Greenhouse Manager

About the role.... 

We are seeking a skilled and motivated Greenhouse Manager to oversee greenhouse operations and staff, supporting our research and product development organization. This role involves managing and maintaining all greenhouse equipment according to SOPs, leading and scheduling staff for transplanting, fertigation, and cultivation of plants, and ensuring efficient use of greenhouse capacity for R&D projects. The greenhouse manager will also ensure compliance with safety and environmental regulations related to integrated pest management, fertilizer application, and organic matter devitalization.  

The ideal candidate will lead the Greenhouse operations and teams through effective management, innovative problem-solving, and a commitment to fostering a collaborative and supportive work environment.  

The role is located in Ghent (offices) and Nevele (Greenhouses) 

As a Greenhouse Manager, you will… 

Work cross-functionally to manage daily operations for the Greenhouse Facility: 

• Oversee daily operations of the greenhouse facility, including both greenhouse and growth chambers, ensuring high-quality cultivation environments.  

• Coordinate with the Greenhouse Crop Leads and project teams to optimize the use of greenhouse and growth chamber capacity and forecast future needs.  

• Develop and maintain an inventory and maintenance schedule for all essential greenhouse infrastructure.  

• Coordinate with Facilities, Operations, and IT staff to ensure timely equipment installation and maintenance.  

• Program, monitor, and adjust environmental controls and validate sensor performance across all greenhouses and growth chambers.  

• Design, build, and maintain automated irrigation systems as needed.  

• Work with the Managing Director to develop budgets, estimate costs, and manage accounting for operations, travel, wages, and capital equipment.  

• Partner with the Safety and Biosafety Officer to ensure compliance with all environmental and safety regulations, including PPE rules and protocols.  

• Maintain accurate documentation of all regulatory, environmental, and safety activities related to controlled environments (e.g., materials disposal, pesticide applications).  

• Authorize and manage the purchase of supplies such as pesticides, fertilizers, potting media, and other growing essentials. 

Lead the Greenhouse Team to support execution of our scientific strategy and continuously improve cultivation practices and plant health: 

• Lead and develop the greenhouse team, providing training and growth opportunities for all employees.  

• Direct long-term activities of Crop Greenhouse Leads and staff, coordinating tasks such as transplantation, watering, fertilization, pollinations, and harvesting.  

• Oversee an Integrated Pest Management program, identifying pests and diseases, recommending treatments, and applying pesticides as needed.  

• Make informed recommendations on fertilizers and potting media.  

• Continuously research, propose, and implement methods to improve processes, enhance efficiency, and increase seed yields.  

• Maintain comprehensive records of greenhouse use and propagation activities using electronic lab notebooks and other software.  

• Manage plant and seed inventory as well as greenhouse capacity. 

Your Qualifications… 

• Education: Associate's, Bachelor's, or Master's degree in Horticulture, Botany, Plant Sciences, or a related discipline. 

• Experience:  

• Minimum of 5-10 years working in a research or production greenhouse, with experience in controlled environment cultivation. 

•  Previous experience in operations and personnel management. 

•  Specific experience with crops such as soy, corn, wheat, or similar row crops is highly desirable. 

• Technical Skills: 

• Proficiency in using and maintaining greenhouse equipment and environmental control systems. 

• Familiarity with Integrated Pest Management (IPM) strategies and practices. 

• Experience with automated irrigation systems. 

• Competence in maintaining detailed records using electronic lab notebooks and relevant software. 

• Leadership and Management Skills: 

• Proven ability to lead, train, and develop a team, fostering a collaborative and productive work environment. 

•   Strong organizational skills, with the ability to manage multiple projects and tasks simultaneously. 

•   Experience in budget development, cost estimation, and financial management. 

• Personal Attributes: 

• A strong sense of purpose and drive to develop unique, high-impact solutions. 

• Adaptability and enthusiasm for new challenges, with an innate curiosity and passion for learning. 

• Creative and strategic thinking, with a willingness to take risks and the ability to recognize and learn from failure. 

• A collaborative mindset that is open to giving and receiving ideas, perspectives, and feedback. 

• Ability to work both independently and within a highly collaborative environment. 

• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to effectively engage with a diverse range of individuals and audiences.