Equine Production Manager
Description
The Opportunity
Growth creates opportunity! We are seeking an A-Player to join our vibrant local business, which is part of a progressive horticultural organization with national reach. As a Equine Production Manager, you'll:
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- Oversee all mowing, landscaping, and grounds maintenance operations for HLM Equine properties.
- Develop and coordinate daily, weekly, and seasonal production schedules based on property needs and available staffing.
- Plan crew assignments, equipment needs, work priorities, and production timelines.
- Monitor overall production to ensure work is completed efficiently, on schedule, and to established quality standards.
- Conduct regular inspections of completed work and provide direction when corrections or additional work are needed.
- Oversee mowing, trimming, edging, blowing, weed control, pruning, leaf removal, debris removal, and general grounds maintenance.
- Ensure lawns, fields, landscaped areas, roadsides, common areas, and other designated grounds are properly maintained.
- Identify maintenance needs and develop plans to address them.
- Monitor turf and landscape conditions and communicate recommendations or concerns to leadership.
- Oversee the proper use, maintenance, and availability of landscape equipment, vehicles, tools, and supplies.
- Coordinate equipment repairs and maintenance to minimize operational downtime.
- Monitor inventory of fuel, materials, tools, and other production supplies.
- Continuously evaluate processes and identify opportunities to improve efficiency, productivity, and quality.
H-2A Workforce Management
- Provide direct management and oversight of H-2A employees assigned to the grounds and equine operation.
- Plan staffing needs and coordinate the effective use of H-2A employees throughout the production season.
- Assign employees and crews based on workload, skill level, production priorities, and operational needs.
- Ensure H-2A employees receive appropriate onboarding, training, and direction.
- Monitor attendance, productivity, work quality, conduct, and overall performance.
- Establish clear expectations and hold employees accountable for meeting production and quality standards.
- Provide coaching and performance feedback and address performance concerns appropriately.
- Partner with HR regarding employee relations, attendance, performance, disciplinary concerns, injuries, complaints, and other employee matters.
- Assist with the coordination of H-2A employee schedules, transportation, reporting locations, and other operational needs as directed by management.
- Help ensure H-2A employees understand company policies, safety requirements, job expectations, and workplace procedures.
- Maintain a professional and respectful work environment for H-2A and local employees.
- Ensure consistent and fair application of company policies and expectations.
If this sounds exciting to you, we are seeking a leader with these REQUIRED qualifications:
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MUST be able to speak and understand English and accurately translate between English and Spanish.
This position requires the ability to communicate effectively with English-speaking management and Spanish-speaking employees.
Responsibilities include:
- Communicating daily assignments, production expectations, schedules, and operational changes.
- Translating work instructions and company expectations between English and Spanish.
- Translating safety requirements and ensuring employees understand safety procedures.
- Communicating employee questions, concerns, and issues to management and HR.
- Assisting with employee meetings, training, onboarding, and other communications requiring English/Spanish translation.
- Ensuring information is communicated accurately and consistently between management and Spanish-speaking employees.
- MUST be able to accurately translate verbal and written information from English to Spanish and Spanish to English.
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The ability to effectively communicate and translate between English- and Spanish-speaking employees and management is an essential function of this position.
- MUST possess and maintain a valid driver's license with a driving record acceptable to the company.
- MUST be able to obtain and maintain a valid DOT Medical Examiner's Certificate (DOT medical card) and meet all applicable DOT physical qualification requirements necessary to perform the essential functions of the position.
- Previous management or supervisory experience in landscape maintenance, mowing, grounds maintenance, agriculture, or a related field.
- Strong understanding of equine mowing and grounds maintenance operations.
- Demonstrated ability to manage field employees and multiple crews.
- Experience managing seasonal or H-2A employees.
- Strong leadership, organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills.
- Ability to plan and prioritize multiple operational needs.
- Ability to hold employees accountable while maintaining a positive and respectful work environment.
- Strong understanding of workplace safety and equipment operations.
- Ability to work outdoors and visit field operations as needed.
- Ability to work flexible hours based on seasonal and operational needs.
- Provide strong leadership and direction to production supervisors, crew leaders, and field employees.
- Establish clear expectations for productivity, quality, safety, attendance, and professionalism.
- Develop and coach employees to improve skills, performance, and leadership capabilities.
- Identify high-performing employees and support their continued development.
- Address performance issues promptly and appropriately.
- Promote teamwork, accountability, communication, and respect throughout the production operation.
- Lead by example and maintain a professional management presence in the field.
- Conduct regular field visits and inspections to remain informed of operational conditions and employee needs.
Safety & Compliance
- Oversee compliance with company safety policies and procedures.
- Ensure employees are properly trained on equipment, vehicles, tools, and safe work practices.
- Monitor field operations for safety hazards and take corrective action when necessary.
- Ensure required personal protective equipment is being used appropriately.
- Report and assist with the investigation of workplace injuries, incidents, and safety concerns.
- Partner with HR and leadership regarding employee safety and compliance matters.
Administrative & Management Responsibilities
- Maintain appropriate production, staffing, equipment, and operational records.
- Monitor labor and production costs and identify opportunities for improved efficiency.
- Assist with budgeting, forecasting, and seasonal workforce planning.
- Participate in hiring and selection of production employees and crew leaders.
- Assist with onboarding and training of new employees.
- Communicate operational updates, staffing concerns, production issues, and recommendations to senior leadership.
- Participate in regular management meetings and provide updates on production performance.
- Ensure company policies and procedures are consistently followed.
- Perform other management responsibilities as assigned.
As a Equine Production Manager, you will enjoy:
- Competitive salary, plus a healthy performance-based incentive program
- Paid vacation and holidays
- Company Vehicle for work purposes
- Full suite of health insurance -- medical, dental, vision, etc.
- 401(k) with company match
- Professional Development opportunities
- Exceptional company culture