Product Development Manager

Product Development Manager

Auburn, Alabama

Company Overview

BEST Human Capital & Advisory partnered with Young’s Plant Farm is hiring a diverse role as Ornamental Plant Product Development Manager. Young’s Plant Farm is a family\-owned horticultural company specializing in cultivating and selling plants to major retailers. We pride ourselves on our commitment to sustainability, innovation, and customer satisfaction, which has earned us a stellar reputation in the industry. As one of the top 25 nationally recognized growers of environmentally controlled greenhouses, we are dedicated to delivering high\-quality products and employing sustainable, efficient business practices. Our focus on team development ensures that we leverage our collective experiences to continually build an exceptional company.

Position Title

Product Development Manager

Reports to:  Chief Administrative Officer

Location: Auburn, AL

Job Description

We are seeking a proactive and detail\-oriented Product Development Manager to join our team at our Auburn, AL farm. In this role, you will lead the program development process in collaboration with Account Managers and the grow team, focusing on enhancing product assortment, programs, and customer sell\-through.

Primary Duties & Responsibilities

·         Lead Program Development: Collaborate closely with Account Managers and the grow team to guide the program development process, ensuring alignment with market trends and customer needs.

·         Identify Trends: Proactively seek out and analyze industry trends to identify opportunities for new product development and growth.

·         Represent Interests: Advocate for Young’s Plant Farm at major Grower Councils, R&D, and Trials Councils to ensure our interests are represented.

·         Support Presentations: Assist in program presentations to merchants and attend customer meetings with Account Managers, providing plant expertise to enhance program development.

·         Manage Trials Program: Oversee the Young’s Plant Farm Trials program and Trial Garden, coordinating planting, documentation, and photography.

·         Build Relationships: Develop and maintain strong relationships with breeders to identify new perennials and annuals for trials and product development.

·         Publish Reports: Compile and distribute trial reports to breeders, suppliers, retail grower councils, team members, and management as required.

·         Event Planning: Design, plan, and execute the annual Trial Garden event and sponsorship program in collaboration with the Marketing Department.

Required Skills & Abilities

·         Proven experience in product development or a related field.

·         Strong understanding of the horticulture industry and plant trends.

·         Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.

·         Ability to manage multiple projects and prioritize effectively.

·         Familiarity with trial management and event planning is a plus.

Education & Experience

·         Degree in Horticulture or equivalent experience with annuals and perennials is preferred.

·         Have a solid understanding of plant genetic composition.

Join Our Team

If you're passionate about plant development and eager to make an impact in the horticulture industry, we invite you to apply for this exciting opportunity! Come be a part of our dynamic team as we continue to grow and succeed in the industry.

Apply via email:  Harrison Downing via [email protected] or Todd Downing via  [email protected]