Nursery Operations Manager

Florida Nursery Operations Manager Reports to: General Manager - Florida Division Position Overview The Florida Nursery Operations Manager reports directly to the General Manager for Florida and plays a crucial role in the overall operation and success of the facility. This position is responsible for overseeing several vital functions, including Production Labor, Planting lines, Order Fulfillment, and Facility Maintenance. The Operations Manager will work collaboratively with the General Manager to build a high-performing team and promote teamwork throughout all departments and sites. Key aspects of this role include establishing new processes, fostering continuous improvement, promoting a cooperative work environment, and ensuring the production of high-quality plants and satisfied customers. Primary Responsibilities Team Leadership and Development Mentor and develop strong managers and supervisors who collaborate effectively with growing, transportation, inventory, and office staff to produce high-quality plants on schedule and within budget. Foster a highly motivated work environment, championing company values and promoting a culture of teamwork and continuous improvement. Address and manage employee issues, focusing on team development across the facility. Production and Planting Operations Collaborate with the General Manager to develop and enhance planting operations, with an emphasis on machinery utilization and labor reduction. Monitor labor costs against budget and prior year performance. Participate in production planning for future years, including plant selection, crop timing, and adjustments to product mix. Mentor and develop the management skills of all direct reports. Implement and support continuous improvement programs across all departments. Work with the production line manager and maintenance manager to maximize equipment uptime. Safety and Compliance Ensure adherence to the Safety program at all sites. Always ensure compliance with OSHA and internal safety protocols. Maintain a safe workplace for all employees, focusing on eliminating injuries and accidents. Ensure facility compliance with all local, state, and federal laws. Facility Maintenance Assist in the recommendation, management, and implementation of facility capital projects. Maintain a well-trained and efficient facility maintenance team. Ensure optimal uptime of facility equipment and support safety practices through proper maintenance and proactive facility management. Order Fulfillment and Inventory Management Oversee order fulfillment activities, seeking opportunities to reduce cost and improve customer service. Manage the organization, storage, and inventory process of all raw and plant materials, ensuring that proper procedures are followed. Oversee the receiving and storage of raw materials and plant materials. Ensure inventory accuracy and compliance with perpetual inventory processes. Work with planning and sales teams to address inventory variances and ensure optimal outcomes. Continuous Improvement and Special Projects Identify and implement continuous improvement opportunities, collaborating with relevant groups to ensure ongoing progress. Serve as the Lean culture champion, supporting Lean initiatives throughout the facility. Lead special project implementation, such as productivity software and management systems. Identify capital expenditure opportunities aimed at reducing labor costs and achieving a positive return on investment. Financial and Organizational Responsibilities Contribute to the development and management of company budgets and forecasts. Monitor labor costs, continuously seeking ways to reduce expenses and improve financial performance. Review and enhance organizational effectiveness by developing processes, training staff, and creating innovative approaches for continuous improvement. Uphold standards of excellence and best-in-class quality in all operations. Maintain clean, obstruction-free sites that are always ready for customer and guest visits. Ensure that product quality standards are met at every stage and in final delivery to customers. Skills and Qualifications Proven experience in a managerial role. Strong decision-making abilities. Excellent communication, collaboration, and delegation skills. Experience with creating and adhering to financial plans. Ability to motivate and lead people, with a strong focus on accountability. Solid understanding of horticultural operational procedures. Respect for and ability to communicate effectively with a diverse workforce. Strong problem-solving skills. Bilingual skills in Spanish are preferred. Additional Responsibilities Promote and articulate company values in all activities. Interface with the sales team to identify ways the facility can support increased sales and improved customer service. Take on other tasks and responsibilities as assigned by management. Salary is based on experience