About Johnny’s Selected Seeds

Johnny’s Selected Seeds was established in 1973 by our Founder and Chairman, Rob Johnston, Jr.  Today we are 100% Employee Owned.   Johnny’s mission is Helping families, friends, and communities to feed one another by providing superior seeds, tools, information, and service. 

Johnny’s is renowned for our exceptional customer service offering seeds, tools, supplies and information to direct-market growers and avid home gardeners. We source, breed, trial, and sell outstanding selected varieties of vegetables, cut flowers, herbs, and farm seed, as well as thoughtfully designed tools and equipment. We take pride in the wealth of information and depth of experience we offer our customer base, nationwide and globally.

We are a strong, stable company focused on growth while still maintaining our small company feel and staying true to our roots.  Beautiful Central Maine, where our research farm, warehouse, and offices are located, is the perfect launching point for an active, four season lifestyle. Geographically situated halfway between Maine’s mountains and it’s 4500-mile-long coastline, we’re a short drive away from resorts, parks, and harbors renowned for a rich diversity of recreational and cultural opportunities.

If you are passionate about good, healthy food and would choose to work for a company with fellow co-owners who are passionate about our mission and values, Johnny’s may be the place for you!

Position Summary

The Seed Production Manager will manage the strategy and production of seed for Johnny’s Selected Seeds. The Seed Production Manager is responsible for the planning and execution of all contract seed productions for Exclusive, Non-Exclusive & Proprietary varieties. The Foundation Seed Manager reports to this role. The Seed Production Manager will report to the Vice President of Research & Development. This position is based at the Johnny’s Selected Seeds Albion Research Farm. 

Responsibilities

• Develop and manage a production strategy for internal and external seed productions.
• Develop and maintain a worldwide organic and non-organic seed grower network.
• Determine appropriate controls for productions.
• Select and contract seed acreage based upon internal demand and forecasting.
• Negotiate and coordinate grower contracts.
• Manage production of high-quality seed in budgeted quantities for domestic and international markets.
• Manage seed production costs to ensure agreed upon profit margins.
• Identify and test new production areas to ensure production supply.
• Manage the production budget.
• Ensure field scouting and harvesting meets Johnny’s quality standards.
• Monitor and audit production grow outs to ensure product integrity and quality.
• Assist in managing the purchase order creation and authorization process.
• Visit suppliers and trials to evaluate product field performance.
• Coordinate the delivery of stock seed to support production orders.
• Manage stock seed and foundation seed inventory, quality, and production.
• Maintain and acquire crop phytosanitary certifications.
• Work with Purchasing and Quality to ensure seed delivery meets the Production Schedule.
• Maintain regular communication with stake holders regarding the status of productions.
• Set department goals, productivity standards and enhance efficiency.
• Participate and engage in Product Team Meetings.

Education

A college degree in horticulture, agriculture, or agronomy, or the equivalent experience with an applied knowledge of organic and sustainable farming operations and extensive knowledge of growing a diverse number of vegetable crops is required.

Qualifications & Skills

• Five years or more knowledge and experience with organic and sustainable farming practices.
• Experience in seed production management.
• Familiar with product lifecycles and product management.
• Proficient in arithmetic.
• Effective problem solver.
• Exceptional time management.
• Team oriented.
• Good data analysis skills using Microsoft Product Suite or similar tools.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Good relationship skills.
• Ability and willingness to travel domestically and internationally.
• Ability to communicate efficiently and professionally.
• Ability to function with minimal supervision.
• Proactive, able to prioritize tasks, organized, detail oriented.

Physical Requirements

• Capable of sitting for prolonged periods of time.
• Ability to bend, pull, and lift to 20 pounds.

Benefits

• Health Insurance (HMO, PPO, HSA)
• Dental Insurance
• Vision Insurance
• Flexible Spending Account (Medical & Dependent Care)
• Employee Stock Ownership Plan & Profit Sharing
• 401(k)
• Employee Discount
• Maternity/Paternity/Adoption & Foster Care Leave
• Company Paid Life Insurance
• Voluntary Life Insurance
• Voluntary Pet Insurance
• Company Paid Short- & Long-Term Disability Insurance
• Paid Time Off
• Educational Assistance

Application

Please click HERE to learn more and to apply online.

Johnny’s Selected Seeds is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate against otherwise qualified applicants on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, ancestry, age, sex, marital status, national origin, disability or handicap, or veteran status.