Job Title: Product Development Manager - Horticulture & Plant Innovation
Location: MN with possible Hybrid option (50% Travel Required)

Job Overview:

Our client is a fifth-generation, family-owned horticultural company serving customers worldwide. Headquartered near Minneapolis, Minnesota, with operations across the U.S., they are known for producing and distributing top-quality horticultural products, offering marketing support services, and conducting sought-after genetic breeding work. They are seeking a highly skilled and innovative Product Development Manager to oversee the end-to-end process of creating and improving nursery/plant products. This role requires leadership in market research, product assessment, and the development of go-to-market strategies to drive innovation and growth both domestically and internationally. The ideal candidate will be able to meet customer needs while aligning with business objectives.

Key Responsibilities:

• Develop and define product lines and strategies that align with company objectives and meet customer needs.
• Lead and mentor the Product Development team, fostering a strong, collaborative, and motivated team culture.
• Provide leadership to cross-functional teams throughout the product development lifecycle, ensuring quality, cost, and time-to-market expectations are met.
• Build and maintain relationships with key industry partners and vendors; manage the acquisition of genetics from breeder partners globally.
• Develop and manage product roadmaps, timelines, and budgets from conception through the supply chain, ensuring organizational efficiency.
• Implement best practices to enhance product development processes, including trialing, analytics, and record-keeping, staying current with recent technologies and tools.
• Manage stakeholder communication, providing regular updates on product progress and milestones; actively participate in sales training and industry speaking opportunities as needed.
• Monitor and analyze product performance, using insights to drive continuous improvement and optimize product offerings.
• Oversee royalty administration, licensing, trial agreements, and IP patents and trademarks.
• Manage internal and external trial programs, including data collection and performance evaluation.
• Oversee the selection and sale of genetics to third parties, both domestically and internationally.
• Participate in relevant professional organizations, such as IPPS, CIOPORA, and the Product Development and Management Association.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Impact:

• Achieve successful product launches that exceed market demands and generate positive customer responses.
• Increase market share through innovative product solutions and effective market positioning.
• Improve customer satisfaction by developing products that meet their needs and expectations.
• Drive revenue growth through increased product sales and expanded offerings.
• Reduce costs through efficient resource allocation and effective communication.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Horticulture, Product Development, Business, or a related field.
• Minimum of 5 years of relevant experience in product development, specifically in nursery crops, plant production, and product innovation.
• Proven track record of launching new products and driving product development initiatives.
• Strong leadership, organizational, and critical thinking skills with the ability to lead cross-functional teams and manage complex projects.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills for effective collaboration with internal teams and external partners.
• Proficiency in MS Office and relevant software tools to support product development activities.
• Willingness to travel up to 50%.

This position is ideal for a driven, innovative professional with a passion for horticulture and plant production. If you have the relevant experience and are ready to make an impact, we encourage you to apply!

De Lacy Executive Recruitment offers professional recruitment services for employers and candidates in Agriculture and Food & Beverage Processing. The De Lacy Executive team of professionals are committed to exceeding the expectations of those we serve. For more information about our services please call 800.672.8552 or email advisor@delacyexecutive.com.