General Manager

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General Manager

Company: Canadian Co-operative Wool Growers Limited

Location: Carleton Place, ON

Type: Full-time

Description:

About Canadian Co-operative Wool Growers Limited:

The Canadian Co-operative Wool Growers Limited (CCWG) was established in 1918 by the sheep industry as a national system of collecting and marketing its members' wool on a cooperative basis. It markets approximately 3 million pounds of raw wool each year from producers all across Canada with a mandate to market wool at the top price it deserves while operating the business efficiently to maximize returns to the wool producer. In addition to handling wool, the Co-operative operates Livestock Supply retail outlets nationwide, along with a Real Wool Shop at Carleton Place, and an annual magazine and catalogue of livestock supplies.

The Role:

Reporting to the Board of Directors, the General Manager will lead CCWG into the second centennial year managing the nationwide Co-operative operations consisting of 30 collection depots and 6 retail outlets. They will oversee various aspects such as financial management, stakeholder relations, business development, and operational efficiency, mentoring a staff of 8 direct reports. The General Manager will work closely with the Board of Directors to develop and implement long-term strategies that drive growth, profitability, and sustainability.

Duties & Responsibilities:

Strategic Leadership

• In collaboration with the Board of Directors, developing and communicating the Cooperative’s strategic long-term goals, objectives, plans and policies.
• Leading the execution of strategic initiatives to drive growth and enhance the Cooperative's competitive position in the market.
• Overseeing the nationwide Co-operative operations, providing leadership and direction to the head office staff and retail managers, managing performance to meet operational targets.
• Thinking outside the box to foster a culture of innovation and continuous improvement.
• Researching creative ways of growing the Co-operative by seeking guidance from the Board of Directors and community partners.
• Ensuring compliance with the Canadian Cooperative Act, Charter and policy bylaws.

Financial Management

• Partnering with the Corporate Accountant to oversee the financial performance of the Co-operative, including budgeting, forecasting, and financial reporting. Preparing a comprehensive budget for Board approval.
• Ensuring sound financial practices and controls are in place to safeguard the Cooperative's assets and optimize financial outcomes.
• Maintaining accurate financial records and reports to facilitate year-end auditing processes.
• Assessing essential performance indicators, pinpointing areas for cost-efficiency improvements and revenue enhancement.
• Implementing comprehensive strategies for capital asset management, ensuring alignment with organizational goals.

Stakeholder Relations

• Building and maintaining strong relationships with the Board, Executive Committee, Shareholders, suppliers, producers, farmers and customers. Addressing their concerns and ensuring their needs are met effectively.
• Acting as the primary spokesperson for the Co-operative, representing its interests to external stakeholders and the public. Attending industry events and engaging with community partners such as the Canadian Sheep Federation and Canadian Sheep Breeders Association.
• Cultivating partnerships across the United States, United Kingdom, and Australia, including the International Wool Textile Organization and Global Sheep Forum. Staying informed about market trends, advancements in production, new product offerings from suppliers, and participating in trade shows.
• Serving as the key liaison between the Board of Directors and Shareholders to foster transparency and informed decision-making. Communicating industry updates, emerging trends and new developments. This includes organizing the Annual General Meeting.
• Participating in monthly Board meetings and providing progress reports on the performance of the wool depot and retail operations, actively seeking guidance from the Board to address any matters within the Co-operative.
• Establishing an effective system of communication throughout the Co-operative and head office. This includes holding regular meetings with the employees, visiting retail outlets, and seeking input from the Board of Directors and Shareholders.

Business Development

• Pursuing domestic and global markets to identify new sales channels for wool products. This includes conducting a market analysis for wool export opportunities.
• Supporting business growth within the sheep industry by exploring diversification beyond wool. Monitoring market trends, competition, and industry developments.
• Exploring opportunities for bulk equipment purchases to enhance operational efficiency among the retail outlets.
• Identifying and capitalizing on new business opportunities in alignment with strategic objectives. Negotiating partnerships and agreements to broaden the Co-operative’s market presence.
• Leading initiatives to rejuvenate the wool brand identity and actively pursue opportunities to elevate the brand's reputation and visibility.
• Exploring innovative technologies relevant to the wool industry and assisting in the development and introduction of new wool and sheep products (i.e. wool pellets).

Operational Excellence

• Managing the nationwide Co-operative operations pertaining to the collection, sorting, sales, and merchandising of wool, aligning activities with overall strategic objectives.
• Providing guidance to retail managers across various outlets by conducting annual visits to assess performance and provide support.
• Fostering a culture of accountability, innovation, and excellence within the Cooperative by implementing standard operational policies for the collection depots and formalizing written agreements. This includes implementing measures aimed at improving quality control.
• Ensuring the maintenance of operational standards and procedures for consistency and efficiency, while also monitoring key performance indicators for collection depots and retail outlets.
• Supervising the work activities of head office staff through conducting meetings, assigning tasks, and enforcing policies.
• Guiding and supporting all staff through acknowledgment, mentorship, and motivation, while also providing constructive feedback on performance and celebrating successes.
• Developing and implementing risk management strategies to mitigate potential threats to the Co-operative's operations.

Qualifications and Experience:

• Post-Secondary Degree(s), MBA, BSc, or BA in Agriculture, Economics, or Business Administration.
• Expertise in senior leadership positions within the livestock industry or agricultural cooperatives an asset.
• Effective team manager and leader with a demonstrated ability to successfully recruit, manage and develop a team of direct reports.
• Demonstrated experience working cohesively with a board of directors.
• Showcasing a deep understanding of cooperative principles, business strategy, and financial management.
• Experience fostering strong relationships with diverse stakeholders through excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Proven ability to deliver results while effectively navigating change with a forward thinking mindset.
• Posses a valid drivers license.

Compensation:

This full-time, salaried position offers a competitive salary, a generous vacation allowance, company pension contribution, comprehensive benefits package and a company vehicle.

CCWG is an equal opportunity employer and encourages applications from individuals representing diverse backgrounds and experiences. We are committed to providing an inclusive and accessible candidate experience. If you require accommodation during the recruitment and selection process, please let us know. We will collaborate with you to meet your needs.

We thank all interested candidates in advance; however, only individuals selected for interviews will be contacted.

For more information on the CCWG please visit our website: www.wool.ca

This job ad is intended as a summary of the primary responsibilities and qualifications for this position. The job ad is not intended as inclusive of all duties an individual in this position might be asked to perform or of all qualifications that may be required either now or in the future.

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