Seed & Vegetative Propagation Manager

Role Objective

To plan and implement the seed and vegetative propagation production programmes in line with agreed budgetary targets, and the delivery of exceptional levels of product & service quality to both internal & external customers. In addition the role includes the planning, establishment and management of seed and hedge orchards to meet business requirements. The role also requires a current knowledge of the legislative and regulatory environment governing the marketing of forest reproductive material, providing advice to other members of the Coillte Nurseries team on proper Forest Reproductive Material compliance and liaising with statutory authorities in regard to national implementation of Forest Reproductive Material regulations.

Role Responsibilities

People, Leadership, Organisation and Culture

Create a culture of high performance and motivation in seed and vegetative propagation operations by empowering, developing and coaching people.
Hold regular open discussions on performance with supervisor in order to make sure all objectives are met.
Promote a commercial culture in operations where decisions are made with full consideration of maximising cashflow and long-term value.
Promote an attitude of simplification to reduce complexity and allow our people to do their best work.
Actively promote and prioritise a safe working environment for our people, our contractors and customers in Nurseries.
Contribute to the leadership of nurseries operations on a national basis to make sure that process improvement strategies are developed to improve quality, reduce cost, increase standardisation and implement streamlined business processes.
Be accountable for developing own contribution to the business which includes driving personal development initiatives.
As a member of the Nurseries Team, contribute effectively to the successful delivery of our strategy.
Act as a visible role model for the Group’s values.

Planning & Management

Plan and implement seed and vegetative propagation (up to and including rooted cutting stage ready for lining) production programmes in the context of achieving delivery of planned seed and rooted cuttings quantities within budget to meet market demand.
Plan and implement a sales and marketing programme for seed sales to achieve forecasted sales and revenue targets, an adequate gross margin on sales, and maintaining sales & marketing costs within budget.
Produce appropriate planting stock material required to establish seed and hedge orchards.
Establish and manage seed and hedge orchards in line with business requirements.
Develop seed and vegetative propagation product and process innovation through the ongoing review of best practice and the management of appropriate Research and Design programmes.
Meet all financial targets in line with the objectives of the business.
Liaise with Plant Production and Plant Sales within Nurseries as a prerequisite to the delivery of consistent levels of production and profitability and improvement.

Operations

Implement quality control systems in seed and vegetative propagation production to ensure that operations deliver quality seed and rooted cuttings ready for lining to the specification for our internal and external customers.
Develop a strong culture of operational excellence and continuous improvement in all our operations to eliminate waste and inefficiency.
Full compliance with statutory requirements and best practice in regard to collection, procurement, processing and marketing of seeds material.
Full compliance with statutory requirements and best practice in terms of health & safety management, environmental management, procurement of goods & services and other corporate governance.

Customers

Collaborate closely with internal and external customers, to manage relationships and to ensure that seed and vegetative propagation production levels are sufficient to meet or exceed customer commitments.
Collaborate with the Establishment Process Team to ensure the long term seed and veg propagation plans match our long term establishment planting strategy.
Collaborate with Plant Sales and Plant Production to deliver consistent levels of profitability, exceptional levels of customer service, and the long-term strategic development of the Nurseries business.
To support the overall Nursery Team in creating a culture of innovation, collaboration and simplification across all the processes and operations.

Behavioural Competencies

Drive for Results: The drive to exceed goals and push self and others towards high levels of performance.
Customer Focus: A good understanding and knowledge of our customers’ needs and requirements.
Communication: Excellent communication skills with an ability to actively listen and negotiate in a demanding environment.
Collaboration: Excellent interpersonal skills to build effective relationships with staff, customers and stakeholders.
Problem-Solving: Proactive in identifying issues and addressing them promptly by working on own initiative.
Analysis: Strong numeracy and analytical skills and an ability to present information clearly and concisely.
Multi-Tasking & Organised: A highly organised individual that can prioritise and execute several concurrent initiatives.
Delegation and Decision-making: The capacity to make good decisions and delegate responsibility and accountability to the appropriate level.
Execution Excellence: The capacity to reduce complexity and increase efficiency and simplification in our business processes.

Professional/Technical Competencies

Education and Experience: Relevant third level qualification to HETAC level 8 in Forestry or related discipline with 3-5 years experience in a commercial seed,nursery production or tree improvement role.
Nurseries: High level of technical knowledge in the collection/processing of forest tree seed. Full understanding of forest nursery business processes, particularly in regard to plant propagation techniques.
Tree Improvement: High level of technical knowledge in tree improvement.
Commercial and Financial Acumen: Can focus on financial and commercial implications of their own activities through minimising costs and maximising revenues.
People Management: A credible individual with previous experience in managing people.
Regulatory Compliance: Knowledge and experience to promote a safe-working environment and ensure compliance with environmental, regulatory and silvicultural standards.