Cargill: The unexpected tech giant that’s hiring 400 tech and engineer specialists

Forget Silicon Valley, the hottest tech opportunities might be hiding in the world of… agriculture?

Cargill, a name synonymous with food production, is on a major hiring spree, looking to snap up 400 tech and engineering professionals. But why is a company known for grain silos and livestock suddenly competing with Google and Amazon for top tech talent?

The answer lies in Cargill’s ambition to transform the entire food supply chain through technology. But the largest private company in America is in a state of flux. Reports emerged in December that it is laying off about 8000 people or 5 per cent of its global workforce on account of falling inflation and subsequent lower food prices.

Now that cattle farming is not booming, they are building cutting-edge solutions in areas such as:

• Supply chain optimisation: Imagine using AI to track millions of tons of goods, from farm to fork, predicting disruptions and ensuring food reaches consumers efficiently.
• Data science and analytics: Cargill gathers mountains of data on everything from crop yields to consumer trends. They need data wizards to extract valuable insights and drive better decision-making.
• Cybersecurity: Protecting critical infrastructure and sensitive data in a world of increasing cyber threats is paramount.
• Software engineering: Developing innovative applications for everything from farm management to food traceability.
• Automation and robotics: Exploring the use of robots and automation in areas like processing plants and warehouses to increase efficiency and safety.

Why does this matter?

This isn’t your typical tech job. For freelancers and contractors, Cargill could offer:

Impactful work: Contribute to a company that’s tackling global challenges like food security and sustainability.

Diverse projects: With operations spanning 70 countries and a wide range of businesses, you’ll find exciting and varied projects to sink your teeth into.

Cutting-edge technology: Work with the latest tools and technologies in a company investing heavily in digital transformation.

Where to find Cargill job vacancies?

While Cargill encourages direct applications through their website, their careers page also states they work with staffing agencies. They even have a dedicated page with a message: “To Recruiters and Staffing Agencies,” outlining how agencies can partner with them. This indicates they are open to working with external recruiters to find talent.

A quick search on LinkedIn reveals numerous recruiters who specialise in placing candidates in the food and agribusiness sector, including at Cargill. Many of these recruiters actively post about Cargill’s open roles and their need for tech talent.

Sites like Indeed, Glassdoor, and even specialised platforms for freelance tech roles often feature Cargill jobs. These postings sometimes specifically mention that the role is open to freelancers or contractors.

Several articles and reports discuss Cargill’s digital transformation efforts and their increased need for tech talent. These articles often mention that Cargill is looking to fill these roles through various channels, including external agencies and platforms.  

If you are new to the food production sector it wouldn’t hurt to connect with professionals in the food and agriculture industry on LinkedIn and other platforms. Many Cargill employees and recruiters are active online and share valuable insights into the company’s hiring practices.

You could also stay updated on Cargill’s latest news and announcements by following their official social media pages. They often post about job opportunities and events. Also, reach out to Cargill recruiters on LinkedIn or through their website to get an idea of what Cargill is looking for, especially for contract roles.

Did you find this article useful? Share this article with your network or start a discussion in our comments section or through our LinkedIn page.