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Sun Gro Horticulture

Provides soilless growing mixes for horticulture

Production Manager

Full-Time
$80k/yr+ 401(k) match
Mid
Santa Maria, CA, USA
In Person
Manufacturing & Production Operations

About the job

Requirements
  • Three to five years of experience in a manufacturing environment with supervisory experience.
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, including Excel, Word, and PowerPoint.
  • Ability to lift up to 50 pounds.
  • Ability to bend or stand on a stool as required.
  • Ability to work hands-on in an active production environment.
  • Ability to work in a warehouse environment with occasional exposure to extreme conditions and loud noise.
  • Ability to make fact-based decisions supported by data.
  • Ability to set clear, measurable goals and anticipate or adjust for obstacles.
  • Ability to manage change and execute effectively.
  • Understanding of supply chain functions and cross-department interactions.
  • Ability to set objectives, monitor key performance indicators, and provide direction.
  • Organizational skills to plan, execute, and monitor changes effectively.
  • Ability to establish schedules, deadlines, and production goals and assess decision impacts.
  • This is a safety-sensitive position.
Responsibilities
  • Provide clear guidance to the workforce regarding safety and productivity.
  • Develop short- and long-term operating strategies aligned with company goals.
  • Train employees on their roles in influencing company profitability.
  • Assist the Plant Manager in developing policies, programs, and objectives to meet strategic goals.
  • Establish and manage plant operating budgets.
  • Formulate and recommend manufacturing policies and programs to maintain competitive position and profitability.
  • Direct and coordinate training, safety, housekeeping, cost reduction, worker involvement, and security programs.
  • Ensure production aligns with plans, meets quality standards, and satisfies customer expectations.
  • Translate sales forecasts into production plans to ensure service objectives are met.
  • Optimize workforce utilization and development.
  • Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local regulations.
  • Develop standard operating procedures, operating procedures, and employee training programs.
  • Recommend and implement approved capital projects and operational changes.
  • Analyze reports and provide plant performance insights to management.
  • Perform miscellaneous duties and projects as assigned.
  • Act as backup for the Plant Manager during absences.
Desired Qualifications
  • Strong customer focus while balancing customer needs with business objectives.
  • Process improvement focus to eliminate non-value-added work.
  • Strong coaching and team development skills.
  • Ability to motivate and inspire employees while fostering teamwork and engagement.
  • Strong business process orientation aligned with corporate strategies.
  • Strong communication and interdepartmental collaboration skills.

About the company

Sun Gro Horticulture is a leading supplier of soilless growing mixes for greenhouse and nursery growers across North America and worldwide. The company makes and ships growing media designed for professional horticulture, using raw materials like peat and other amendments to provide a substrate that supports plant growth without soil. Its products are distributed through a network of 20 production and distribution facilities and backed by industry-leading technical support, sales teams, and a dedicated customer care center. Sun Gro also emphasizes research and development to help growers troubleshoot and optimize performance. The company distinguishes itself through its scale, breadth of technical and field support, and commitment to peatland stewardship, including bog restoration, aiming to deliver high-quality growing media that yields exceptional results for customers.

Company Size

201-500

Company Stage

N/A

Total Funding

N/A

Headquarters

Agawam, Massachusetts

Founded

1929

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Simplify's Take

What believers are saying

  • Black Bear launched across Texas, Washington, and Idaho, widening retail distribution.
  • Pelemix's 2025 distribution deal opens Sun Gro peat mixes into Europe and Asia.
  • Sun Gro's 2026 supply-chain report says no forced-labor findings, supporting enterprise sales.

What critics are saying

  • Peat sourcing faces regulatory and reputational pressure as coir alternatives gain share.
  • The 2015 Multicote verdict showed product liability can hit Sun Gro's balance sheet.
  • Retail gardening demand is seasonal; a weak 2026 spring would squeeze volumes fast.

What makes Sun Gro Horticulture unique

  • Sun Gro spans peat and coir after Pelemix Americas integration in 2022.
  • Its Canadian peat sites carry Veriflora certification, a sustainability credential for growers.
  • Black Bear potting mix adds biochar-based, climate-conscious branding to retail shelves.

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Benefits

  • Training Programs
  • Professional Development Budget
  • Health Insurance
  • Dental Insurance
  • Vision Insurance
  • Life Insurance
  • Disability Insurance
  • Health Savings Account/Flexible Spending Account
  • 401(k) Company Match
  • Paid Vacation
  • Employee Assistance Program
  • Tuition Reimbursement

Company News

Great American Publishing Co.
May 29th, 2024
Sun Gro releases new potting mix

Sun Gro Horticulture has launched its newest product, Sunshine Black Bear Indoor & Outdoor Potting Mix.

Business Standard
Feb 27th, 2023
Polling personnel killed, 12 others injured in Nagaland accident | Business Standard News

The polling officials were on their way to Sungro for election duty in the Sungro sector of the Sanis Assembly constituency, according to officials.

Index-Journal
Dec 5th, 2022
Oliver Craig Creswell | Obituaries | indexjournal.com

Craig retired from Sun Gro Horticulture, was an avid gardener, and tree farmer.