Nursery Operations Manager in Colchester

Energy Jobline ZR; Colchester; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

Energy Jobline ZR is partnering with a family-owned horticultural business to recruit a Nursery Operations Manager. The role oversees production across several sites, shaping strategy, leading teams, and driving continuous improvement while delivering high-quality plants.

You will work with the Leadership Team to balance horticultural excellence with commercial performance, empowering growth and innovation across the business.

Qualifications

• Significant experience in commercial nursery production or ornamental horticulture.
• Proven leadership of managers and multi-disciplinary teams.
• Strong understanding of crop production techniques and IPM.

Responsibilities

• Oversee horticultural production across multiple sites.
• Help define and deliver long-term nursery strategy and commercial performance.
• Lead operational improvements and strategic projects.
• Develop people and build high-performing teams.

Skills

Leadership

Commercial awareness

Integrated Pest Management

Crop production techniques

Stakeholder management

Job description

Job DescriptionReady to shape the future of a thriving nursery operation?We're delighted to be partnering with a highly respected, family-owned horticultural business to recruit a Nursery Operations Manager.This is a rare opportunity for an experienced nursery professional to take ownership of a multi-site production operation, leading strategy, people, growing excellence, and continuous improvement across a successful and expanding business.The company has invested significantly in its facilities and growth over recent years and is passionate about producing high-quality plants for its customers. As Nursery Operations Manager, you'll play a pivotal role in driving the next chapter of that journey.If you're a commercially aware horticultural leader who thrives on developing teams, improving production systems, and delivering outstanding plant quality, I'd love to hear from you.

Why Join?

• Lead a well-established and growing nursery operation across multiple sites
• Take ownership of both production and Integrated Pest Management strategy
• Join a successful family business with ambitious plans for the future
• Play a key role within the senior leadership structure
• Influence investment decisions, sustainability initiatives, and operational improvements

The Opportunity

You'll be responsible for overseeing horticultural production across several growing sites, ensuring the business continues to deliver exceptional quality while operating efficiently and sustainably. Working closely with the Operations Director, Leadership Team, and Board, you'll help define and deliver a long-term strategy for nursery production, balancing horticultural excellence with commercial performance. You'll be empowered to challenge the status quo, identify opportunities for improvement, and implement changes that support future growth.

About You

We're looking for an experienced horticultural professional who combines strong technical expertise with confident leadership and commercial awareness.

• Significant experience within commercial nursery production or ornamental horticulture
• Leadership experience, including managing managers and multi-disciplinary teams
• Extensive knowledge of crop production techniques and Integrated Pest Management
• Experience delivering operational improvements and strategic projects
• Strong commercial and financial understanding
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills
• A passion for developing people and building high-performing teams
• The ability to balance strategic thinking with practical operational leadership

Most importantly, you'll be someone who is enthusiastic about horticulture, embraces innovation, and is excited by the opportunity to influence the future direction of a growing business.

What's On Offer?

• Salary £45,000+ depending on experience
• Senior leadership role with significant influence and autonomy
• Opportunity to work across multiple nursery sites
• Flexible working approach and diary management
• A supportive, values-driven culture
• The chance to make a lasting impact within a highly successful horticultural business
• Long-term career development opportunities