Role Overview for VP Precision Agriculture – St. Louis, MO
JRG Partners has been exclusively retained to identify a transformative leader for the role of Vice President of Precision Agriculture for our client, a pioneering global force in agricultural technology. Based in the vibrant ag-tech hub of St. Louis, MO, this executive position is a career-defining opportunity to shape the future of sustainable and efficient farming on a global scale. The VP of Precision Agriculture will serve as the strategic linchpin for the company’s entire digital farming portfolio, reporting directly to the Chief Technology Officer. You will be entrusted with the vision, strategy, and execution of a product and technology roadmap that leverages cutting-edge data science, IoT, and automation to solve real-world challenges for growers.
This is not merely a management role; it is a leadership mandate. You will be the chief evangelist for our client’s precision agriculture platform, inspiring a world-class team, forging strategic alliances, and driving the P&L for this critical business unit. The ideal candidate is a visionary with a deep-rooted understanding of agronomy, coupled with extensive experience in technology leadership and a proven track record of bringing innovative digital products to market. You will be responsible for translating complex data streams from sensors, drones, satellites, and machinery into actionable insights that enhance crop yields, optimize resource usage, and promote environmental stewardship. Your leadership will directly impact the company’s market position, profitability, and its mission to feed a growing global population sustainably.
Key Responsibilities of VP Precision Agriculture – St. Louis, MO
Strategic Vision & Executive Leadership
Develop, articulate, and execute a comprehensive, long-term strategic plan for the Precision Agriculture division. Identify and analyze emerging market trends, competitive threats, and technological advancements to ensure the company remains at the forefront of the industry. Present strategic initiatives, progress, and financial forecasts to the executive leadership team and Board of Directors.
Product & Technology Roadmap Oversight
Assume full ownership of the product lifecycle for all precision agriculture hardware and software solutions. Lead the ideation, development, launch, and continuous improvement of a product portfolio that includes farm management software (FMS), IoT sensors, variable rate technology (VRT) applications, and advanced analytics platforms. Ensure the product roadmap is aligned with customer needs and corporate financial goals.
P&L Management & Financial Acumen
Hold complete P&L responsibility for the Precision Agriculture business unit. Develop and manage annual budgets, perform detailed financial forecasting, and implement strategies to drive revenue growth and maximize profitability. Monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) and make data-driven decisions to optimize resource allocation and investment.
Team Development & Mentorship
Lead, mentor, and expand a high-performing, cross-functional team comprising product managers, data scientists, software engineers, agronomists, and UX/UI designers. Foster a culture of innovation, accountability, and collaboration that attracts and retains top-tier talent. Champion professional development and create clear career progression paths for team members.
Data Science & Analytics Integration
Champion the use of artificial intelligence, machine learning, and predictive analytics to unlock the full potential of agricultural data. Oversee the development of sophisticated agronomic models that provide growers with prescriptive recommendations for planting, irrigation, fertilization, and pest management.
Go-to-Market & Commercialization Strategy
Collaborate closely with the Sales, Marketing, and Business Development teams to craft and execute powerful go-to-market strategies. Define value propositions, pricing models, and channel strategies to accelerate market adoption and capture market share. Serve as a key spokesperson at industry events, trade shows, and with key media outlets.
Strategic Partnerships & Alliances
Identify, negotiate, and manage strategic partnerships with equipment manufacturers (OEMs), technology providers, research institutions, and channel partners. Build an ecosystem of collaboration that enhances our product offerings and extends our market reach.
Customer-Centric Innovation
Act as the senior executive liaison for key enterprise customers and grower cooperatives. Establish robust feedback loops to ensure the voice of the customer is embedded in the product development process. Drive a relentless focus on creating user-friendly solutions that deliver tangible economic and agronomic value.
Requirements for the VP Precision Agriculture – St. Louis, MO
Educational Background
An advanced degree (Master’s, PhD) in Agronomy, Agricultural Engineering, Data Science, Computer Science, or a closely related field is required. An MBA or equivalent business degree is highly preferred.
Executive Experience
A minimum of 15 years of progressive professional experience, with at least 7 years in a senior leadership capacity (e.g., VP, Senior Director) overseeing a significant business unit or product division within the ag-tech sector.
Domain Expertise
Demonstrable, in-depth knowledge of the entire ecosystem of precision ag technologies, including but not limited to GPS/GIS, remote sensing (satellite and drone imagery), IoT devices, telematics, farm management software (FMS), and variable rate application control.
Proven P&L Ownership
A strong track record of successfully managing a full P&L, including budgeting, forecasting, and achieving ambitious revenue and profitability targets.
Leadership & Team Building
Exceptional leadership qualities with proven success in recruiting, developing, and motivating large, multidisciplinary teams in a fast-paced, technology-driven environment.
Strategic & Analytical Skills
Superior strategic thinking and analytical skills. The ability to synthesize complex market and technical information into a clear, actionable business strategy.
Communication & Influence
Outstanding executive presence and communication skills. Must be able to articulate a compelling vision and influence a wide range of audiences, from engineers and data scientists to C-level executives, board members, and major clients.
Location & Travel
The candidate must be willing to reside in the greater St. Louis, MO area. This role requires the ability to travel domestically and internationally as needed, estimated at 25-35%.
Benefits & Perks Offered
Our client offers a comprehensive and competitive executive compensation package designed to attract and retain the very best leaders in the industry. This includes:
Executive Compensation
A highly competitive base salary complemented by a significant annual performance-based bonus and a substantial long-term incentive plan (equity/stock options).
Comprehensive Health & Wellness
Premier medical, dental, and vision insurance plans for you and your dependents, with low employee contributions. Access to wellness programs, mental health resources, and a fitness reimbursement plan.
Retirement & Financial Planning
A robust 401(k) retirement plan with a generous company match. Access to financial planning services.
Work-Life Integration
A generous paid time off (PTO) policy, paid company holidays, and parental leave programs to support a healthy work-life balance.
Professional Growth
A dedicated budget for executive coaching, industry conferences, and continuing education to support your ongoing professional development.
Relocation Support
A comprehensive, white-glove relocation package is available for the successful candidate and their family.
Additional Perks
Executive car allowance, company-paid life and disability insurance, and other perquisites befitting a senior executive role.
How to Apply
This is an exclusive search conducted by JRG Partners. We invite qualified and interested candidates to take the next step in their careers by applying for this transformative opportunity. To be considered, please submit your confidential resume and a cover letter outlining your qualifications and vision for this role. To apply for this executive opportunity or to explore other roles in our portfolio, please visit the JRG Partners AgTech Executive Recruiters Practice page and submit your resume. We look forward to connecting with you and discussing how you can lead the next revolution in agriculture.
