Drone Operations Manager Job Vacancy in Lira, Uganda – Agricultural Technology

Job Description

Position:Drone Operations Manager

Company:Syngenta Uganda

Location:Lira, Uganda

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:Agricultural Technology

Department:Operations

Salary:SSP 2,500,000 – 4,000,000 per month

Vacancies:1

Company Overview

Syngenta Uganda is a leading global agribusiness company dedicated to sustainable agriculture and innovative crop solutions. With a strong presence across East Africa, Syngenta combines cutting‑edge research, advanced technology, and local expertise to help farmers increase productivity while protecting the environment. The company’s commitment to digital transformation has positioned it at the forefront of precision agriculture, leveraging data‑driven insights to optimize inputs, improve yields, and support resilient farming communities. As part of its expansion strategy, Syngenta Uganda is investing heavily in drone‑based technologies to deliver real‑time field intelligence, soil health assessments, and targeted interventions. This creates a dynamic environment for professionals eager to shape the future of agriculture in Uganda and the wider region.

For more information about Syngenta’s global initiatives, visit the main website.

Job Overview

The Drone Operations Manager will lead the planning, execution, and analysis of drone missions that support precision agriculture initiatives across Uganda. Reporting to the Head of Digital Agriculture, the role will coordinate cross‑functional teams, manage equipment fleets, and ensure compliance with national aviation regulations. This position offers a unique opportunity to blend technical expertise with strategic leadership, driving innovative solutions that directly impact farmer profitability and environmental stewardship. The successful candidate will be instrumental in scaling Syngenta’s drone program, integrating data pipelines, and delivering actionable insights to agronomists, sales teams, and research partners.

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Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement a comprehensive drone operations strategy aligned with Syngenta’s precision agriculture goals.
• Plan, schedule, and supervise all drone flights, ensuring safety, data quality, and regulatory compliance.
• Manage a fleet of UAVs, including maintenance, firmware updates, and inventory control.
• Collaborate with agronomists, data scientists, and field officers to define data collection parameters and analytical workflows.
• Oversee data processing pipelines, integrating aerial imagery with GIS platforms and farm management software.
• Train and mentor field staff and local partners on drone operation best practices and data interpretation.
• Monitor performance metrics, generate operational reports, and recommend continuous improvement initiatives.
• Maintain relationships with aviation authorities, ensuring all permits and certifications are up to date.
• Support pilot projects that explore emerging technologies such as multispectral imaging, AI‑driven crop health diagnostics, and automated flight planning.
• Represent Syngenta at industry conferences, workshops, and stakeholder meetings to showcase program achievements.

Required Skills

• Proven expertise in UAV flight planning, piloting, and post‑processing software (e.g., Pix4D, DroneDeploy).
• Strong understanding of precision agriculture concepts, remote sensing, and agronomic data interpretation.
• Experience managing technical teams and coordinating multi‑disciplinary projects.
• Excellent knowledge of Uganda’s Civil Aviation Authority regulations for commercial drone operations.
• Analytical mindset with ability to translate complex datasets into clear, actionable recommendations.
• Effective communication skills for stakeholder engagement across technical and non‑technical audiences.
• Project management proficiency, including budgeting, resource allocation, and timeline adherence.
• Problem‑solving orientation with a focus on innovation and continuous improvement.

Education

A Bachelor’s degree in Agricultural Engineering, Agronomy, Remote Sensing, Geomatics, or a closely related field is required. Advanced certifications in UAV operation (e.g., FAA Part 107 equivalent, CAA Uganda Drone Pilot License) and postgraduate studies in precision agriculture or data science are highly desirable.

Experience

Minimum of five (5) years of hands‑on experience operating drones in agricultural settings, with a track record of delivering data‑driven insights that improve farm management decisions. Prior experience in a leadership or managerial capacity within a technology‑focused agribusiness is essential.

Salary

The competitive salary range for this role is SSP 2,500,000 to 4,000,000 per month, commensurate with experience and qualifications. Performance‑based bonuses and incentive schemes are also part of the compensation package.

Benefits

• Comprehensive health insurance covering employee and dependents.
• Retirement savings plan with employer contributions.
• Annual leave of 25 days plus public holidays.
• Professional development allowance for certifications, workshops, and conferences.
• Company‑provided laptop, tablet, and access to cutting‑edge drone equipment.
• Transportation allowance for field missions.
• Employee assistance program supporting work‑life balance.

Training

• On‑boarding program covering Syngenta’s agronomic solutions, data platforms, and safety protocols.
• Advanced UAV pilot certification and refresher courses.
• Workshops on AI‑driven image analysis, machine learning applications in agriculture, and GIS integration.
• Leadership development tracks for emerging managers.

Working Environment

Syngenta Uganda offers a collaborative, innovation‑driven workplace where technology meets agriculture. Employees work in modern office spaces in Lira, with frequent field deployments across the region. The culture emphasizes sustainability, continuous learning, and impact‑oriented results, fostering a sense of purpose for professionals passionate about transforming Uganda’s agricultural landscape.

Application Process

Interested candidates should submit an online application through the Syngenta Careers portal, attaching a current CV and a cover letter outlining relevant experience with drone technology and precision agriculture. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, and shortlisted candidates will be invited for a virtual interview followed by a practical assessment.

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 discrimination.