Drone Operations Manager Job Vacancy in Okene, Nigeria – Agriculture & AgriTech

Job Description

Position: Drone Operations Manager

Company: Bayer Crop Science Nigeria

Location: Okene, Nigeria

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

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

Employment Type: Full-time

Industry: Agriculture & AgriTech

Department: Operations

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

Vacancies:1

Company Overview

Bayer Crop Science Nigeria is a leading global provider of innovative agricultural solutions, dedicated to enhancing farm productivity and sustainability across the African continent. With a strong commitment to research, development, and farmer empowerment, Bayer leverages cutting‑edge technologies, including precision agriculture and drone‑based analytics, to deliver tailored crop protection and digital farming tools. As part of its expansion strategy, Bayer is establishing a state‑of‑the‑art drone operations hub in Okene to support smallholder and commercial farms in the region. This initiative creates exciting Nigeria Jobs and reflects Bayer’s ongoing investment in local talent and agribusiness growth.

Job Overview

The Drone Operations Manager will lead the planning, execution, and analysis of aerial data collection missions that support precision farming initiatives. Reporting to the Regional Head of Digital Agriculture, the role will oversee a team of pilots, data analysts, and field technicians, ensuring compliance with safety standards, regulatory requirements, and Bayer’s quality benchmarks. This position offers a unique opportunity to shape the future of agriculture in Nigeria, contributing to career opportunities in Nigeria and reinforcing Bayer’s reputation as a pioneer in AgriTech.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and schedule drone flight plans for crop monitoring, health assessment, and yield prediction across diverse farm sizes.
• Manage a multidisciplinary team, providing coaching, performance feedback, and professional development.
• Ensure all operations comply with Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority regulations and Bayer’s internal safety protocols.
• Collaborate with agronomists, data scientists, and farmer advisory groups to translate aerial imagery into actionable agronomic insights.
• Maintain and calibrate drone fleets, sensors, and ground control stations, guaranteeing optimal performance and data accuracy.
• Develop standard operating procedures (SOPs) and best‑practice manuals for drone deployment in various agro‑ecological zones.
• Monitor project budgets, procurement, and resource allocation to achieve cost‑effective service delivery.
• Prepare comprehensive reports and presentations for senior leadership, highlighting operational metrics, ROI, and impact on crop yields.

Required Skills

• Proficiency in UAV platforms (e.g., DJI, senseFly) and payload technologies such as multispectral, thermal, and RGB cameras.
• Strong knowledge of GIS, remote sensing software (e.g., Pix4D, Agisoft Metashape) and data analytics tools.
• Excellent project management abilities with a track record of delivering complex field operations on schedule.
• Effective communication and stakeholder management skills, capable of engaging farmers, regulators, and internal teams.
• Problem‑solving mindset with the ability to adapt flight plans to varying weather and terrain conditions.
• Commitment to safety, data privacy, and ethical use of aerial imagery.

Education

The candidate must hold a Bachelor’s degree in Agricultural Engineering, Agronomy, Remote Sensing, Geomatics, or a closely related field. Advanced certifications in UAV operation (e.g., ICAO‑approved Remote Pilot License) are highly desirable.

Experience

At least five years of hands‑on experience managing drone‑based agricultural projects, preferably within the Nigerian or broader African market. Prior exposure to large‑scale farming operations, agronomic consulting, or AgriTech startups will be considered an advantage.

Salary

The role offers a competitive annual salary ranging from NGN 2,500,000 to NGN 3,500,000, commensurate with experience and qualifications. Performance‑based bonuses and incentives are also part of the compensation package.

Benefits

• Health insurance covering medical, dental, and vision care.
• Retirement savings plan with employer contributions.
• Annual leave of 25 days plus public 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 Bayer’s agronomic solutions and drone safety protocols.
• Ongoing technical training on the latest UAV technologies and data analytics platforms.
• Leadership development workshops to enhance managerial competencies.

Working Environment

The position is based in Okene, a vibrant agricultural hub in Kogi State, offering a blend of modern office facilities and field‑based work. The role involves regular travel to farms across the region, providing a dynamic and hands‑on work experience. Bayer fosters an inclusive culture that values innovation, sustainability, and continuous learning, making it an attractive destination for professionals seeking hiring in Nigeria.

Application Process

Interested candidates should submit their updated CV and a cover letter outlining relevant experience through Bayer’s online career portal. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, and shortlisted applicants will be invited for a virtual interview followed by an on‑site assessment at the Okene office.

Equal Opportunity Statement

Bayer Crop Science Nigeria 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.