Director Production

About Red Sea Global and Botanica

Red Sea Global is seeking a Director Production for Botanica, its subsidiary specializing in sustainable greenery across Red Sea Global’s destinations. Botanica integrates new species with local flora, operating over 1 million square meters with a focus on sustainability. Since 2020, Botanica has cultivated over 5 million plants, with a target of 30 million by 2030, contributing to the natural landscapes of The Red Sea & Amaala. The team includes 40% local community members and is committed to ecological harmony, setting new benchmarks in sustainable development in Umluj, Tabuk, Saudi Arabia. This is a full-time position requiring over 10 years of experience.

Role Purpose

The Director Production will lead plant production at Botanica Red Sea, overseeing the growth and supply of plant material from the 180-hectare nursery. This includes managing an annual production capacity of 8 million plants, encompassing propagation, greenhouses, shade houses, flowers, indoor plants, the seed bank, and the native species program. The role also leads R&D and biosecurity efforts. Key accountabilities include ensuring plant quality, availability, biosecurity, safety, and production cost efficiency, while supplying plant material to internal Red Sea Global clients and external developments at the assumed cost in pricing.

Key Responsibilities

• Translate approved demand plans into production, import, and growing plans (propagation, growing cycles, mother stock, imports) in collaboration with the PMO.
• Achieve production volumes, plant readiness dates, germination, and survival targets, while managing live plant inventory with accurate stock records.
• Review plant Bills of Quantities (BOQs) for all Red Sea Global and external projects, confirming availability, substitutions, and lead times before Commercial commitments.
• Agree on weekly readiness and dispatch schedules with the Director – Nursery Operations.
• Lead plant propagation (seed, cuttings, grafting, layering, division), greenhouses, shade houses, flower and food production, indoor plants, and the seed bank.
• Grow the native plant program and increase the share of native production.
• Apply crop management practices (scheduling, fertilization, IPM) to maximize quality and minimize losses.
• Own the Biosecurity Protocol, including inspection of incoming and imported material, phytosanitary documentation, quarantine, hygiene, and traceability.
• Lead the integrated pest and disease management (IPM) program and the R&D roadmap (propagation techniques, substrates, irrigation, climate-resilient species).
• Ensure compliance with MEWA requirements and the exclusive use of approved species.
• Manage the direct cost budget for nursery production and R&D, controlling labor, materials, water, fuel, equipment, and wastage.
• Plan manpower, equipment, and materials with the PMO, reporting utilization and productivity weekly.
• Identify cost and delivery risks early and propose corrective actions.
• Lead managers, supervisors, horticulturists, and operatives across nursery production and R&D, driving competency, training, and supervision standards.
• Ensure zero-harm field operations through permits, method statements, toolbox talks, PPE, and incident reporting in collaboration with HSSE.
• Fulfill the fixed responsibilities of a Department Head (Section ***
• Follow and enforce all relevant Botanica and Red Sea Global Group policies, delegation of authority (DoA), processes, standard operating procedures, and instructions.
• Apply and champion the safety, quality, and environmental management system (ISO 9001, ISO 14001, ISO 45001) and the compliance management system (ISO 37301).
• Identify and lead opportunities for continuous improvement in department systems, processes, and practices, focusing on cost reduction, productivity, and client value.

Required Experience

• A minimum of 10 years of experience in a relevant field.

Work Environment and Context

This role manages plant production for both internal Red Sea Global clients and external developments, where long growing cycles necessitate decisions that impact availability one to three years in advance. The position relies on Nursery Operations for water, soil, logistics, and equipment, requiring joint planning with the Director – Nursery Operations. Primary risks include plant losses from pests, disease, and heat, biosecurity incursions through imported stock, and changes in demand forecasts after growing has commenced.