Drone Operations Manager Job Vacancy in Mzuzu, Malawi – Agriculture Technology

Job Description

Position:Drone Operations Manager

Company:Syngenta Malawi

Location:Mzuzu, Malawi

Experience:5+ years in drone operations, precision agriculture, or related field

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

Employment Type:Full-time

Industry:Agriculture Technology

Department:Operations

Salary:SSP 2,500,000 – 3,500,000 per annum

Vacancies:1

Company Overview

Syngenta Malawi is a leading global agribusiness dedicated to sustainable crop solutions and innovative agricultural practices. With a strong presence across Southern Africa, Syngenta combines cutting‑edge research, advanced seed technologies, and digital tools to empower farmers and enhance food security. Operating from its regional hub in Mzuzu, the company collaborates closely with local growers, research institutions, and government agencies to drive climate‑smart agriculture. As part of its commitment to modernizing farming, Syngenta Malawi invests heavily in precision agriculture, data analytics, and emerging technologies such as unmanned aerial systems, making it an exciting workplace for forward‑thinking professionals seeking to shape the future of agriculture in Malawi.

Job Overview

The Drone Operations Manager will lead the design, deployment, and management of drone‑based solutions that support precision farming, crop monitoring, and yield optimization for Syngenta’s portfolio of crops. This role is pivotal in translating aerial data into actionable insights for farmers, agronomists, and research teams. The manager will oversee a multidisciplinary team of pilots, data analysts, and agronomy specialists, ensuring compliance with aviation regulations, safety standards, and data privacy policies. By integrating drone technology with Syngenta’s digital platforms, the manager will help increase productivity, reduce input costs, and promote sustainable farming practices across the region. For more information, visit https://malawijobsearch.com.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and execute a comprehensive drone operations strategy aligned with Syngenta’s precision agriculture goals.
• Plan, schedule, and conduct aerial surveys, multispectral imaging, and thermal mapping over diverse farm plots.
• Manage a team of certified drone pilots, data scientists, and agronomy experts, providing mentorship and performance feedback.
• Ensure all flight operations comply with Malawi Civil Aviation Authority regulations and maintain up‑to‑date permits.
• Process and analyze collected data using GIS, machine learning, and agronomic models to generate farmer‑friendly reports.
• Collaborate with product development, research, and sales teams to integrate drone insights into seed and crop protection recommendations.
• Maintain equipment inventory, conduct regular maintenance, and evaluate emerging drone technologies for continuous improvement.
• Lead stakeholder workshops and training sessions for farmers, extension officers, and internal staff.

Required Skills

• Proficiency in operating fixed‑wing and rotary‑wing drones equipped with multispectral, RGB, and thermal sensors.
• Strong knowledge of GIS software (e.g., QGIS, ArcGIS) and data processing tools such as Pix4D or DroneDeploy.
• Ability to interpret agronomic data and translate it into practical recommendations for crop management.
• Excellent project management, budgeting, and reporting capabilities.
• Effective communication and presentation skills for diverse audiences.
• Leadership experience managing cross‑functional technical teams.
• Understanding of Malawi’s agricultural landscape, common crops, and farming challenges.

Education

A Bachelor’s degree in Agricultural Engineering, Agronomy, Remote Sensing, Geomatics, or a closely related field is required. Advanced certifications in unmanned aerial systems (UAS) or a Master’s degree in a relevant discipline are highly desirable.

Experience

Minimum of five years’ experience in drone operations, precision agriculture, or related technology implementation, with a proven track record of managing large‑scale aerial data projects. Prior experience in the African agricultural sector is an advantage.

Salary

The role offers a competitive salary ranging from SSP 2,500,000 to SSP 3,500,000 per annum, commensurate with experience and qualifications, along with performance‑based incentives.

Benefits

• Health insurance covering employee and dependents.
• Retirement savings plan with employer contributions.
• Annual leave and paid public holidays.
• Professional development allowance for certifications and conferences.
• Company‑provided laptop, tablet, and drone equipment for field work.

Training

• Comprehensive onboarding program covering Syngenta’s agronomic platforms and drone safety protocols.
• Ongoing technical training on the latest UAV hardware, software, and data analytics tools.
• Access to internal and external workshops on sustainable agriculture and digital farming.

Working Environment

The position is based in Mzuzu, offering a blend of office‑based strategic planning and extensive fieldwork across northern Malawi’s farming communities. Syngenta provides a collaborative, inclusive culture that encourages innovation, continuous learning, and a strong work‑life balance.

Application Process

Interested candidates should submit an online application through Syngenta’s career portal, attaching a current CV and a cover letter outlining relevant drone and agricultural experience. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, and shortlisted candidates will be invited for a virtual interview followed by a practical assessment. Explore related opportunities at https://www.kenyajobsearch.com/.

Equal Opportunity Statement

Syngenta Malawi is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees, regardless of gender, race, religion, disability, or sexual orientation. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment.