Plant Manager

Sun Gro Horticulture is one of the most prominent North American horticultural companies, employing over 800 staff and serving customers worldwide. Since its humble beginnings in 1929, it has become the leading supplier of soilless growing mixes to North America’s top 100 greenhouse and nursery growers, shipping over 70,000 truckloads of product annually. Sun Gro products are made to exacting standards and conform to high product quality and performance criteria.

Sun Gro Horticulture recognizes that its success is due to the strength of its employees. The primary goal of Sun Gro® is to promote individual employees’ sense of accomplishment and contribution so that employees enjoy their association with Sun Gro Horticulture. The Company invests in its employees so that they are the most knowledgeable in the industry, and undertakes great efforts to nurture loyalty to, and teamwork at Sun Gro.

Role: Plant Manager

Job Summary: Reporting to senior leadership, the successful candidate will be responsible for the overall day-to-day management of the production plant to ensure safe operations, high-quality product output, and optimal profitability. This role oversees all production departments and is accountable for plant performance across safety, quality, maintenance, cost control, production planning, logistics, labor relations, and operational execution.

Compensation: (as per wage transparency law / unionized plant)

Benefits

• Health Insurance (includes teledoc, virtual health, FSA, HCSA & other benefits)
• Dental Insurance
• Vision Insurance
• Life Insurance
• Health Spending Account
• Employee Support and Mental Wellness
• Short term disability
• 401k Match
• Paid vacation
• Floating days
• Employee Assistance Program
• Employee Engagement Events
• Awards and Recognition
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Service Awards
• Employee Perks & Discounts
  
  

Job Responsibilities

• Provide clear guidance to the workforce regarding safety and productivity
• Develop short- and long-range operating strategies aligned with company goals
• Develop and train employees on how their roles impact company profitability
• Maintain a hands-on and accessible leadership presence
• Assist in developing long- and short-term planning, policies, programs, and objectives
• Establish and control plant operating budgets
• Formulate and recommend manufacturing policies and programs to improve competitiveness and profitability
• Direct and coordinate programs including training, safety, housekeeping, cost reduction, worker involvement, and security
• Ensure production meets plan, quality standards, and customer expectations
• Translate sales forecasts into executable production plans
• Ensure cost-effective utilization of the workforce
• Partner with supervisors and lead operators to develop staff
• Take timely corrective actions in accordance with company policy
• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local regulations
• Ensure optimal maintenance of plant equipment
• Recommend and implement approved capital projects and workplace improvements
• Manage inventory levels effectively
• Collaborate with Sales, Supply Chain, and Finance on business decisions
• Serve as a member of the Business Execution Team
• Ensure product quality meets or exceeds customer expectations
• Prepare and analyze operational and administrative reports
• General housekeeping duties
• Additional duties as assigned by Supervisory staff
  
  

Qualifications

• Required: Able to work flexible, rotating production shifts 8/10/12 hours
• Bachelor’s degree in management or equivalent business experience
• 7–10 years of plant management experience
• Strong customer focus and ability to balance business and customer needs
• Fact-based decision-making skills with strong data analysis capability
• Ability to establish plans, set measurable goals, and anticipate obstacles
• Demonstrated change leadership and execution skills
• Strong coaching, leadership, and talent development capabilities
• Ability to set direction, establish KPIs, and monitor results