Illovo Sugar (Malawi) plc is the country’s leading producer of raw, refined and specialty sugars; employing more than 9000 employees. Illovo Sugar (Malawi) plc is part of Illovo Sugar Africa Group; a wholly-owned subsidiary of Associated British Foods plc (ABF).
* Unit: Estate Agriculture
* Reporting To: Agric. Optimization Manager
* Unit: Estate Agriculture
* Reporting To: Agric. Optimization Manager
Job Summary
- Type: full-time
- Location: Lilongwe
- Category: Agriculture
- Closing Date: 2026-08-20
Key Responsibilities
- Develop and oversee the execution of weekly drone flight schedules that align with the plan and yield optimization goals.
- Directly supervise Drone Pilots in the execution of precision application missions to ensure treatments meet standards.
- Validate mission boundaries and flight plans developed by pilots to ensure maximum coverage & georeferenced data accuracy.
- Design and implement SOPs for drone maintenance, battery management and data transfer protocols.
- Lead the adoption of new UAV technology and sensors to drive agronomic modernization and improved cost of production.
- Coordinate with GIS Specialists and Extension Officers to ensure drone-derived field intelligence is integrated into farm management systems for decision-making.
- Monitor and report on drone team KPIs, including total hectares covered, application rate accuracy, and mission success rates.
- Manage the preventative maintenance and calibration schedule for all UAV platforms and sensors to minimize equipment downtime.
- Conduct technical performance reviews and capability gap assessments for Drone Pilots to guide coaching, mentoring and technical training.
- Oversee pre-flight risk assessments and site surveys to ensure all operations adhere to local aviation laws and corporate safety standards.
- Promote and adhere to Illovo’s procedures, policies and guidelines, including, without limitation, those relating to SHERQ, Competition Law and Anti-Bribery and Corruption (ABC).
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in GIS, Land Surveying, Agricultural Engineering, or Agronomy.
- 5-10 years of experience in agricultural operations or technical management, with at least 2 years specifically in drone or GIS-related leadership.
- Valid Drone Pilot Certificate (Remote Pilot License – RPL).
- Strong agriculture data analysis skills.
- Experience with CanePro (or similar) would be an advantage.
How to Apply
Please send your application letters together with detailed CV with copies of relevant certificates, traceable referees and National ID to:
The Human Resources Mill Head,
Illovo Sugar (Malawi) Plc,
Private Bag 50,
Blantyre.
Or through email: nchalohr@illovo.co.za
Note: Only shortlisted candidates will be acknowledged. Illovo is an equal opportunity employer and women are encouraged to apply.
The Human Resources Mill Head,
Illovo Sugar (Malawi) Plc,
Private Bag 50,
Blantyre.
Or through email: nchalohr@illovo.co.za
Note: Only shortlisted candidates will be acknowledged. Illovo is an equal opportunity employer and women are encouraged to apply.
About the Company
Illovo Sugar (Malawi) plc is a key player in Malawi's agricultural and industrial landscape, primarily engaged in sugar production. This prominent Malawian company maintains a public listing on the Malawi Stock Exchange. The majority of its issued share capital, precisely 76%, is held by the Illovo Group, a significant entity in the African sugar sector. The remaining shares are accessible to the public, fostering local investment and broader participation in the company's operations within Malawi.
Malawi's key producer of sugar, listed on the local exchange.
Frequently Asked Questions
What specific qualifications and certifications are typically required for a Drone Pilot Supervisor role in Malawi's agricultural sector?
Candidates usually need a valid drone pilot license from the Department of Civil Aviation (DCA) and a strong background in agricultural practices or GIS. A diploma or degree in agriculture, remote sensing, or a related field, combined with supervisory experience, is often preferred.
What are the typical day-to-day responsibilities for a Drone Pilot Supervisor at a large agricultural company in Malawi?
Responsibilities include overseeing drone operations for crop monitoring, pest detection, and yield estimation, as well as managing and training a team of drone pilots. You would also be involved in data analysis, reporting findings to management, and ensuring strict adherence to safety protocols.
What is the typical work culture and what are the key expectations for a supervisor in a Malawian agricultural company?
Malawian work culture often values respect for hierarchy, teamwork, and strong interpersonal skills. Supervisors are expected to lead by example, ensure high productivity, and foster a collaborative environment while adapting to specific challenges of rural agricultural settings.
What are the realistic career progression opportunities for a Drone Pilot Supervisor within a large agricultural company in Malawi?
Successful Drone Pilot Supervisors can advance to senior management roles in agricultural technology, operations, or land management. Opportunities often arise to specialize in advanced data analytics or take on broader managerial responsibilities across different estates or departments.
What are the common benefits offered for a supervisory role in the agricultural sector in Malawi, such as leave and medical aid?
Typical benefits include competitive annual leave as per Malawian labour laws, comprehensive medical aid coverage, and participation in a company pension scheme. Some positions may also offer transport allowances or housing support, particularly for roles based in remote locations.