Agricultural Drone Operations Manager Job Vacancy in Owerri, Nigeria – Agricultural Technology

Job Description

Position:Agricultural Drone Operations Manager

Company:Syngenta Nigeria

Location:Owerri, Nigeria

Experience:5-7 years

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

Employment Type:Full-time

Industry:Agricultural Technology

Department:Operations

Salary:₦3,500,000 – ₦5,000,000 per annum

Vacancies:1

Company Overview

Syngenta Nigeria is a leading global agribusiness company dedicated to sustainable agriculture and innovative crop solutions. With a strong presence across West Africa, Syngenta partners with farmers, research institutions, and technology providers to improve productivity, protect the environment, and ensure food security. The company’s commitment to cutting‑edge research and digital transformation makes it a pioneer in integrating advanced technologies such as precision farming, data analytics, and unmanned aerial systems into everyday agricultural practices. As part of its strategic growth plan, Syngenta Nigeria is expanding its drone‑based services to deliver real‑time field intelligence, targeted pesticide application, and yield optimization for smallholder and commercial farms alike. This expansion creates a unique opportunity for professionals who are passionate about both agriculture and technology to lead a high‑impact team in a fast‑growing market.

Syngenta’s mission aligns with national goals for agricultural modernization, making it a key employer for those seeking meaningful career opportunities in Nigeria. The company offers a collaborative culture, continuous learning, and a clear pathway for advancement, positioning itself as an employer of choice for ambitious talent.

Job Overview

The Agricultural Drone Operations Manager will spearhead the planning, execution, and analysis of drone‑based agricultural services across the Southeast region of Nigeria. Reporting to the Head of Digital Agriculture, the manager will be responsible for building a skilled operations team, ensuring regulatory compliance, and delivering data‑driven insights that empower farmers to make informed decisions. This role is central to Syngenta’s vision of transforming traditional farming into a data‑rich, technology‑enabled ecosystem.

For more information about Syngenta’s digital initiatives, visit the main website: https://nigeriajobsearch.com

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement a comprehensive drone operations strategy that aligns with Syngenta’s agricultural objectives.
• Lead a multidisciplinary team of pilots, data analysts, and field technicians to execute flight missions safely and efficiently.
• Ensure all drone activities comply with Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) regulations and local environmental guidelines.
• 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 crop health maps, pest detection reports, and yield forecasts.
• Establish partnerships with local universities, research centers, and technology vendors to stay at the forefront of drone innovation.
• Prepare regular performance dashboards for senior leadership, highlighting operational metrics, cost efficiencies, and impact on farmer productivity.
• Oversee budgeting, cost control, and resource allocation for the drone program.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives based on feedback from farmers, field staff, and technology partners.

Required Skills

• Proven expertise in operating commercial UAVs for agricultural applications.
• Strong understanding of remote sensing, photogrammetry, and GIS analysis.
• Experience with drone flight planning software (e.g., DJI Pilot, Pix4D, DroneDeploy).
• Excellent project management and team leadership abilities.
• Knowledge of Nigerian aviation regulations and environmental compliance.
• Ability to interpret agronomic data and communicate insights to non‑technical stakeholders.
• Proficiency in data visualization tools such as Power BI or Tableau.
• Strong problem‑solving mindset and adaptability in dynamic field conditions.
• Effective communication and stakeholder management skills.
• Fluency in English; knowledge of local languages is a plus.

Education

A minimum of a Bachelor’s degree in Agricultural Engineering, Agronomy, Remote Sensing, Geomatics, or a closely related discipline is required. Advanced certifications in UAV operations (e.g., FAA Part 107 equivalent, NCAA Remote Pilot License) are highly desirable.

Experience

Applicants should have 5‑7 years of relevant experience, including at least 3 years managing drone operations in an agricultural or environmental context. Experience working in West Africa or similar emerging markets is an advantage.

Salary

The position offers a competitive salary range of ₦3,500,000 to ₦5,000,000 per annum, commensurate with experience and qualifications. Performance‑based bonuses and profit‑sharing opportunities are also part of the compensation package.

Benefits

• Health insurance covering medical, dental, and vision.
• Retirement savings plan with company matching.
• Paid annual leave and statutory holidays.
• Professional development allowance for certifications and conferences.
• Company‑provided mobile device and laptop.
• Employee assistance program and wellness initiatives.

Training

• Comprehensive onboarding program covering Syngenta’s agronomic solutions and drone technology stack.
• Ongoing technical training on the latest UAV platforms, sensor upgrades, and data analytics tools.
• Leadership development workshops to enhance managerial competencies.
• Access to internal knowledge portals and external industry webinars.

Working Environment

The role combines office‑based strategic planning with field‑based operational execution. The manager will spend a significant portion of time traveling across farms in the Southeast region, conducting flight missions, and engaging directly with farmers. Syngenta provides a supportive, safety‑first culture with modern facilities, collaborative workspaces, and a strong emphasis on work‑life balance.

Application Process

Interested candidates should submit their updated CV and a cover letter outlining their relevant experience through the online portal. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, and shortlisted candidates will be invited for a virtual interview followed by a practical assessment.

For additional career resources, explore opportunities across West Africa at: https://senegaljobsearch.com/job-vacancy-senegal/

Equal Opportunity Statement

Syngenta Nigeria is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees, regardless of race, gender, age, religion, disability, or sexual orientation. Our recruitment practices are designed to ensure fairness and transparency.

Learn more about our global commitment to diversity and inclusion: https://mauritiusjobsearch.com/