Production Manager

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Full Time Newport, MN, US

6 days ago Requisition

Salary Range: $ To $ Annually

Position Title
:
Production Manager

Reports To: General Manager, Midwest Production

FLSA Status: Exempt

Position Summary:

At Bailey Nurseries, a family-owned company with more than 120 years of horticultural experience, successful production depends on healthy plants, capable teams, and well-coordinated operations. The Production Manager brings these elements together at Nord Farm in Minnesota, leading a complex propagation operation that supports the company’s production needs and long-term success.

Reporting to the Midwest General Manager, this role connects company priorities with the people, resources, and decisions that drive site performance. Through strong leadership and collaboration across Bailey Nurseries, the Production Manager builds an operation known for plant quality, safe and efficient practices, responsible resource management, and a culture where employees can grow and contribute. The role also helps shape the operation’s future through continuous improvement, investment planning, and support for plant trials and new product opportunities.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

Operational & Production Leadership

• Direct daily production operations to meet company demand and business objectives.
• Balance quality, productivity, cost, safety, service, and employee engagement.
• Drive improvements in production performance, yields, plant quality, and labor productivity.
• Maintain processes that support consistency, efficiency, accountability, and continuous improvement.
• Oversee grounds and garden care to meet horticultural and company standards.
• Lead, coach, and develop Department Heads and key employees.
• Promote a respectful, collaborative workplace and address employee issues with HR.
• Manage budgets for labor, materials, operating expenses, and capital needs.
• Improve productivity, cost efficiency, and returns on company resources.

Safety, Quality & Compliance

• Promote a strong safety culture and partner with Safety and Human Resources to identify risks and maintain a healthy and safe workplace.
• Ensure production practices meet company standards, regulatory requirements, and applicable industry requirements.
• Work closely with Plant Health and other resources to support plant quality, health, and compliance.
• Improve labor efficiency, production methods, resource utilization, and operational performance.
• Evaluate and support technology, automation, and equipment to improve operational results.
• Contribute to long-term planning for facilities, equipment, infrastructure, and capacity.
• Promote practical problem-solving, simpler processes, and continuous improvement.

Inventory & Cross-Functional Partnership

• Ensure accurate site inventory levels, movement, availability, and reconciliation.
• Partner with the Corporate Inventory Manager on inventory planning, transfers, adjustments, and reporting.
• Coordinate resources, inventory, and operational priorities across sites with fellow leaders.
• Partner with the Minnesota Trial Program, Trial Coordinator, and Company Product Development Manager on trials and new product opportunities.

Company & Industry Engagement

• Develop and maintain effective relationships with internal and external partners, vendors, and service providers.
• Represent Bailey Nurseries professionally through customer tours, company events, college and industry activities, and other company initiatives.
• Support company strategic initiatives and translate broader business objectives into actionable priorities for the Minnesota operation.
• Perform other duties…