Job Title: Director of Growing Operations
Department: Operations Job Status: Full Time
FLSA Status: Exempt Reports to: Chief Operating Officer
Job Type: Regular Amount of Travel Required: 20%
Work Schedule: Monday -Friday Positions Supervised: 5
Position Summary
Nourse Farms is a leading player in the plant propagation industry, known for our commitment to excellence in providing high-quality plant stock. We are seeking a highly skilled and experienced manager to lead our Nourse Farms facilities in the Massachusetts and North Carolina growing operations. The Director of Growing Operations will also oversee our greenhouse strawberry propagation operations. This role will be responsible for leading a team, implementing effective growing techniques, ensuring optimal plant health, and maximizing production yields. The ideal candidate has a strong background in horticulture, a passion for strawberries and raspberries, and a desire to contribute to sustainable food production. This role is crucial in ensuring smooth operations and effective communication within the department and across the organization.
Primary Duties
Reasonable Accommodation Statement
To accomplish this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform, with or without reasonable accommodation, each essential function satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodation may be made to help enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Key Responsibilities:
· Oversee and manage all aspects of the growing operations for the company.
· Develop and implement strategies to improve operational efficiency and effectiveness.
· Collaborate with senior leadership to develop and execute strategic plans.
· Manage and optimize processes to ensure smooth operations.
· Identify areas for improvement and implement process enhancements.
· Negotiate contracts and agreements with vendors and suppliers.
· Monitor key performance indicators and implement corrective actions as needed.
· Ensure compliance with industry regulations and standards.
· Drive business development initiatives to expand the company's market presence.
· Manage Greenhouse Operations: Oversee day-to-day activities in the greenhouse, including planting, irrigation, nutrient management, pest control, and disease prevention.
· Crop Planning: Develop and execute comprehensive crop plans, considering factors such as planting schedules, variety selection, and space utilization.
· Irrigation and Nutrition Management: Monitor and optimize irrigation systems, ensuring proper water and nutrient delivery to plants at each growth stage.
· Pest and Disease Control: Implement integrated pest management strategies to prevent and control pests and diseases, minimizing the need for chemical interventions.
· Quality Control: Maintain high-quality standards throughout the propagation process, ensuring consistent plant health and exceptional fruit production.
· Research and Innovation: Stay up to date with industry trends, new technologies, and scientific advancements in strawberry cultivation, and apply them to enhance production practices.
· Budget Management: Collaborate with the management team to develop and manage the greenhouse budget, optimizing expenditures while ensuring efficient production.
· Health and Safety Compliance: Ensure compliance with all relevant health and safety regulations, promoting a safe working environment for all staff.
· Strong background in operations management, including process improvement, project management, and strategic planning
· Perform other duties as assigned.
Qualifications
· Education: A Bachelor’s degree in horticulture, agriculture, business administration, operations management, or a related field
· Experience: Minimum of 10 years of experience in greenhouse management, with a focus on strawberry propagation, operations management, or related field.
· Proven track record of success in driving operational excellence
· Knowledge: In-depth understanding of greenhouse operations preferably worked and have good knowledge with Priva climate, irrigation and labor tracking system, plant nutrition, irrigation systems, pest and disease management, and crop planning. Familiarity with sustainable growing practices is a plus.
· Analytical Skills: Ability to collect and interpret data, make data-driven decisions, and optimize cultivation techniques accordingly.
· Leadership Abilities: Strong leadership and team management skills with a track record of building and motivating high-performing teams. Ability to motivate and inspire a diverse team. Ability to adapt to changing priorities and work effectively in a fast-paced environment.
· Problem-Solving: Proactive approach to identifying and resolving challenges, including those related to plant health, productivity, and greenhouse operations.
· Communication: Excellent verbal and written communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively with various departments, team members and other stakeholders.
· Physical Stamina: Ability to work in a physically demanding environment, including lifting heavy objects up to 50 lbs., standing for extended periods, and working in varying temperatures.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $111,985.00 - $134,631.00 per year
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Paid time off
Work Location: In person