Production Manager of Soft Fruits and R&d

**Company Overview**:
At Ontario Plants, we’re not just growing plants; we’re shaping the future of agriculture. As a leader in the propagation industry, our mission is to revolutionize sustainable farming with cutting-edge technology, while cultivating the finest starter plants for vegetables and soft fruits. Our state-of-the-art facilities set the stage for innovation, with year-round controlled environments pushing the boundaries of what's possible in agriculture. Join us on our mission to redefine the future of food production, and drive expansion through research, innovation, and excellence in plant cultivation.

**Job Summary**:
Are you ready to lead a dynamic team that will take soft fruit production and agricultural R&D to the next level? We are seeking a visionary **Production Manager of Soft Fruits and R&D** who is passionate about creating game-changing solutions in controlled environment agriculture. In this role, you’ll manage the entire cultivation process for soft fruits like strawberries, raspberries, and blueberries, while spearheading research projects that push the boundaries of crop yield, quality, and sustainability. This is your chance to play a pivotal role in driving innovation and growth in one of the most advanced propagation facilities in the industry.

**Responsibilities**:
**Cultivation Management**:

- Lead the planning, organization, and execution of soft fruit production (strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, and more) in our high-tech controlled environment facilities.
- Continuously monitor and optimize plant health and growth using the latest agricultural technologies and innovations.
- Stay ahead of the curve by implementing cutting-edge integrated pest management strategies to ensure healthy and high-quality crops.

**Team Leadership**:

- Inspire and develop a skilled team of assistant growers and agricultural technicians to achieve excellence in production.
- Build a culture of continuous learning by organizing training programs that enhance the team’s expertise in the latest horticultural techniques.

**Research and Development**:

- Drive innovative R&D initiatives that push the envelope on yield optimization, product quality, and sustainability.
- Foster partnerships with leading academic institutions and research bodies to pilot revolutionary technologies in soft fruit production.
- Be at the forefront of the industry by testing and refining new seed varieties and cultivation techniques that will transform the future of soft fruit farming.

**Operational Efficiency**:

- Take full ownership of the soft fruit division’s budget, ensuring financial efficiency while driving growth.
- Stay compliant with all regulatory requirements, ensuring our operations set the standard for safety and sustainability.
- Leverage data-driven insights to forecast production and streamline resource allocation for maximum impact.

**What You Bring**:

- A Bachelor’s degree in Horticulture, Agriculture, or a related field (or equivalent hands-on experience in the industry).
- A minimum of 5 years of leadership experience in crop production within a controlled environment.
- Expert knowledge of plant physiology, pathology, and best practices for soft fruit cultivation.
- A proven track record of success in agricultural R&D and innovation.
- Exceptional leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills.
- A passion for working in a fast-paced, collaborative, and forward-thinking environment.

**What We Offer**:

- A competitive salary with performance-based bonuses that reward your success.
- Comprehensive health, dental, and vision benefits, plus a retirement plan.
- The opportunity to be a driving force in the future of agriculture and contribute to meaningful advancements in food production.
- Ample opportunities for professional growth and career advancement within a rapidly expanding company.

**How to Apply**:
**Benefits**:

- Extended health care
- On-site parking

Flexible language requirement:

- French not required

Schedule:

- Monday to Friday
- Weekends as needed

**Education**:

- Bachelor's Degree (required)

**Experience**:

- Horticulture: 5 years (required)
- Leadership: 5 years (required)
- Plant physiology, pathology and soft fruit cultiation: 5 years (required)
- Agricultural R&D: 5 years (required)

Work Location: In person