Role Summary:
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.
Key Responsibilities:
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 all aspects of the growing processes and SOPs across our network of farms, including driving best horticultural practices, standardization and continuous improvement.
- In collaboration with Head Growers, oversee, set and manage environmental, irrigation and fertigation, lighting and water sanitation systems.
- In collaboration with the Head Growers, identify, root cause and address crop related and/or grow system challenges.
- In collaboration with R&D and Procurement, introduce new raw materials to our production farms, including seeds and substrate.
- In collaboration with Operations and Maintenance, develop strategies for preventative maintenance and improvement of environmental, fertigation, lighting and grow room systems.
Team Leadership & Collaboration
- Lead and manage Head Growers across separate sites, setting clear expectations, priorities, and accountability.
- Coach, support, and performance manage Head Growers, including goal setting, development planning, and feedback.
- Ensure consistent leadership practices, people management standards, and alignment with company values across all locations.
- Foster collaboration and knowledge sharing among Head Growers to drive continuous improvement and best practices.
- Champion a strong culture of safety, engagement, and inclusive leadership across all farm Horticulture 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 with all GoodLeaf Farms, Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs), Provincial and Company Health and Safety standards and Company Safe Quality Foods standards and guidelines.
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 and Experience:
- A minimum of a bachelor’s degree or an advanced degree in Plant Science, Horticulture, Agronomy, or a related field.
- Proven track record of achieving high commercial leafy green, fruit or vegetable yields and quality.
- Proven track record of developing and executing agricultural strategies with business impact.
- Proven track record of individual and people/team development.
- 5+ years' experience with hydroponic systems.
- 5+ years' experience with controlled environment agriculture operations.
- Strong analytical acumen and a bias toward using data to inform decisions.
- Strong knowledge of plant pathology and integrated pest management (IPM) in controlled environments.
- Experience leading the execution of agricultural trials, new product introductions and implementing continuous improvement initiatives.
- Experience working within the framework of Food Safety and Quality frameworks such as SQF.
- Strong leadership, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
- Ability 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.
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 screen, assess or select applicants for this job posting.
Benefits:
- Casual dress
- Company events
- Dental care
- Disability insurance
- Discounted or free food
- Employee assistance program
- Extended health care
- Life insurance
- On-site parking
- Paid time off
- Vision care
- Wellness program
Ability to commute/relocate:
- Guelph, ON: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (required)
Experience:
- Horticulture: 5 years (preferred)
- Management: 5 years (required)
Work Location: In person
