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Production Manager – Soft Fruits

Posted on: Oct. 08, 2025

Type: Full-time, Permanent

Location: St. Thomas / Glencoe, Ontario

Reports to: COO

Company Overview

Ontario Plants is more than a propagation company — we’re shaping the future of sustainable agriculture. As a leader in the controlled environment agriculture (CEA) sector, we specialize in producing high-quality starter plants for vegetables and soft fruits, delivering to greenhouse growers across North America. Our state-of-the-art facilities combine advanced technology, strict biosecurity, and year-round production to meet the evolving needs of our customers. We are expanding our soft fruits program, making this an exciting time to join a team committed to growth, quality, and operational excellence.

Position Summary

We are seeking a results-driven and forward-thinking Production Manager – Soft Fruits to lead and scale our soft fruits operations (strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, and more). This role requires strong operational leadership and hands-on expertise in cultivation, overseeing production from planning through delivery, ensuring the highest standards of quality, yield, and efficiency. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in controlled environment soft fruit production and a proven ability to lead high-performing teams.

Key Responsibilities

Soft Fruit Production Leadership

  • Plan, organize, and manage all aspects of soft fruit production within high-tech controlled environment facilities.
  • Monitor and optimize plant health, growth, and productivity through advanced cultivation techniques and technology.
  • Implement integrated pest management programs and best-in-class plant health protocols.

Team Development & Leadership

  • Lead, mentor, and develop assistant growers and technical staff, building capability and engagement across the team.
  • Foster a culture of continuous improvement and knowledge sharing through structured training and skills development. 

Operational & Financial Accountability

  • Manage the soft fruits division budget, balancing operational efficiency with growth objectives.
  • Ensure all operations meet or exceed safety, quality, and regulatory standards.
  • Use data analytics to forecast production, optimize resources, and improve decision-making.

Qualifications

  • Bachelor’s degree in Horticulture, Agriculture, or a related field (or equivalent industry experience).
  • Deep knowledge of soft fruit physiology, pathology, and cultivation best practices.
  • Strong leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills.
  • Adaptable, innovative, and committed to excellence in a fast-paced environment.

What We Offer

  • Competitive salary with performance-based bonuses.
  • Comprehensive health, dental, and vision benefits, plus retirement savings plan.
  • A pivotal role in shaping the future of sustainable agriculture.
  • Opportunities for career advancement in a rapidly expanding organization.
  • A dynamic and friendly work environment, with an active social committee organizing events such as sports activities, BBQs, and fun gatherings.
  • Thrive in a supportive, team-focused environment with work-life balance, team events, and perks like coffee/snack corners and referral bonuses.

Why Ontario Plants?

Ontario Plants is Canada’s leading young plant propagator, serving major greenhouse vegetable and soft fruit growers across North America. As we expand our production capacity and innovation capabilities, this role offers the opportunity to shape the future of propagation and lead groundbreaking work in sustainable agriculture.

How to Apply

Submit your resume via one of the following methods:

Ontario Plants Propagation Ltd. is committed to providing accessible employment practices in compliance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA). Accommodation is available on request for candidates to take part in all aspects of the recruitment and selection process. If you require accommodation, please contact Human Resources on 519-637-2119. This job posting is available in alternative formats upon request. We thank all applicants for their interest; only those selected for an interview will be contacted.