Head of Microgreens, Flower & Lettuce

Company Description Xantory is a Dubai-based company specializing in industrial automation and smart factory solutions for regional and international clients. The organization designs and delivers container-based Indoor Farming Systems (IFC), customized production lines, and integrated smart manufacturing solutions. By combining advanced engineering with controlled-environment agriculture, Xantory supports high-efficiency, technology-driven food production. Team members collaborate across disciplines to build innovative systems that improve productivity, consistency, and sustainability in modern manufacturing and indoor farming.Role Description The Head of Microgreens, Flower & Lettuce is a full-time, on-site role based in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. This role oversees the end-to-end cultivation of microgreens, edible flowers, and lettuce crops within Xantory’s Indoor Farming Systems, ensuring optimal yields, quality, and consistency. Day-to-day responsibilities include planning crop cycles, monitoring growing conditions, supervising seeding, harvesting, and post-harvest handling, and ensuring adherence to food safety and quality standards. The position leads and trains farm staff, coordinates with engineering and automation teams to refine production processes and maintains accurate records of operations and output. The role also involves collaborating with sales and supply chain teams to meet customer demand, troubleshooting cultivation issues, and continuously improving methods in line with best practices for controlled-environment agriculture.Key ResponsibilitiesCrop Line ManagementOwn the microgreens, edible flower, and lettuce crop lines end to end, from seeding to harvest.Plan crop cycles to meet customer demand and delivery schedules.Inspect crops daily for health, growth stage, and harvest readiness.Supervise seeding, harvesting, and post-harvest handling.Troubleshoot cultivation issues and adjust growing conditions with technical support.Quality, Yield & Food SafetyEnsure harvested product meets quality, consistency, and food safety standards.Follow hygiene, handling, and storage protocols for fresh produce.Track yield and wastage for each crop cycle and find ways to improve them.Team SupervisionLead, train, and supervise crop-line production staff on daily tasks.Coordinate shift coverage around planting and harvest schedules.Monitor staff task completion and work quality.Process Improvement & CoordinationWork with engineering and automation teams to refine growing conditions and production processes within the Indoor Farming Systems.Coordinate with sales and supply chain teams on harvest timing and fulfillment.Apply controlled-environment agriculture best practices to keep improving methods.Records & ReportingKeep accurate records of operations, yield, and wastage using growing schedule trackers and logs.Report crop-line performance to the Head of Indoor Farming.Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)Yield per crop cycleWastage and rejection rateOn-time harvest fulfillmentStaff task completion and qualityQualificationsExperience in controlled-environment agriculture, hydroponics, or vertical farming, with a focus on leafy greens, microgreens, and specialty crops.Knowledge of crop planning, nutrient management, irrigation systems, and environmental control (lighting, temperature, humidity, airflow).Background in food safety and quality standards, including handling, storage, and hygiene protocols for fresh produce.Strong leadership skills, with experience managing farm or production teams, delegating tasks, and coaching staff.Ability to analyze operational data, identify issues, and implement process improvements in a production environment.Excellent organizational and time management skills, with the ability to prioritize multiple cultivation and operational tasks.Clear written and verbal communication skills for coordinating with cross-functional teams and documenting procedures.Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience in agriculture, horticulture, plant science, agronomy, or a related field is preferred.Comfort working on-site in a farm or industrial setting and complying with safety and operational guidelines.Prior experience in a technology-enabled or automated farming operation is an advantage.