Production Manager

Role: Production Plant Supervisor

Sun Gro Horticulture is one of the most prominent North American horticultural companies, employing over 800 staff and serving customers worldwide. Since its humble beginnings in 1929, it has become the leading supplier of soilless growing mixes to North America’s top 100 greenhouse and nursery growers, shipping over 70,000 truckloads of product annually. Sun Gro products are made to exacting standards and conform to high product quality and performance criteria.

Sun Gro Horticulture recognizes that its success is due to the strength of its employees. The primary goal of Sun Gro® is to promote individual employees’ sense of accomplishment and contribution so that employees enjoy their association with Sun Gro Horticulture. The Company invests in its employees so that they are the most knowledgeable in the industry, and undertakes great efforts to nurture loyalty to, and teamwork at, Sun Gro.

Job Summary: Reporting to the Plant Manager, the successful candidate will be responsible for the overall day-to-day management of a production facility, ensuring quality products are produced efficiently and safely. This includes directing all personnel in the production department, achieving safety, quality, productivity, and efficiency goals, and acting as a backup for the Plant Manager during absences.

Compensation: $80,000 annually

Benefits:

• Health Insurance (includes telemedicine, virtual health, FSA, HCSA & other benefits)
• Dental Insurance
• Vision Insurance
• Life Insurance
• Health Spending Account
• Employee Support and Mental Wellness
• Short-term disability
• 401k Match
• Paid vacation
• Floating days
• Employee Assistance Program
• Employee Engagement Events
• Awards and Recognition
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Service Awards
• Employee Perks & Discounts

Job Responsibilities:

• Provide clear guidance to the workforce regarding safety and productivity
• Develop short- and long-term operating strategies in alignment with company goals
• Train employees on their role in influencing company profitability
• Assist Plant Manager in developing policies, programs, and objectives to meet strategic goals
• Establish and manage plant operating budgets
• Formulate and recommend manufacturing policies and programs to maintain competitive position and profitability
• Direct and coordinate key programs including training, safety, housekeeping, cost reductions, worker involvement, and security
• Ensure production aligns with plans, meets quality standards, and satisfies customer expectations
• Translate sales forecasts into production plans to ensure exemplary service
• Optimize workforce utilization and development
• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local regulations
• Develop SOPs, operating procedures, and employee training programs
• Recommend and implement approved capital projects and operational changes
• Analyze reports and provide plant performance insights to management
• Perform miscellaneous duties and projects as assigned

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Strong customer focus, balancing customer needs with business objectives
• Fact-based decision-making supported by data
• Ability to set clear, measurable goals and anticipate/adjust for obstacles
• Change management and execution skills
• Process improvement mindset to eliminate non-value-added work
• Understanding of Supply Chain functions and cross-department interactions
• Strong coaching and team development skills
• Ability to set objectives, monitor KPIs, and provide direction
• Motivates and inspires employees, fostering teamwork and engagement
• Strong business process orientation aligned with corporate strategies
• Proficiency in Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Internet, and email
• Organizational skills to plan, execute, and monitor changes effectively
• Strong communication and interdepartmental collaboration skills
• Ability to establish schedules, deadlines, and production goals, and assess decision impacts

Education and Experience:

• 3–5 years in a manufacturing environment with supervisory experience
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs
• Ability to bend or stand on a stool as required
• Hands-on position with active involvement in production

Work Environment:

• Warehouse environment with occasional exposure to extreme conditions
• Noise levels can be loud
• Hands-on production setting requiring active supervision and participation

This is a safety sensitive position.