PlantHaven Employment

Job Description for Plant Projects Manager (Annuals / Perennials)

Position Summary
PlantHaven, Inc is a respected and expanding market-leading professional agency which assists plant breeders and the industry to profit from new variety introduction and promotion. PlantHaven’s field of interest includes all types of patentable ornamental varieties including trees, shrubs, perennials, annuals and tropicals. PlantHaven’s breeder clients are located within the U.S. and overseas, and their varieties are presented to all applicable world markets. PlantHaven does not breed or grow any of the plants it represents, and its sole revenue is commission on royalties generated. Four Plant Projects Managers are responsible for effective liaison with plant breeders and their nursery licensees for all of the processes which are involved in effectively bringing new varieties to market. Currently, PlantHaven has nine full-time employees.

Job Functions and Estimate of Percentage of Time spent on each
It can take up to five years for a new variety to move from breeder to commercial release. PlantHaven develops a "game plan" for each variety: (a) whether to take it on, (b) where to send for trials, (c) which nurseries to license, (d) determining the plant protection policy and plan, and (d) how to support the variety and the licensee(s) in the production and on-going promotion of the variety. The main job functions of the Plant Projects Managers follow the implementation of a series of plans for the many varieties at their different stages of the process:
• Research each new plant project and strategize its route to market (30%)
• Obtain feedback from nursery and other trial sites (20%)
• Participate in regular team discussions concerning plant introduction progress (15%)
• Respond to routine enquiries from the industry community (10%)
• Prepare and provide technical input into marketing materials (20%)
• Maintain up to date records in the business's paper and electronic systems (5%)

Travel Requirements
• Attend trade shows and conferences (estimate 15 days per year, e.g. Ohio Short Course, Perennial Plant Symposium, Far West, and one or two other regional shows)
• Visit plant breeders (estimate one or two overseas trips and two or three US trips per year)
• Visit licensees (estimate two different regional trips per year, e.g. Pacific Northwest, New England)

Qualifications and Experience
The position requires at least a bachelor’s degree in horticulture or related field, combined with a minimum of three continuous years of relevant commercial and managerial experience within ornamental horticulture. The level of qualifications and managerial experience must be such that the appointee will be able to perform the duties and responsibilities outlined above without any further training beyond the company’s comprehensive induction process. Experience in the processes of introducing new plant varieties will be an advantage.

Required Organization and Inter-Personal Skills
PlantHaven's work requires a great deal of prioritizing and progress chasing in order to achieve critical dates and maintain the momentum of each plant project. This position requires a high degree of self-organization and personal action planning. PlantHaven has limited opportunity to meet its clients (breeders and licensees) face to face. This position requires a highly personable disposition and natural enthusiasm for proactive communication both by telephone and e-mail.
This position is especially suited to someone with an outgoing, enthusiastic personality who enjoys new product development and interacting with propagators and marketers.

Confidential Nature of Work
PlantHaven's work is intimately concerned with its clients' intellectual property. Breeders and licensees expect and receive a high degree of commercial discretion and confidentiality. This position carries a requirement to comply with company's Secrecy and Non-Disclosure Agreement.

Key Features

Position: Plant Projects Manager
Commencement: As soon as possible
Location: At the PlantHaven Office, Santa Barbara, CA
Salary: According to experience. All salaries are paid monthly.
Benefits:
1. Assistance with relocation expenses to a maximum of $3,000
2. Paid health insurance by participation in the PH Blue Cross Group Plan and by contributions to Health Savings Account
3. Blue Cross Platinum Dental Insurance (PH pays 100% of premiums)
Holidays and paid vacation: Three weeks paid vacation plus public holidays and other permitted absences as further described within the Employee handbook.
401(k) Plan: PlantHaven Inc offers a 401(k) Plan for qualifying employees.

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