Horticulture Operations, Production & Grower Leadership Roles

BEST Human Capital & Advisory Group • Indianapolis, IN

4d • Onsite

About The Position

The horticulture and specialty agriculture industries are undergoing one of the most significant leadership transitions in their history. As a large percentage of experienced Baby Boomer leaders retire from propagation, growing, production, and operational management roles, a new generation of horticulture professionals is being called upon to lead the future of the industry. We are currently recruiting career-focused leadership professionals for opportunities in Ohio, California, Texas, Missouri, Florida, Hawaii, Michigan, and Alabama. These positions with top 100 industry growers offer the chance to make a meaningful impact while leading talented teams, developing future horticulture professionals, and driving operational excellence. Successful candidates will bring a passion for coaching, mentoring, and developing direct reports while fostering a culture of accountability, continuous improvement, and teamwork. There has never been a more exciting time to build a long-term leadership career in horticulture. The industry is facing a critical shortage of experienced leaders, creating exceptional opportunities for professionals who are passionate about plant production and aspire to shape the future of greenhouse and nursery operations. These leadership roles are designed to position high-potential professionals for continued advancement while providing: Ongoing leadership training and professional development, Clear career progression opportunities, Access to modern equipment, technology, and production systems, Investment in operational efficiencies and innovation, Resources needed to consistently grow high-quality plant material, Exposure to larger responsibilities and future executive leadership opportunities. For individuals who are motivated by growth, people development, and operational excellence, these positions offer the opportunity to build a rewarding and influential career in one of agriculture's most dynamic sectors. Many of the most successful leaders in horticulture have advanced their careers by gaining experience across multiple locations and operations. A commitment to long-term career growth in production and operations leadership may include relocating several times throughout your career to take advantage of advancement opportunities. The companies we represent understand the importance of these transitions and provide comprehensive relocation assistance, including relocation stipends and support to help leaders and their families become connected within their new communities and organizations. Head Growers, Production Managers, and Operations Leaders are responsible for driving the overall health, quality, efficiency, and profitability of greenhouse and nursery production operations. These highly visible leadership roles oversee growing operations, plant movement, quality assurance, inventory accuracy, labor management, and regulatory compliance. They work closely with sales, production, logistics, and maintenance teams to ensure crops are produced efficiently, meet the highest quality standards, and are delivered according to customer expectations and sales timelines. Beyond operational execution, these leaders play a critical role in developing people, strengthening organizational culture, implementing continuous improvement initiatives, and helping shape the future success of their operations and the broader horticulture industry. If you're ready to move beyond simply growing plants and begin growing your leadership legacy, this is an opportunity to make a lasting impact on the future of horticulture.

Requirements

• Passion for coaching, mentoring, and developing direct reports
• Fostering a culture of accountability, continuous improvement, and teamwork
• Passion for plant production
• Aspire to shape the future of greenhouse and nursery operations
• Technical expertise
• Propagation, production, or operational leadership experience

Responsibilities

• Growing Operations & Staff Management
• Propagation Team Leadership
• Watering, Fertilization & Crop Nutrition
• Integrated Pest Management (IPM) & Chemical Applications
• Plant Moving & Space Management
• Plant Quality Management
• Weeding Programs
• Inventory Management & Accuracy
• Forecasting
• P&L & Budgeting
• Plant Dumping & Crop Viability
• Purchasing & Materials Management
• Safety, Compliance & Regulatory Oversight
• Crop Recipe Development & Continuous Improvement
• Purchased Plant Evaluation & Vendor Communication
• Sales Collaboration & Product Development
• Order Pulling Coordination
• Production Department Collaboration
• Cross-Department Communication & Support

Benefits

• Ongoing leadership training and professional development
• Clear career progression opportunities
• Access to modern equipment, technology, and production systems
• Investment in operational efficiencies and innovation
• Resources needed to consistently grow high-quality plant material
• Exposure to larger responsibilities and future executive leadership opportunities
• Comprehensive relocation assistance
• Relocation stipends
• Support to help leaders and their families become connected within their new communities and organizations

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior
• Education Level: No Education Listed