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 climatecontrolled greenhouses. We carry over 2000 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 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 :
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 companys standards for health growth and appearance. - Staff Supervision:
Lead and manage the production team providing guidance training and performance management. Foster a highperformance 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 crossfunctional 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 daytoday operations.
- Leadership and Team Development:
Provide leadership training and mentorship to foster horticultural excellence succession planning and team growth. Encourage ownership and decisionmaking at all levels. - S Management:
Oversee and reduce s levels in the production process through effective management and continuous improvement initiatives.
Qualifications:
- Education:
Bachelors 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 problemsolving abilities with a datadriven approach to decisionmaking.
- Proficient in production planning software and tools.
- Excellent organizational time management and communication skills.
- Ability to work effectively in a crossfunctional team environment.
Attributes:
- Proactive adaptable and able to work independently in a fastpaced 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 onsite in the nursery with some officebased duties as required.
- The role involves physical activity including standing walking and lifting and may require working in various weather conditions.
Please forward your resume and career objectives to: or
All inquiries are confidentially protected and appreciated.
Required Experience:
Manager