Harvest Manager

Westbrook Greenhouses, located in Beamsville, Ontario is a leading North American grower and distributor of potted plants. We use an effective combination of human resources and mechanical automation to increase efficiency and reduce our impact on the environment. We’re passionate about enriching people’s lives every day through the beauty of plants._

**JOB SUMMARY**

The Harvest Manager is responsible for planning, organizing, and overseeing all harvesting activities for indoor potted plant production within a commercial greenhouse environment. This individual ensures timely and efficient harvesting operations to meet quality standards, order fulfillment requirements, and delivery schedules for mass retail customers.

**JOB RESPONSIBILITIES**

**_ Harvest Coordination_**
- Plan and manage daily harvesting activities across multiple greenhouse zones or facilities;
- Ensure harvested plants meet Westbrook standards and customer specifications for size, quality, staging, etc.;
- Monitor labour productivity to ensure crops are harvested in a timely and efficient manner;
- Update ERP system in real time re: plant movement, quantities, waste, etc.;
- Monitor and report harvest metrics, including labour usage, productivity, etc.;
- Enforce compliance with safety, hygiene, and operational protocols at all times.

**_ Labour Coordination_**
- Work collaboratively with Plant Manager to determine daily temporary labour requirements, scheduling and assigning harvesting tasks based on production plans, order volumes, and crop readiness;
- Adjust staffing plans in response to order changes and production volume.

**_ Cross-Functional Collaboration & Communication_**
- Coordinate with the Inventory, Order Processing teams to ensure accurate and timely fulfillment of customer orders;
- Collaborate with the Growing team to ensure proper handling of sensitive crops and minimize crop waste.

**_Team Supervision_**
- Coordinate the planning and execution of day to day activities of harvest team members to meet productivity, safety, and quality goals;
- Provide coaching and direction to harvest team members, including performance feedback, discipline, training and development;
- Promote a safety first mindset by enforcing safety policies and procedures and focusing on safe work practices and hazard prevention within the greenhouse;
- Foster a positive culture focused on teamwork and accountability within the harvest team;
- Coordinate scheduling, vacation planning, timecard approvals, etc.

**_ _**_General Responsibilities_**
- Actively participate in production meetings and other meetings related to role to provide updates, resolve issues., etc.;
- Participate in continuous improvement initiatives to enhance efficiency, reduce waste, and optimize labour use;
- Work in compliance with company policies and procedures and relevant government acts and regulatory requirements;
- Perform other related duties as assigned.

**QUALIFICATIONS**
- 3+ years of experience in a supervisory/management role in greenhouse, nursery, or agricultural operations;
- Completion of secondary school diploma or GED equivalent;
- Proven experience in plant handling, harvesting techniques, and post-harvest quality standards for ornamental or potted plants;
- Ability to communicate effectively in English; proficiency in Spanish or another second language an asset;
- Willingness to work overtime/flexible hours during peak periods or high-demand weeks to ensure production targets are met.

**SKILLS & COMPETENCIES**
- Proven ability to lead, motivate, and supervise a team in a fast-paced, labor-intensive environment;
- Strong organizational and time-management skills;
- Technical aptitude to navigate ERP system (Microsoft Business Central preferred);
- Basic proficiency in MS Office (Excel, Outlook, Word);
**WORKING CONDITIONS**
- Working in greenhouse conditions (humidity, temperature fluctuations, physical activity);
- Requires standing, walking, bending, and lifting up to 30 lbs for extended periods;
- Seasonal fluctuations in workload and hours.
- We thank all applicants for their interest, however only those selected for an interview will be contacted._