Horticultural Production Supervisor
Sunshine Coast, Queensland
$75,000 – $95,000 + bonuses | Full-Time, Permanent

About Us

Heatons Nursery is a third-generation, family-run wholesale nursery with over 50 years of experience on the Sunshine Coast. We are an indoor plant nursery specialising in ferns and anthuriums and are known for our innovation, attention to detail, and consistently high-quality production. As we continue to expand, we're seeking a hands-on Production Supervisor to oversee day-to-day production and help refine our growing systems for greater efficiency, quality, and consistency.

The Role

This is a hands-on, leadership-focused position where you'll be directly involved in all stages of nursery production from operating and maintaining equipment and machinery to organising workflow, supporting staff, and improving processes. You'll play a key role in ensuring smooth daily operations and learning how to manage the full production process within a busy, modern nursery.

While plant knowledge is beneficial, it isn't essential. The right applicant will be keen to learn, proactive, and growth-focused. What matters most is being organised, mechanically capable, and confident leading people and processes. Candidates from industries such as manufacturing, agriculture, landscaping, or logistics often transition well into this role.

As Production Supervisor, you'll take a hands-on leadership role in the day-to-day running of the nursery. You'll be responsible for operating and managing potting and production machinery, ensuring smooth, efficient runs and quickly resolving any issues that arise. The role involves working closely with the production team providing direction, motivating staff, and fostering a positive, results-driven work culture. You'll also monitor crop health and quality, keeping a close eye on watering, fertiliser programs, and environmental conditions to ensure plants are produced to the highest standards. Routine maintenance and servicing of equipment including potting lines, conveyors, and irrigation systems will form a key part of your work to minimise downtime and maintain reliability. In addition, you'll plan and coordinate daily workflows and production priorities to keep everything on schedule, uphold strong safety and housekeeping standards, and collaborate closely with management.

We're seeking someone who wants to progress and grow within the business. This is a full-time position that requires flexibility with hours during peak periods, with potential opportunities for domestic and international travel for business development and industry events.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead by Example – Work alongside your team while providing clear direction, support, and accountability.
• Production Oversight – Manage potting, transplanting, growing-on, and dispatch operations to meet production targets.
• Workflow & Systems – Coordinate production schedules, batch tracking, and transplant logging with accuracy and efficiency.
• Team Supervision – Motivate, train, and delegate tasks effectively to maintain high productivity and safety standards.
• Automation & Equipment – Operate, maintain, and troubleshoot potting machines, sorting systems, and irrigation setups.
• Resource Coordination – Monitor inventory (substrates, pots, fertilisers, etc.) to ensure consistent material supply.
• Maintenance & Problem Solving – Identify and address mechanical issues or inefficiencies quickly.
• Safety & Compliance – Enforce WHS protocols and ensure safe use of all machinery and chemicals.
• Continuous Improvement – Monitor efficiency, record data, and suggest process improvements to management.

Requirements

• Proven leadership or supervisory experience.
• Background in horticulture, agriculture, production, or mechanical/industrial operations preferred but not essential.
• Strong mechanical aptitude and confidence with automation, tools, and machinery.
• Excellent organisational and communication skills.
• Physically fit and comfortable with hands-on, outdoor work.
• Understanding of WHS standards and safe work practices.
• Basic computer or tablet literacy for production tracking and reporting.
• Forklift licence (LF) preferred.
• Agricultural Chemicals Distribution Control (ACDC) Licence or willingness to obtain.

Personal Attributes

• Practical, proactive, and solutions-focused.
• Confident leading a team and managing time-sensitive tasks.
• Reliable, adaptable, and detail-oriented.
• Keen to learn and grow with a progressive, forward-thinking business.

What We Offer

• Competitive Salary & Bonuses – $75,000 – $95,000 + performance incentives, based on ability and experience.
• Career Growth – Clear pathway to Production Manager or Operations roles.
• Training & Development – Ongoing mentoring in advanced nursery systems and automation.
• Supportive Culture – Join a respected, family-run nursery with a strong team ethos.
• Innovation & Technology – Work hands-on with state-of-the-art machinery and production systems.
• Opportunities to Travel – Domestic and international industry events.
• Lifestyle Location – Live and work on the Sunshine Coast, surrounded by beaches and hinterland.

Join Heatons Nursery and grow your career with one of Australia's leading wholesale nurseries.

Apply now with your CV and cover letter.

[email protected]