To respond to strong growth opportunities in the West, the company is seeking for a full time Farm Manager. Reporting to the Corporate General Manager, the new Farm Manager will play a key role.
In collaboration with the corporate office and key leaders of the Western Region, the incumbent will be also responsible for supervising the start-up of the new business unit in B-C including the establishment of human and material resources and the work teams to start operations in spring 2018.
The new Farm Manager will need to be available for training in our current division in United States (Florida) and in Canada (Quebec region).
The successful candidate will be an entrepreneurial individual and a self-starter with a strong work ethic and the ability to adapt to fast paced, dynamic work environment. The candidate will be directing a team for all daily operations from: Land preparation, Planting, Growing, Harvesting and Storing. The Farm Manager expertise will be utilized in order to attain the highest possible yields, quality and profitability from the farm operations.
Vegpro International Inc. is a Canadian leader for the innovation of its agricultural production of baby leaves, salad and vegetable, supplying customers in North America all year long under a well-known label, Fresh Attitude. Our pre-washed and ready-to-eat packaged salads are available in all major grocery chains in Canada with a strong a rapidly growing presence in the US.
We have purchased approximately 700 acres of land in Coldstream and we will build a produce packing plant of 70,000 square foot state. We intend to begin operations in BC starting in the spring/early summer of 2018.
- Passion for Agriculture and fresh produce and a strong interest in promoting agriculture with a focus on each producer’s success
- Willingness to work flexible hours is required during high seasonal work-loads
- Full understanding of disease, fungi and insect management required
- Well versed in disease and weed control techniques and regulations
- Ability to perform and oversee operation and maintenance of the equipment and irrigation systems
- Results oriented and very organized, with strong attention to detail
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills
- Spanish language is an asset
- Proven analytical and problems solving skills
- Negotiation and business skills including the ability to deal with landowners
- Team player, enthusiastic, and determined
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office products (Excel, Word, Power Point)
Additional Mandatory Requirements:
- Valid driver's license and passport
- Available to travel across Canada and also outside the country
- Retain, develop, select, and motivate a good farm team
- Analyze and interpret historical data to ensure practical and timely operational decisions are made
- Produce the highest quality raw product
- Identify/implement crop management practices to enhance quality of production and evaluate current and new production practices
- Scale all operations of the business to ensure the proper utilization of capital/human resources
- Partner with internal stakeholders to determine raw requirements to meet business demands
- Management of financial budgets, cost statements and profitability
- Cultivate positive relationship with our suppliers and customers in the farming community
- Bachelor’s degree in Farming, or equivalent education in Agriculture (Agronomy diploma is an asset)
- 10 years in farm management experience with a hands-on approach
- Experience in growing organic
- People management experience
- Experience with Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) and staff agencies or brokers
- Understanding of payroll and basic accounting practices
