.

About OnHires

OnHires is a London-based recruitment and talent acquisition agency that specializes in connecting technology and business professionals with companies across Europe, the Middle East, and Asia. The company operates as a staffing and headhunting firm, offering services that range from executive search to full-cycle recruitment for roles in engineering, marketing, finance, and legal. With a focus on remote and hybrid placements, OnHires serves a diverse client base, from early-stage startups to established enterprises, and manages a significant volume of open positions across multiple sectors.

OnHires has a notable presence in Spain, with 28 currently open roles that are available to candidates based in the country, many of which are remote-friendly. The company's work culture is centered on flexibility and international collaboration, making it an attractive option for professionals seeking remote work opportunities with global teams. For international hires, OnHires offers the chance to work with a variety of clients and industries, providing a dynamic environment that values adaptability and cross-cultural communication.

Employees: 50
Headquarters: London, UK

Good to know if you are moving

OnHires is a remote-first recruitment agency, so most roles are remote-friendly, which is ideal for international professionals based in Spain.
The company places candidates in a wide range of industries, from tech and engineering to marketing and legal, offering diverse career opportunities.
OnHires operates across Europe, the Middle East, and Asia, providing exposure to international clients and teams.
As a staffing agency, OnHires itself does not offer direct employment; instead, it connects candidates with client companies, which may affect benefits and employment terms.

In their own words

About the company & team

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.

All open roles at OnHires