General Manager
Job No:
81051
Location:
Summerland, BC
- Do you want to use your business and horticulture experience to help improve the competitiveness of Canada's tree fruit and berry growers?
- Don't miss this exciting opportunity to take on a pivotal senior leadership role in beautiful BC!
- Receive extensive benefits, a competitive salary, and grow your career with an industry leader.
About the Organization
Summerland Varieties Corp (SVC) is a variety rights management company that licenses new varieties of tree fruits and berries, both in Canada and internationally. With a focus on improving the competitiveness of Canada's tree fruit and berry growers, SVC represents both government and private plant breeders and grants rights to growers and other third parties to propagate new varieties, as well as produce and sell the fruit.
As a wholly owned entity of the BC Fruit Growers' Association, SVC currently manages intellectual property rights in more than a dozen countries and is considered to be a world-class leader in the area of variety rights management.
For more information about us, please visit our website: www.summerlandvarieties.com
About Summerland & the Okanagan Valley
Whether you're coming to visit or stay, Summerland, British Columbia is a truly magical place. Located in the heart of the picturesque Okanagan Valley, Summerland enjoys one of the warmest climates in Canada. In fact, with an average of 2,000 hours of sun every year, the Okanagan Valley offers one of the country's longest and driest golf seasons. Whether you're wanting to swim at sandy beaches, savour award winning wineries and restaurants or enjoy some of Canada's best skiing, the Okanagan really does have something to offer everyone.
For more information about life in Summerland, visit: www.summerland.ca
About the Opportunity
SVC has an exciting opportunity for a General Manager to oversee the day-to-day operations of Summerland Varieties Corp based in Summerland, British Columbia.
In this hands-on and diverse role, you will also have the opportunity to oversee Canada's only virus-free Budwood orchard which supplies plant propagation material to nurseries, orchardists and commercial growers worldwide. You will also oversee the Test Orchard that is used for large-scale testing of promising apple and cherry varieties.
Reporting to the Board of Directors, the General Manager will have the primary responsibility of planning, directing and executing all aspects of SVC's policies, objectives and initiatives. With a focus on balancing the needs of the shareholder, variety owner clients and employees, you will oversee the Accounting, Human Resources, Governance, Marketing and Administrative functions of the business to identify areas for improvement, develop strategies, drive revenue and promote synergy and accountability.
Key areas of responsibilities include:
- Increasing organizational efficiency by recruiting, selecting, training and empowering staff;
- Communicating the values, strategies and objectives of the organization to drive engagement;
- Promoting a positive, healthy and safe working environment for all;
- Developing a strategic business plan for approval by the Board by consulting with key stakeholders, leading strategic discussions and making recommendations;
- Negotiating agreements for the commercialization of apple and cherry varieties;
- Achieving set business objectives by establishing plans, goals, budgets, allocating resources and tracking progress;
- Coordinating the Board development program and encouraging growth opportunities;
- Building the company image and brand by collaborating with key stakeholders and enforcing ethical business practices;
- Maintaining professional industry knowledge by attending educational workshops, contributing to publications, networking and participating with professional societies.
The General Manager will also assume responsibility for the enforcement of Plant Breeder's Right's and non-propagation clauses, as well as collaborative agreements for the introduction of new tree fruit varieties to British Columbia and Canada. As such, previous experience in, or extensive knowledge of, the tree fruit or horticulture industry is imperative for success in this role, as is strong working knowledge of business practices, including finance, marketing and intellectual property management. A post-secondary education in a relevant discipline (business, science, agriculture or law) is highly advantageous.
The ideal candidate will be a creative and innovative thinker with demonstrated ability to keep cool under fire. You will have previous experience working with a Board of Directors and you will rise to the challenge of managing the competing demands of multiple stakeholders. You will also demonstrate super communication and interpersonal skills. People always remain at the forefront of your focus and you will enjoy building personal rapport as much as successful business relationships with staff and client.
This challenging and dynamic role calls for a fair, flexible and engaging leader who also maintains a consultative approach to strategic planning. You must have natural ability to recognize the strengths in others and you are motivated to empower them to reach their full potential. You will also effectively allocate resources and encourage teamwork, collaboration and open communication to achieve set business objectives.
If this sounds like you, please read on to see what a career with SVC can offer you.
About the Benefits
As the General Manager, you will receive a competitive compensation package based on your unique skills and experience. You will also be rewarded with a host of benefits, including:
- Performance based bonus;
- Medical and dental;
- RRSP contribution;
- Life Insurance and AD&D
- Long Term Disability
- Three weeks' vacation to start negotiable for outstanding candidates; and
- Relocation assistance to be negotiated with outstanding candidates.
When you join SVC, you will become an integral part of a supportive and collaborative team culture. With the opportunity for domestic and international travel, you will rely on the full support of your team and Board to build new and lasting relationships with partners in Australia, New Zealand, South America, Europe and beyond.
Don't miss this unique opportunity to take on a pivotal leadership role and take ownership of a company with huge growth potential. Apply today!