OVERVIEW

Illovo Sugar (Malawi) plc is the country's leading producer of raw, refined and specialty sugars; employing more than 9,000 employees. Illovo Sugar (Malawi) plc is part of Illovo Sugar Africa Group; a wholly-owned subsidiary of Associated British Foods plc (ABF).

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 and 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).

KEY 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:

By Post:

The Human Resources Mill Head

Illovo Sugar (Malawi) Plc

Private Bag 50

Blantyre, Malawi

By Email: nchalohr@illovo.co.za

Closing Date: 20th August 2026

Only shortlisted candidates will be acknowledged.

Illovo is an equal opportunity employer and women are encouraged to apply.

SUGAR IS OUR BUSINESS BUT PEOPLE ARE OUR SWEETEST ASSETS.