Johnny's Selected Seeds was established in 1973 by our Founder, Rob Johnston, Jr. Today we are 100% Employee Owned.Johnny's mission is Helping families, friends, and communities to feed one another by providing superior seeds, tools, information, and service.
Johnny's is renowned for our exceptional customer service offering seeds, tools, supplies and information to direct-market growers and avid home gardeners. We source, breed, trial, and sell outstanding selected varieties of vegetables, cut flowers, herbs, and farm seed, as well as thoughtfully designed tools and equipment. We take pride in the wealth of information and depth of experience we offer our customer base, nationwide and globally.
We are a strong, stable company focused on growth while still maintaining our small company feel and staying true to our roots. Beautiful Central Maine, where our research farm, warehouse, and offices are located, is the perfect launching point for an active, four-season lifestyle. Geographically situated halfway between Maine's mountains and it's 4500-mile-long coastline, we're a short drive away from resorts, parks, and harbors renowned for a rich diversity of recreational and cultural opportunities.
If you are passionate about good, healthy food and would choose to work for a company with fellow co-owners who are passionate about our mission and values, Johnny's may be the place for you!
Product Manager– Hardlines – On-site – Albion, Maine - 3/2 Hybrid once established
Position Summary
At Johnny's Selected Seeds, the Product Manager - Tools & Supplies plays a critical role in driving the profitability and performance of our agricultural tools and supplies portfolio. This role blends strategic planning, product development, vendor collaboration, and cross-functional coordination to deliver high-quality, cost-effective solutions that meet the needs of small-scale, organic, and market growers. The ideal candidate combines technical expertise with a deep understanding of grower challenges and a passion for sustainable agriculture. You will serve as the internal and external champion for your product line(s), ensuring alignment with customer needs and business goals.
Key Responsibilities
Product Strategy & Profitability
- Contribute to product development to maximize customer value and business profitability.
- Analyze market trends, customer feedback, and competitive offerings to identify high-impact opportunities.
- Collaborate with team members to define pricing strategies that balance competitiveness and margin.
- Monitor product performance metrics (e.g., gross margin, inventory turnover, customer satisfaction) and recommend actions to improve profitability.
Product Development
- Drive end-to-end development of new tools and supplies, from concept through testing, packaging, and launch.
- Partner with R&D, farm operations, and external designers/suppliers to prototype and field test products.
- Ensure product specifications meet Johnny's quality standards, cost targets, and customer expectations.
- Collaborate with Team Engineer and Business Unit Manager to enhance product testing and validation processes.
Portfolio & Lifecycle Management
- Manage the lifecycle of existing products, including revisions, discontinuations, and pricing adjustments.
- Conduct regular portfolio reviews to optimize product mix and focus on high-margin, high-growth items.
- Collaborate with Purchasing to ensure product availability and inventory efficiency.
Cross-Functional Collaboration
- Work closely with Marketing, Sales, Operations, and Customer Care to ensure product readiness, promotion, and support.
- Provide technical training and product education materials to internal teams and external stakeholders.
- Align go-to-market strategies with product positioning and customer segments to drive adoption and revenue.
Supplier & Vendor Management
- Source new product and negotiate with vendors to ensure cost-effective, high-quality products.
- Maintain strong relationships with key partners and evaluate new sourcing opportunities to improve margins and reliability.
Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in Product Design, Agriculture, Horticulture, Engineering, Business, or a related field; equivalent experience considered.
- 3–5 years of experience in product management, agricultural equipment, or tool development.
- Proven ability to translate customer needs into profitable product solutions.
- Strong analytical skills with experience in pricing, cost analysis, and performance metrics.
- Excellent project management and communication skills.
- Passion for sustainable farming, gardening, and/or small-scale agriculture.
- Experience working with or on a farm.
Preferred Qualifications
- Familiarity with small-scale or organic agricultural practices.
- Working knowledge of tools commonly used in greenhouse, field, and market farm environments.
- Previous experience with product testing, CAD, or prototype design.
Benefits
- Health/Dental/Vison Insurance
- Employee Stock Ownership Plan & Profit Sharing
- 401(k)
- Employee Discount
- Maternity/Paternity/Adoption & Foster Care Leave
- Company Paid Life Insurance, Voluntary Life Insurance
- Company Paid Short- & Long-Term Disability Insurance
- Paid Time Off
- Tuition Reimbursement
Johnny's Selected Seeds is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate against otherwise qualified applicants on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, ancestry, age, sex, marital status, national origin, disability or handicap, or veteran status. Please apply online at: