Manager of Seed Sourcing & ProcessingLocation: West Verbena, Alabama (with up to 40% travel across the Southeast and other regions)Reports To: VP of Southeast OperationsPRT is seeking a Manager, Seed Sourcing & Processing, SE to lead our critical seed processing and acquisition initiatives from our base in West Verbena, Alabama. This is a unique opportunity to build on a legacy, integrate a newly acquired seed company's assets, and design the operations for a super-modern facility—the largest of its kind in North America. This role is responsible for the integrity of our entire seed supply, from wild collection to final storage and testing, which is the foundation for all of our successful nursery programs.What You'll Be DoingAs the Manager, you will be a strategic operational leader, securing the future of our forests by managing our most critical resource: seed.Leadership and Operations:Lead and direct all seed processing, testing, quality control, and seed storage within the Southeast US region, driving continuous improvement across the operations.Provide direction, oversight, and training for the White City site and staff (4 direct reports), fostering a culture of efficiency and safety.Play a key role in the integration of the acquired seed company, including transferring equipment and processes to our new facility, ensuring a seamless transition.Ensure safety compliance and oversight during all seed processing and field activities for both employees and contractors.Seed Acquisition and Sourcing:Direct and supervise wild seed collections across the Southeast and other regions to support nursery sales programs, managing the process from scouting and crop location to collection and delivery.Build and maintain a robust network of seed acquisition operations, including developing relationships with landowners and managing government bidding to secure critical seed crops.Oversee the entire seed processing cycle, including cone/seed drying, cleaning, and preparation for long-term frozen storage, to maximize germination viability.Collaborate with key stakeholders, including personnel in nurseries, orchards, and sales, and assign team resources to assist in nursery and orchard operations as needed.Financial Management & Analysis:Manage financial performance, including developing and overseeing a significant purchasing budget.Lead the budgeting, forecasting, and financial analysis for the seed operations, ensuring accurate Southeast seed inventory records. More Than Just a JobThis is your chance to make a tangible impact on our planet. At PRT, you'll be part of a legacy that has planted over 6 billion trees! We're not just growing seedlings; we're cultivating a greener future, one tree at a time. This role offers the opportunity to bring existing expertise while training with the current owners of the acquired business, ensuring you gain critical real-world knowledge on every process before the full integration next year. Salary: Competitive base + performance bonus, based on experience.
