Position Summary

The Seed Production Manager of Dry Seed will manage the strategy and production of dry seeded vegetable and flower crops for Johnny's Selected Seeds. The Seed Production Manager is responsible for the planning and execution of contract dry seed productions for Exclusive, Non-Exclusive & Proprietary varieties. A seed production technician supports this role and reports to both the dry and wet seed production managers. The Seed Production Manager of Dry Seed will report to the Vice President of Research & Development and work closely with the Seed Production Manager of Wet Seed. This onsite position is based at Johnny's Selected Seeds Albion Research Farm in Albion, Maine

If you are passionate about good, healthy food and would choose to work for a company with fellow co-owners who are passionate about our mission and values, Johnny's may be the place for you!

Key Responsibilities

• Strategic Planning & Execution: Develop and manage global production strategies for organic and non-organic seeds, aligning with internal demand forecasts and budget goals.
• Grower Network Management: Build and maintain a worldwide network of seed growers and production partners; negotiate and manage grower contracts.
• Production Oversight: Oversee seed production operations to ensure high-quality output, timely delivery, and adherence to Johnny's quality standards.
• Field & Quality Monitoring: Conduct regular site visits, monitor crop development, and audit production grow-outs to ensure product integrity.
• Inventory & Data Management: Maintain accurate databases for seed inventory, producibility, and stock/foundation seed quality.
• Budget & Cost Control: Manage production budgets and costs to meet profit targets; forecast annual stock seed needs.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Coordinate with product managers, purchasing, and planning teams; lead production meetings and ensure interdepartmental communication.
• Compliance & Certification: Ensure compliance with phytosanitary regulations and maintain necessary certifications.
• Team Leadership: Recruit, manage, and develop staff; conduct performance reviews and support employee growth.
• Industry Engagement: Represent Johnny's at industry events and public forums; foster external relationships and promote the company's mission.

Education

A college degree in horticulture, agriculture, or agronomy, or equivalent experience with an applied knowledge of organic and sustainable farming operations and extensive knowledge of growing a diverse number of vegetable crops is required.

Qualifications & Skills

• Experience: 5+ years in organic/sustainable farming; 3+ years in seed production management (vegetables and flowers, organic and conventional systems).
• Industry Knowledge: Familiar with seed product lifecycles, domestic/international regulatory and phytosanitary requirements.
• Technical Skills: Proficient in arithmetic, data analysis, and Microsoft Office or similar tools.
• Communication: Strong written, verbal, and professional communication skills.
• Interpersonal Skills: Team-oriented, collaborative, and relationship-focused.
• Organizational Abilities: Proactive, detail-oriented, with excellent time management and task prioritization.
• Problem Solving: Effective at identifying and resolving issues independently.
• Travel: Willing and able to travel both domestically and internationally.

Physical Requirements

• Capable of sitting for prolonged periods of time.
• Ability to bend, pull, and lift to 20 pounds.
• Willingness and ability to work outdoors across a wide range of climates

Benefits

• Customary Health/Dental/Vision Insurance    
• Employee Stock Ownership Plan & Profit Sharing   
• 401(k)   
• Employee Discount   
• Maternity/Paternity/Adoption & Foster Care Leave   
• Paid Time Off   
• Educational Assistance   

JOHNNY’S SELECTED SEEDS was established in 1973 by our Founder, Rob Johnston, Jr. Today we are 100% Employee Owned. Johnny’s mission is Helping families, friends, and communities to feed one another by providing superior seeds, tools, information, and service.

Johnny’s is renowned for our exceptional customer service offering seeds, tools, supplies and information to direct-market growers and avid home gardeners. We source, breed, trial, and sell outstanding selected varieties of vegetables, cut flowers, herbs, and farm seed, as well as thoughtfully designed tools and equipment. We take pride in the wealth of information and depth of experience we offer our customer base, nationwide and globally.

We are a strong, stable company focused on growth while still maintaining our small company feel and staying true to our roots. Beautiful Central Maine, where our research farm, warehouse, and offices are located, is the perfect launching point for an active, four-season lifestyle. Geographically situated halfway between Maine’s mountains and its 4500-mile-long coastline, we’re a short drive away from resorts, parks, and harbors renowned for a rich diversity of recreational and cultural opportunities.

If you are passionate about good, healthy food and would choose to work for a company with fellow co-owners who are passionate about our mission and values, Johnny’s may be the place for you!

Johnny’s Selected Seeds is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate against otherwise qualified applicants on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, ancestry, age, sex, marital status, national origin, disability or handicap, or veteran status.

6/26/2025