Agricultural Drone Operations Manager Job Vacancy in Mubende, Uganda – Agriculture Technology

Job Description

Position: Agricultural Drone Operations Manager

Company: Syngenta Uganda

Location: Mubende, Uganda

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 4,000,000 – SSP 6,000,000 per month

Vacancies:1

Company Overview

Syngenta Uganda is a leading global agribusiness dedicated to sustainable agriculture and innovative crop solutions. With a strong presence across East Africa, Syngenta combines cutting‑edge research, digital tools, and field expertise to help farmers increase productivity while protecting the environment. As part of its commitment to modernizing agriculture in Uganda, the company invests heavily in precision farming technologies, including satellite imagery, sensor networks, and unmanned aerial systems. This role offers a unique opportunity to join a forward‑thinking team that is shaping the future of agriculture in Uganda, contributing to national food security and creating meaningful career opportunities for local talent. The position aligns with the growing demand for high‑tech solutions in the agricultural sector, making it an attractive prospect for professionals seeking impactful work in Uganda Jobs and Career Opportunities in Uganda.

Job Overview

The Agricultural Drone Operations Manager will lead the planning, execution, and analysis of drone‑based scouting, mapping, and data collection activities across Syngenta’s pilot farms and partner fields in Uganda. Reporting directly to the Head of Precision Agriculture, the manager will oversee a multidisciplinary team of pilots, data analysts, and agronomists to deliver actionable insights that improve crop health, optimize input use, and increase yields. This role is central to Syngenta’s strategy of integrating advanced technology into everyday farming practices, supporting the company’s mission to provide innovative, sustainable solutions for farmers. The successful candidate will be instrumental in expanding Syngenta’s drone program, ensuring compliance with local aviation regulations, and fostering collaborations with research institutions and government agencies. The position is a key component of Syngenta’s broader Hiring in Uganda initiative, aimed at building a skilled workforce that drives agricultural transformation.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement operational plans for drone flights covering pre‑planting, vegetative, and harvest stages.
• Manage a team of certified drone pilots, ensuring safety, regulatory compliance, and high‑quality data capture.
• Coordinate with agronomists to translate aerial imagery into actionable agronomic recommendations.
• Maintain and calibrate drone hardware, sensors, and software platforms to guarantee optimal performance.
• Analyze flight data using GIS and AI tools, producing detailed reports for internal stakeholders and external farmer partners.
• Establish standard operating procedures (SOPs) for data management, storage, and privacy in line with Ugandan regulations.
• Collaborate with research partners, universities, and government bodies to pilot new technologies and validate results.
• Monitor budgetary expenditures, procurement, and resource allocation for the drone program.
• Provide training and mentorship to junior staff and farmer partners on drone technology and data interpretation.
• Represent Syngenta at industry conferences, workshops, and stakeholder meetings to showcase program outcomes.

Required Skills

• Proficiency in operating fixed‑wing and multirotor drones equipped with multispectral, thermal, and RGB sensors.
• Strong knowledge of GIS software (e.g., ArcGIS, QGIS) and data analytics platforms.
• Understanding of agronomic principles, crop physiology, and precision agriculture practices.
• Excellent project management abilities, with a track record of delivering complex technical projects on time.
• Effective communication skills for translating technical data into clear recommendations for diverse audiences.
• Leadership experience managing multidisciplinary teams in a fast‑paced environment.
• Familiarity with Uganda Civil Aviation Authority (UCAA) drone regulations and permitting processes.
• Problem‑solving mindset with the ability to adapt to evolving technology landscapes.

Education

A Bachelor’s degree in Agricultural Engineering, Agronomy, Remote Sensing, Geomatics, or a closely related field is required. Advanced certifications in drone piloting (e.g., UCAA Remote Pilot License) and GIS are highly desirable.

Experience

Minimum of five years of professional experience in drone operations, precision agriculture, or related technology implementation. Prior experience leading teams and managing large‑scale field projects in East Africa is a strong advantage.

Salary

The role offers a competitive salary range of SSP 4,000,000 to SSP 6,000,000 per month, 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 and paid public holidays in accordance with Ugandan labor law.
• Professional development allowance for certifications and conferences.
• Company‑provided mobile device and laptop for work purposes.
• Relocation assistance for candidates moving to Mubende.

Training

• Comprehensive onboarding program covering Syngenta’s agronomic solutions and technology stack.
• Ongoing technical training on the latest drone platforms, sensor technologies, and data analytics tools.
• Leadership development workshops to enhance managerial competencies.
• Access to Syngenta’s global knowledge network and research publications.

Working Environment

The position is based in Mubende, a strategic hub for agricultural research and field trials in Central Uganda. The office provides a modern, collaborative workspace equipped with high‑speed internet, meeting rooms, and a dedicated lab for data processing. Fieldwork involves regular travel to partner farms across the region, offering a dynamic blend of office and outdoor activities. Syngenta promotes a culture of innovation, safety, and sustainability, encouraging employees to contribute ideas that drive continuous improvement.

Application Process

Interested candidates should submit their updated CV and a cover letter outlining relevant experience through the online portal on Syngenta’s career page. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, and shortlisted candidates will be invited for a virtual interview followed by an on‑site assessment in Mubende. For more information about the application steps, please visit https://ugandajobssearch.com/.

Equal Opportunity Statement

Syngenta Uganda is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees, regardless of gender, ethnicity, disability, or background. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to any protected characteristic.