Greenhouse Manager

Company: BALL HORTICULTURAL COMPANY
Location: West Chicago
Posted on: January 14, 2026

Job Description:

Job Description Job Description Description: In this role you will help color the world and bring excitement in the world of flowers through supporting the breeding and product development staff in producing quality plant material for breeding, clean stock, research trials, and marketing while ensuring greenhouse operations are running in a safe and efficient manner. This position is responsible for crop culture, IPM, PGRs, spray scheduling, irrigation/fertilizer schedules, and transplant schedules. The Greenhouse Manager will be an important advisor in setting the strategy for growing multiple annual, perennial, and vegetable species. Responsibilities and Duties: Coordinate, support, supervise, and lead a team of growers to ensure the proper growing environment is provided for various species. Accountable for all aspects of greenhouse and marketing growing, including, but not limited to supplies inventory, space management, watering, fertilizing, and chemical applications to ensure the correct plant growth and accurate space utilization. Facilitate safety trainings related to Worker Protection Standards, personal protective equipment, and greenhouse chemicals to help sustain a safe place to work. Develop and maintain strong relationships with stakeholders (i.e. breeders, product managers, and marketing specialists) to ensure company goals are met. Work closely with stakeholders and team to create and adhere to processes that allow for the regular identification and remediation of diseases and insect pressure. Guide the team with clear communication to understand the company goals and stakeholder needs for each crop. Schedule and supervise contract labor for activities in the greenhouse where additional labor is needed (i.e. pot washing and composting) to ensure deliverables are met during peak periods. Partner with West Chicago Facilities and Maintenance teams to ensure all greenhouse related equipment are maintained and in good working order. Execute projects throughout the site under direction of the US R&D Operations Manager. Requirements: BS/BA in Horticulture or Ag.-related field and a minimum of 2 years’ experience in supervision/management with an emphasis in directing diverse work teams in commercial greenhouse facilities or a related area. Possess or ability to obtain Illinois Pesticide Applicator’s License within 3 months of employment. Orchestrate multiple activities simultaneously to accomplish goals. Understand internal and external stakeholder requirements, expectations, and needs. Ability to drive engagement through empowering others. Anticipate future trends in all aspects of greenhouse growing and set strategies accordingly. Readily learn and adopt new technologies to provide greater quality and realize efficiencies. Ability to communicate in one-on-one, small and large groups, and among diverse position levels to convey a clear message and understanding. Experience working in and communicating through Microsoft Office Suite programs. Experience working with automated climate controls. Manages Complexity: Makes sense of complex, high quantity, and sometimes contradictory information to effectively solve problems. Drives Results: Persists in accomplishing objectives despite obstacles and setbacks. Directs Work: Provides direction, delegating, and removing obstacles to get work done. Action Oriented: Takes on new opportunities and tough challenges with a sense of urgency, high energy, and enthusiasm. Bi-lingual in English and Spanish is a plus Physical Requirements: Ability to lift/carry up to 45 pounds 10% of the day Ability to push/pull up to 60 pounds 25% of the day Ability to sit/stand 100% of the day Ability to kneel/bend 25% of the day Ability to reach 15% of the day Ability to climb/balance 5% of the day Ability to use hands/fingers 100% of the day Ability to work in hot environmental conditions outside/in greenhouses 85% of the day Our promise to you: Ball is a global leader in horticulture: we develop, produce, and sell plants around the world. Our vision is to color the world through our customers. We create excitement in the world of flowers and are the first choice for service. We deliver all the best and nothing else! To you, we deliver a work environment and a culture where building long-lasting relationships internally and externally is important. We believe that good communication, sharing ideas and collaborating on projects will set us up for success. We keep both our feet on the ground and are approachable. In addition to this we provide a comprehensive Total Rewards package that includes: Medical, dental, life and long-term disability insurance 401k/Profit Sharing Retirement Plan Paid time off benefits including vacation and holidays Tuition assistance Employee Assistance Program and Positive Health programs

Keywords: BALL HORTICULTURAL COMPANY, Chicago , Greenhouse Manager, Energy / Utilities , West Chicago, Illinois