Agricultural Drone Operations Manager Job Vacancy in Kisii, Kenya – Agricultural Technology
Job Description
Position: Agricultural Drone Operations Manager
Company: Bayer Crop Science Kenya
Location: Kisii, Kenya
Experience: Minimum 5 years managing UAV/drone programs in agriculture
Education: Bachelor’s degree in Agricultural Engineering, Agronomy, or related field
Employment Type: Full-time
Industry: Agricultural Technology
Department: Operations
Salary: SSP 180,000 – 250,000 per month
Vacancies:1
Company Overview
Bayer Crop Science Kenya is a leading global provider of innovative agricultural solutions, dedicated to improving farm productivity and sustainability across Africa. With a strong presence in Kenya, Bayer combines cutting‑edge research, advanced seed technologies, and digital tools to empower farmers to achieve higher yields while protecting the environment. The company’s commitment to sustainable agriculture aligns with Kenya’s Vision 2030, making it an attractive employer for professionals seeking to make a tangible impact on food security and rural development. As part of Bayer’s worldwide network, employees enjoy access to world‑class training, collaborative projects, and a culture that values diversity, integrity, and continuous improvement. This role offers a unique opportunity to lead the integration of drone technology into precision farming practices, supporting the nation’s growing demand for high‑tech agricultural solutions.
Job Overview
The Agricultural Drone Operations Manager will design, implement, and oversee Bayer’s drone‑based data acquisition and analysis platform for Kenyan farms. Reporting to the Head of Digital Agriculture, the manager will coordinate field pilots, data processing, and actionable insights that enable farmers to optimize inputs, monitor crop health, and reduce waste. This position plays a critical role in expanding Bayer’s digital portfolio, strengthening partnerships with local cooperatives, and delivering measurable productivity gains. The role also collaborates with research teams to validate drone‑derived metrics against agronomic benchmarks, ensuring that technology adoption translates into real‑world benefits for Kenya Jobs seekers.
Key Responsibilities
- Develop and execute a comprehensive drone operations strategy aligned with Bayer’s precision agriculture roadmap.
- Lead a multidisciplinary team of pilots, data analysts, and agronomists to conduct regular UAV flights over pilot farms.
- Ensure compliance with Kenya Civil Aviation Authority regulations, safety protocols, and data privacy standards.
- Integrate drone‑collected imagery with Bayer’s farm management software to generate actionable recommendations.
- Collaborate with local extension officers and farmer groups to promote technology adoption and provide training.
- Monitor key performance indicators such as flight efficiency, data accuracy, and farmer satisfaction.
- Prepare detailed reports and presentations for senior leadership, highlighting ROI and impact on crop yields.
Required Skills
- Proven expertise in UAV operation, flight planning, and aerial data acquisition.
- Strong understanding of remote sensing, GIS, and image processing software (e.g., Pix4D, DroneDeploy).
- Experience in precision agriculture, agronomy, or related fields.
- Excellent project management and stakeholder communication abilities.
- Ability to interpret agronomic data and translate insights into practical farm recommendations.
- Knowledge of Kenyan aviation regulations and data protection laws.
- Leadership skills with a track record of building high‑performing technical teams.
Education
A Bachelor’s degree in Agricultural Engineering, Agronomy, Remote Sensing, or a closely related discipline is required. Advanced certifications in UAV operation (e.g., ICAO Part‑107, Kenya UAV License) and postgraduate studies in precision agriculture are highly desirable.
Experience
At least five years of hands‑on experience managing drone programs in an agricultural setting, preferably within East Africa. Demonstrated success in scaling technology solutions from pilot projects to commercial roll‑outs is essential.
Salary
The position offers a competitive salary range of SSP 180,000 to SSP 250,000 per month, commensurate with experience and qualifications. Performance‑based bonuses and incentives are also part of the compensation package.
Benefits
- Health insurance covering employee and dependents.
- Retirement savings plan with company matching.
- Annual professional development allowance.
- Company‑provided laptop, tablet, and UAV equipment for field work.
- Paid parental and compassionate leave.
Training
- Comprehensive onboarding program covering Bayer’s digital agriculture suite.
- Certification courses for advanced UAV piloting and data analytics.
- Access to global Bayer Academy webinars and workshops.
- Mentorship from senior agronomy and technology leaders.
Working Environment
The role is based in Kisii, offering a blend of office‑based strategic planning and extensive field work across the high‑potential agricultural zones of western Kenya. Bayer provides a collaborative, safety‑first culture where innovation is encouraged, and employees are empowered to drive change. Flexible working hours are available to accommodate flight schedules and seasonal farming cycles.
Application Process
Interested candidates should submit their updated CV and a cover letter outlining relevant drone and agronomy experience through Bayer’s online career portal. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, and shortlisted candidates will be invited for a virtual interview followed by a practical field assessment.
https://ugandajobssearch.com/job-vacancy-uganda/
Equal Opportunity Statement
Bayer Crop Science Kenya 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.
