Seedling Production Manager Jobs in 2020

Seedling Production Manager

Job Type : Permanent, Full Time

Salary : £30000 – £35000/annum

Our client is one of the leading family-owned plant businesses in Europe and is rapidly growing. Due to their continuous growth and development, they are seeking to employ a Seedling Production Manager at their Wisbech St Mary site, to start as soon as possible.

The business operates as a small and friendly unit, yet is among the largest propagators in the country, distributing millions of plants every week nationwide.

Their current production systems allow for large scale production of young plants from cuttings. Alongside this, they have invested in equipment and applied resources to commence large scale trials of seed raised production items and now feel the momentum is strong enough to fully commit to producing more of their young plants from seeds, in perennial and bedding plant categories. Their seed raised plants are predominantly for external sales but also for our internal production of grown on products.

Purpose of the role.

The Seedling production Manager will take full responsibility for the production of our current range of seedling plugs as well as for assisting in the development of our seed raised young plant lines, working with the seed breeders, suppliers, and our own commercial team to develop a larger range of volume selling plant lines.

They will monitor the seed processing equipment to maximise the efficiency and, equally as important, the quality of the seeding process.

They will work closely with the procurement manager on identifying seed issues and in finding solutions collectively in the technical team.

They will also take responsibility for the various stages of the seedling production process, reporting to the Technical manager and liaising with glasshouse growers on the appropriate treatment of the seed raised young plants throughout their life cycle. Effectively managing the whole process from sowing to delivery is a key requirement.

Key responsibilities

Ensure procurement are aware of required seed quality for individual varieties, ensuring cost of seed is a consideration to the purchase directive.

Ensure that seed line planning is managed effectively to maintain efficient sowing runs and that the weekly hours are utilised as even as possible per day and to fit in with the larger business activity.

Become main seed line operative, working with colleagues to ensure smooth operation of the equipment.

Develop systems and data recording to reduce the time of products in the production system.

Improve germination rates and reduce seed costs as a consequence.

Follow and develop existing procedures and documentation, communicate clearly to management and colleagues where opportunities exist to improve.

Maintain accurate data and records associated with seed production.

Monitor germination rooms and greenhouse-based germination to ensure that seed raised production is managed through the process to achieve the best quality and consistency at despatch.

Ensure compliance to quality standards, policies and procedures including health and safety legislation.

Ensure seed stores are managed in such a way to avoid degradation losses among aged seed and identify issues potentially arising such that sales team can activity manage sales to utilise seed stocks.

Contribute towards the smooth running of the team.

Other duties as assigned.

Personal specification

The successful candidate is likely to have come from a background of young plant production in some form. It is unlikely someone with a non-horticultural background would have the suitable skillset to obtain the role. They are likely to have had some supervisory experience, although not essential to the role at the outset. A self-driven and motivated persona possessing an enthusiasm for the role and for the development of this part of our business are key drivers to success.

Required skills.

Horticultural Production experience of young plants/starter material or experience of the seed industry

Ability to focus on detail to a granular level.

Ability to supervise a small team and to communicate clearly, courteously, and professionally with associated colleagues.

Ability to work to and meet tight deadlines and targets and be driven to surpass them.

Team player (essential).

Time management crucial and ability to prioritise workload.

Basic knowledge of Excel and Word functions and an ability to understand technology at a basic operating level.

Driving license desirable but not essential

PA1 and PA6 desirable but not essential

Benefits of the role

Salary £30,000 to £35,000 depending on experience.