Production Manager - Tree & Plant Nursery
- Co Kildare
- Permanent
- Full-time
Location: Co. Kildare
Employment Type: Full-timeJob Summary
We are seeking a highly skilled and commercially experienced Production Manager to lead the day-to-day operations of our tree and plant nursery. This is a pivotal role where success depends on precision, planning, and execution. The right candidate will bring a proven track record of managing plant production to strict commercial calendars-knowing exactly what needs to be done, when, and how, to ensure plants are grown and ready for market at the right time.
This role requires not just horticultural expertise, but strong time management, deadline discipline, and operational leadership. From scheduling and labour management to ensuring fertiliser, irrigation, and plant health are aligned with sales timelines, this person will be accountable for delivering excellence across all production cycles.Key Responsibilities
Production Oversight & Scheduling
- Develop, implement, and maintain detailed growing schedules to align with commercial sales periods.
- Ensure that all plant production follows strict timelines (e.g. potting schedules for seasonal readiness).
- Balance fertiliser, water, pest/disease control, and labour needs to achieve deadlines without compromising quality.
- Monitor plant health and growth stages, making proactive adjustments to maintain quality and readiness.
- Lead and motivate production teams across field and containerised nurseries.
- Train and mentor staff, instilling strong standards of accountability, efficiency, and plant care.
- Allocate and schedule workloads to maximise productivity through peak and off-peak seasons.
- Promote a safe, inclusive, and high-performing work culture.
- Ensure seamless coordination between field and containerised production.
- Manage equipment, machinery, and infrastructure maintenance.
- Oversee procurement and stock levels of plants, media, and supplies to prevent delays.
- Enforce compliance with safety, environmental, and regulatory standards.
- Track key production KPIs, particularly those tied to time, quality, and readiness for market.
- Produce detailed production and labour reports for management.
- Lead continuous improvement initiatives focused on efficiency, cost control, and commercial return.
Essential:
- Proven commercial nursery production experience, with evidence of managing plant cycles to meet specific market deadlines.
- Deep understanding of horticultural processes, including propagation, growing-on, pest/disease management, and plant health.
- Strong time management and organisational skills-demonstrated ability to work to strict deadlines with zero compromise.
- Leadership experience with the ability to train, manage, and motivate teams effectively.
- Excellent problem-solving and communication skills with a proactive, hands-on approach.
- Formal qualification in Horticulture or Agriculture.
- Experience working in large-scale or European commercial nurseries.
- Familiarity with nursery production technology and environmental sustainability practices.
- Competitive salary aligned with experience and expertise.
- Opportunity to shape and lead production in a progressive, innovative nursery.
- Professional development and long-term career growth opportunities.
- A dynamic work environment with a passionate, dedicated team.
- Inclusive & Supportive: We welcome diversity, ensure equal opportunities, and provide reasonable accommodations for interviews.
- Expert Guidance: Our experienced recruiters are dedicated to finding the right fit for you.
- Personalised Support: We're with you every step of the way to ensure a smooth job search.
- Ready to take the next step? Apply now.