Reporting to the Vice-President, Horticulture Development, the Horticulture Manager is responsible for overseeing crop production, yield and crop quality across our network of farms, currently in Calgary (AB), Guelph(ON) and St. Hubert (QC). This leadership role is pivotal in leading a team of Head Growers and Horticulture Technicians to achieve consistent, high-yield production of our crops while maintaining the highest quality standards. The Horticulture Manager will possess a deep understanding of plant science, horticulture, and controlled environment agriculture and will have a proven track record of leading teams across facilities, driving strategy, operational excellence and demonstrating business impact.
Responsibilities include(but are not limited to):
Horticultural Strategy
- Develop and execute a Horticulture strategy that supports the growth objectives of the company, considering operational, commercial and financial metrics.
- Provide strategic direction, leadership and development to a team of Head Growers and Horticulture Technicians across all Canadian facilities.
- Be a critical resource and partner for the Executive Leadership Team to drive strategic roadmaps for the company.
Oversee Growing Operations
- Manage allaspects of the growing processes and SOPs across our network of farms,including driving best horticultural practices, standardization and continuousimprovement.
- In collaborationwith Head Growers, oversee, set and manage environmental, irrigation andfertigation, lighting and water sanitation systems.
- In collaborationwith the Head Growers, identify, root cause and address crop related and/orgrow system challenges.
- Collaborate withR&D and Procurement in the introduction of new raw materials to ourproduction farms, including seeds and substrate.
- In collaborationwith Operations and Maintenance, develop strategies for preventativemaintenance and improvement of environmental, fertigation, lighting and growroom systems
Teams Leadership &Collaboration
- Lead and manageHead Growers across separate sites, setting clear expectations, priorities, andaccountability.
- Coach, support,and performance manage Head Growers, including goal setting, developmentplanning, and feedback.
- Ensure consistentleadership practices, people management standards, and alignment with companyvalues across all locations.
- Foster collaboration and knowledge sharing among Head Growers to drive continuous improvement and best practices.
- Champion a strongculture of safety, engagement, and inclusive leadership across all farmHorticulture departments across all locations.
- Partner with People & Development team on leadership development, workforce planning, and employee relations support.
Quality Assurance
- Work with Food Safety and Quality Assurance to implement and maintain rigorous quality control standards, ensuring that all produce meets or exceeds company specifications.
- Support both internal and yearly external SQF Audits.
- Follow and comply withall GoodLeaf Farms, Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs), Provincial and CompanyHealth and Safety standards and Company Safe Quality Foods standards andguidelines.
Data Analysis and Insights
- Develop methodologies and reporting that provide insight into the horticultural performance of our farms.
- Drive understanding by making improvements to data collection and reporting, sensing systems and data management systems in our farms.
Horticultural Innovation
- Work with Research & Development to conduct and oversee trials to evaluate new growing techniques, crop varieties, and technologies. Develop innovative strategies and grow systems to increase the productivity and yield ceiling of our farms.
- Collaborate with R&D, Product Development and Operations on trials for new varieties and for introduction of new products into the farms
- Work with external genetics, raw materials and agricultural technology companies to identify, develop the business case and introduce innovations into our farms across the network
Additional duties as assigned.
Qualifications & Educational Requirements:
- A minimum of a bachelor’s degree or an advanceddegree in Plant Science, Horticulture, Agronomy, or a related field.
- Proven track record of achieving high commercialleafy green, fruit or vegetable yields and quality.
- Proven track record of developing and executingagricultural strategies with business impact.
- Proven track record of individual andpeople/team development.
- 5+ years' experience with hydroponic systems.
- 5+ years' experience with controlled environmentagriculture operations.
- Strong analytical acumen and a bias toward usingdata to inform decisions
- Strong knowledge of plant pathology andintegrated pest management (IPM) in controlled environments.
- Experience leading the execution of agriculturaltrials, new product introductions and implementing continuous improvementinitiatives.
- Experience working within the framework of FoodSafety and Quality frameworks such as SQF.
- Strong leadership, organizational, andproblem-solving skills.
- Must be able to work effectively in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
- Bilingual (English/French) is a strong asset.
Travel Requirements:
- Up to 20% travel across Canadian facilities.
- Must be able to travel across borders when and if required.
Why work at GoodLeaf Farms?
It is our commitment to provide you with the work environment and tools necessary to be successful in your role. We hope that you will find your work here rewarding, challenging, and meaningful.
- You will have the opportunity to take your career to the next level. GoodLeaf is growing and we want you to grow along with us!
- We have an entrepreneurial and inclusive spirit with the heart of a startup.
- We foster an environment of cooperation and communication.
- We offer competitive compensation and benefits
Benefits:
- Dental care
- Employee assistance program
- Extended health care
- Life insurance
- On-site parking
- RRSP Program
- Paid time off
- Vision care
- Wellness Program
Every day at GoodLeaf Farms we get to help solve the challenge of food security for communities across Canada and do it in innovative ways that inspire healthy lifestyles. We think that’s exciting and the best reason of all to join us!
Equal Opportunity Statement
GoodLeaf Farms is an equal opportunity employer and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any kind. All employment decisions at GoodLeaf Farms are based on business needs, job requirements and individual qualifications, without regard to race, colour, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or disability status.
AI Disclosure
GoodLeaf Farms is not using AI to assess, screen or select applicants for this posting.
