Willoway Nurseries - Operations Manager (Avon) - BEST Human Capital & Advisory Group

Why Willoway:

Willoway Nurseries, Inc. is one of the largest wholesale growers of quality nursery stock in the Midwest and ranks within the top 40 nationwide. Willoway encompasses approximately 550 acres of field production and 450 acres of container stock which includes 32 acres of climate-controlled greenhouses. We carry over 2,000 different plant varieties including shade trees, ornamental trees and shrubs, evergreens, perennials, and flowering annuals. To learn more about our history, mission, involvements, and products, visit our website at .

Position Summary: 

We are seeking a dedicated and dynamic Operations Manager to oversee all aspects of our plant nursery operations. The ideal candidate will be responsible for ensuring that production goals are met while maintaining high standards of quality and efficiency. This role is critical in driving the success of the nursery through effective management of daily operations, process optimization, and leading a team of skilled staff.

Reports To: Nursery Farm Manager

Location:Avon, OH

Primary Responsibilities: 

• Oversight of Daily Operations:
  Manage all daily activities in the nursery, including container and field plant maintenance, production planning, and order processing. Ensure smooth operations that align with production goals.
• Labor Budget Creation and Execution:
  Develop, manage, and track the labor budget. Allocate resources effectively and monitor labor costs, making adjustments as necessary to stay within budget.
• Lean Improvement:
  Identify and implement Lean principles to optimize productivity, reduce waste, and improve operational efficiency.
• Labor Distribution:
  Ensure efficient labor distribution based on task requirements to maximize productivity and meet production goals.
• Quality Control:
  Implement and enforce stringent quality control measures, ensuring all nursery stock meets the company’s standards for health, growth, and appearance.
• Staff Supervision:
  Lead and manage the production team, providing guidance, training, and performance management. Foster a high-performance culture with strong employee engagement and job satisfaction.
• Resource Allocation:
  Optimize the allocation of resources (labor, materials, and equipment) to maximize productivity and minimize waste.
• Data Analysis & Reporting:
  Analyze production data, sales trends, and inventory metrics to identify areas for improvement. Prepare and present regular reports on performance indicators to senior management.
• Compliance:
  Ensure all operations comply with relevant industry regulations and safety standards. Oversee and manage the SANC program (if applicable) and environmental guidelines.
• Collaboration:
  Work closely with cross-functional teams:

o   Partner with the Inventory Manager on crop availability and inventory management.

o   Collaborate with the Shipping Dock Manager to ensure customer satisfaction and timely delivery.

o   Work with the Propagation Manager on crop availability and cutting schedules.

o   Collaborate with the Shop/Physical Plant team to ensure smooth day-to-day operations.

• Leadership and Team Development:
  Provide leadership, training, and mentorship to foster horticultural excellence, succession planning, and team growth. Encourage ownership and decision-making at all levels.
• Scrap Management:
  Oversee and reduce scrap levels in the production process through effective management and continuous improvement initiatives.

Qualifications:

• Education:
  Bachelor’s degree in horticulture, agriculture, business administration, or a related field. Or equivalent experience.
• Experience:
  Minimum of 5 years of experience in operational management or a similar role, with a proven track record in production planning, team leadership, and achieving operational goals.

Skills: 

• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities, with a data-driven approach to decision-making.
  
• Proficient in production planning software and tools.
  
• Excellent organizational, time management, and communication skills.
  
• Ability to work effectively in a cross-functional team environment.
  

Attributes:

• Proactive, adaptable, and able to work independently in a fast-paced environment.
  
• Strong communication skills with the ability to lead and motivate a team.
  
• Passionate about horticulture, sustainability, and continuous improvement.
  

Work Environment:

• The Operations Manager will primarily work on-site in the nursery, with some office-based duties as required.
  
• The role involves physical activity, including standing, walking, and lifting, and may require working in various weather conditions.
  

Please apply for this position if you have the requisite horticultural grower and leadership experience within the horticultural, agricultural, and/or hydroponic industries.   Please forward your resume and career objectives to: , , or

All inquiries are confidentially protected and appreciated.