Lead Agricultural Drone Operations Manager Job Vacancy in Phalombe, Malawi – Agriculture & Agribusiness
Job Description
Position:Lead Agricultural Drone Operations Manager
Company:Bayer Crop Science Malawi
Location:Phalombe, Malawi
Experience:8+ years in precision agriculture, drone operations, and farm management
Education:Bachelor’s degree in Agricultural Engineering, Agronomy, or related field; Master’s preferred
Employment Type:Full-time
Industry:Agriculture & Agribusiness
Department:Precision Farming
Salary:SSP 1,200,000 – SSP 2,000,000 per annum
Vacancies:1
Company Overview
Bayer Crop Science Malawi is a leading global provider of innovative agricultural solutions, dedicated to improving farm productivity and sustainability across the region. With a strong commitment to research, technology, and farmer empowerment, Bayer supports Malawi’s agricultural sector through advanced crop protection, seed technologies, and digital farming tools. As part of Bayer’s worldwide network, the Phalombe office plays a pivotal role in delivering cutting‑edge solutions to smallholder and commercial farmers, fostering resilient food systems and contributing to the nation’s economic growth. This is an exciting opportunity for professionals seeking to shape the future of agriculture in Malawi while working for a reputable multinational corporation.
Job Overview
The Lead Agricultural Drone Operations Manager will spearhead Bayer’s precision farming initiatives in Malawi, focusing on the deployment, management, and optimization of drone‑based technologies for crop monitoring, health assessment, and variable rate application. The role involves strategic planning, cross‑functional collaboration, and hands‑on execution to deliver data‑driven insights that enhance yield, reduce input costs, and promote sustainable practices. The successful candidate will work closely with agronomists, data scientists, and local farming communities to integrate drone solutions into everyday farm operations, positioning Bayer as a leader in digital agriculture within the region.
Key Responsibilities
- Design and implement a comprehensive drone operations strategy aligned with Bayer’s precision agriculture goals.
- Lead a team of drone pilots, technicians, and data analysts to conduct regular aerial surveys across diverse crop types.
- Develop standard operating procedures, safety protocols, and regulatory compliance frameworks for UAV activities in Malawi.
- Collaborate with agronomists to translate aerial imagery into actionable agronomic recommendations.
- Manage the procurement, maintenance, and calibration of drone hardware and software platforms.
- Analyze flight data using GIS and AI tools to generate detailed crop health maps and variable rate prescriptions.
- Provide training and capacity‑building workshops for farmers, extension officers, and internal staff on drone technology and data interpretation.
- Monitor performance metrics, generate reports, and present findings to senior leadership and key stakeholders.
- Stay abreast of emerging UAV technologies, regulations, and best practices to continuously improve operational efficiency.
Required Skills
- Expertise in UAV flight planning, operation, and data processing for agricultural applications.
- Strong knowledge of GIS, remote sensing, and agronomic data analytics.
- Proven leadership and team management abilities.
- Excellent communication skills for stakeholder engagement and farmer training.
- Ability to work in remote field conditions and adapt to varying weather patterns.
- Project management experience with a focus on technology implementation.
- Familiarity with Malawi’s aviation regulations and agricultural policies.
Education
A Bachelor’s degree in Agricultural Engineering, Agronomy, Remote Sensing, or a related discipline is required. A Master’s degree or relevant certifications in UAV operations, GIS, or precision agriculture is highly desirable.
Experience
Minimum of eight years of professional experience in precision agriculture, drone technology, or related fields, with at least three years in a leadership or managerial capacity. Experience working with smallholder farmers in Sub‑Saharan Africa is a strong advantage.
Salary
The position offers a competitive salary range of SSP 1,200,000 to SSP 2,000,000 per year, commensurate with experience and qualifications. Performance‑based bonuses and incentives are also part of the compensation package.
Benefits
- Comprehensive health insurance for employee and dependents.
- Retirement savings plan with employer contributions.
- Paid annual leave and sick leave.
- Professional development allowance.
- Company‑provided laptop, tablet, and field equipment.
Training
- On‑the‑job training in advanced UAV platforms and data analytics.
- Access to Bayer’s global learning portal and certification programs.
- Field workshops with leading agronomists and technology partners.
Working Environment
The role combines office‑based strategic planning with extensive field work across Phalombe’s agricultural landscapes. Candidates must be comfortable traveling to remote farms, operating in varied climatic conditions, and collaborating with multidisciplinary teams.
Application Process
Interested candidates should submit their updated CV and a cover letter outlining their relevant experience through Bayer’s online career portal. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.
https://kenyajobsearch.com/job-vacancy-in-kenya/
Equal Opportunity Statement
Bayer Crop Science 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, or background.
