General Manager - Horticulture Operations- WG1082

Summit Search Group is proud to partner with Monette Produce Ltd., a division of Monette Farms, in the recruitment of their next General Manager – Horticulture Operations.

This is an exciting leadership opportunity for an experienced agricultural professional to oversee a large-scale horticultural operation, driving operational excellence, crop production, team performance, and long-term business success.

Reporting to the Director of Produce, the General Manager – Horticulture Operations will provide strategic and hands-on leadership for approximately 4,000 acres of crop production in Outlook, Saskatchewan. This individual will be responsible for the overall performance of the operation, including production planning, financial management, resource allocation, employee development, and operational efficiency.

The successful candidate will bring a strong understanding of commercial crop production, combined with the business acumen and leadership capabilities needed to manage a complex agricultural operation. This role offers the opportunity to influence operational strategy, implement improvements, and contribute to the continued growth of Monette Produce.

The Organization

Rooted in values of teamwork, efficiency, and quality, Monette Produce is committed to delivering high-quality agricultural products through sustainable, innovative, and technology-driven farming practices.

With operations spanning Saskatchewan, British Columbia, and Arizona, Monette Produce provides year-round supply options while maintaining a strong focus on food safety, traceability, and operational excellence. With over a decade of CanadaGAP certification, the organization continues to invest in responsible agricultural practices, modern technology, and the long-term success of its operations.

The Opportunity

As General Manager – Horticulture Operations, you will take ownership of the day-to-day and long-term performance of Monette Produce's Outlook operation.

This is a senior leadership position that combines strategic planning with hands-on operational management. You will oversee crop production, lead and develop the farm team, manage budgets and resources, and ensure the operation consistently meets production, quality, safety, and financial objectives.

Working closely with the Director of Produce and other departments, you will play an important role in strengthening operational processes, identifying opportunities for growth, and ensuring the business remains efficient, competitive, and positioned for continued success.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic & Business Leadership

• Provide overall leadership and direction for the horticultural operation, ensuring alignment with organizational goals and long-term business objectives.
• Develop and execute operational strategies to improve productivity, efficiency, profitability, and sustainability.
• Oversee annual operating budgets, financial performance, resource allocation, and cost management.
• Establish and monitor key performance indicators related to production, quality, labour, equipment, and operational efficiency.
• Provide regular operational and financial reporting to the Director of Produce.
• Identify opportunities for process improvements, technology adoption, and continued business growth.

Crop Production & Operational Management

• Direct all aspects of crop production across approximately 4,000 acres, including seasonal planning, planting, cultivation, and harvesting.
• Develop and manage production schedules, ensuring effective use of labour, equipment, and agricultural resources.
• Oversee soil health, fertility management, irrigation practices, and integrated pest and disease management programs.
• Ensure crop production meets established yield, quality, food safety, and customer requirements.
• Monitor operational performance and proactively address production challenges, risks, and changing conditions.
• Promote sustainable agricultural practices that support long-term productivity and environmental responsibility.

People Leadership & Team Development

• Lead, mentor, and develop farm employees, creating a culture of accountability, teamwork, safety, and continuous improvement.
• Oversee workforce planning, staffing requirements, employee performance, and operational training.
• Establish clear expectations and ensure employees have the resources, direction, and support needed to succeed.
• Foster a positive, collaborative workplace focused on operational excellence and employee engagement.
• Support the development of leadership capabilities and succession planning within the operation.

Equipment, Infrastructure & Compliance

• Oversee the effective utilization, maintenance, and management of agricultural equipment, facilities, and infrastructure.
• Ensure appropriate preventative maintenance programs and equipment management practices are in place.
• Maintain compliance with CanadaGAP food safety standards, agricultural regulations, environmental requirements, and workplace health and safety legislation.
• Implement and enforce operational procedures that support safe, efficient, and consistent production.
• Evaluate capital equipment and infrastructure requirements to support operational needs and future growth.

Cross-Functional Collaboration & Continuous Improvement

• Collaborate with sales, marketing, logistics, and other departments to align production plans with business requirements and customer expectations.
• Work closely with ownership and senior leadership to support operational priorities and strategic initiatives.
• Build and maintain positive relationships with suppliers, industry partners, and local stakeholders.
• Stay informed of emerging agricultural technologies, horticultural research, and industry best practices.
• Champion continuous improvement initiatives that strengthen productivity, quality, sustainability, and financial performance.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Agriculture, Horticulture, Plant Science, Agribusiness, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and practical experience.
• Minimum of 5 years of progressive experience in commercial horticultural or agricultural operations, including demonstrated leadership responsibility.
• Strong understanding of large-scale crop production, soil management, crop health, pest control, and sustainable agricultural practices.
• Proven experience overseeing operational budgets, managing resources, and driving financial and production performance.
• Demonstrated ability to lead, develop, and motivate teams in a fast-paced agricultural environment.
• Strong business acumen with the ability to balance operational priorities, financial objectives, and long-term strategic goals.
• Excellent organizational, communication, decision-making, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to adapt to changing seasonal demands and make sound operational decisions under pressure.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office; experience with agricultural management systems and technology considered an asset.

The Ideal Candidate

The ideal candidate is an experienced agricultural leader who understands both the business and operational sides of large-scale crop production.

They bring a strong technical foundation in horticulture, paired with the financial understanding, strategic thinking, and people leadership skills required to manage a significant agricultural operation.

This individual is comfortable making decisions, taking ownership of results, and working alongside their team when needed. They are proactive, resourceful, and committed to building efficient operations while maintaining high standards of quality, safety, and sustainability.

Above all, they are a collaborative and accountable leader who can build on Monette Produce's existing success while identifying opportunities to strengthen performance and support future growth.

Why Join Monette Produce?

This is a unique opportunity to take on a significant leadership role within an established and growing Western Canadian agricultural organization.

As General Manager – Horticulture Operations, you will have the opportunity to lead a substantial crop production operation, influence business strategy, develop a strong team, and contribute directly to the continued success of Monette Produce.

With the support of a dedicated ownership group and an experienced local team, this position offers the opportunity to make a meaningful and lasting impact on the organization's operational performance and future direction.

For more information, or to submit your resume, please contact Gail Eckert at Summit Search Group: [email protected]

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