Director of Farm Operations

Job Description

Grow With Us – Join the Nature Fresh Farms Team

Imagine breaking from tradition to ensure a brighter future for generations to come. At Nature Fresh Farms, we're committed to nourishing people and the planet through greenhouse farming.

Since 1999, our family-owned company has pursued a simple yet profound goal: to cultivate a kinder, healthier future. Today, we're proud to be one of North America's largest vertically integrated leaders in greenhouse-grown produce. While we are growers, we are also greenhouse builders, plant nurturers, and collaborative partners united by shared values and vision.

Our journey is far from over. As we look to the future, we remain committed to:

• Innovation and conservation
• Reducing waste and promoting biodiversity
• Creating a more sustainable, inclusive, and friendlier world for all

We're Hiring

We are currently looking to fill a full-time, permanent position for a
Director of Farm Operations
in our Operations Department at our Leamington ON Farms facility.

What You'll Do:

• Strategic Leadership
• Lead, mentor, and develop maintenance, technical, facilities, project management, and coordinate staff, fostering accountability and professional growth.
• Provide direct oversight for all facilities such as bunkhouses, greenhouses and warehouses through preventive maintenance and operational upgrades.
• Partner strategically with Production and Labour Directors, ensuring their priorities and goals align with organizational strategy while respecting their functional expertise.
• Promote a collaborative, results-driven culture focused on operational excellence and continuous improvement. Champion innovation and continuous improvement initiatives that drive efficiency and long-term growth.
• Set expectations, monitor progress, and ensure accountability through regular one-on-one meetings and team check-ins with direct team.
• Conduct annual performance reviews and lead performance management processes, including goal setting, development planning, and corrective actions where required.
• Partner with senior leadership to establish short- and long-term operational goals and KPIs.
• Develop annual budgets for the facilities team in alignment with Key Initiatives, support the operational teams with budget alignment.
• Provide ROI and cost-benefit analysis to guide infrastructure, technology, and energy investments (e.g., lighting, water treatment, organic systems).
• Collaborate with growers to plan and deliver projects that enhance crop performance and operational outcomes.
• Seed/Propagation Management
• Provide strategic oversight of seed and propagation procurement, distribution, and tracking in alignment with the Directors of Growing Operations, with day-to-day execution managed by the Farms Coordinator.
• Collaborate with the Director of Growing Operations and maintain strong relationships with VDK and propagation companies.
• Energy Management
• Provide strategic oversight of the Energy function, which reports directly to this role, partnering with the Director of Energy on monitoring, reporting, and optimizing energy usage across all farm operations.
• Guide the implementation of sustainability practices and identify opportunities for cost reduction and efficiency improvements.
• Stay current with renewable and greenhouse energy advancements, recommending strategic adoption where beneficial.
• Project & Vendor Management
• Lead capital project builds, from permitting and design through execution and commissioning.
• Negotiate with and oversee vendors and contractors, ensuring quality service delivery and cost-effectiveness.
• Ensure compliance with regulatory requirements and Nature Fresh standards.
• Compliance & Safety
• Enforce compliance with health, safety, food safety, and biosecurity policies.
• Develop and implement safety protocols, emergency response plans, and staff training.
• Must comply with all Health and Safety, Food Safety, Bio Security, and Nature Fresh Farms Policies and Procedures.
• This job description highlights the main components but is not inclusive of other activities that may be required

What You Bring:

• 8+ years of progressive leadership experience in large-scale farm operations, controlled environment agriculture (greenhouse operations strongly preferred), or food production.
• Proven experience managing multi-site operations, including facilities such as greenhouses, bunkhouses, warehouses, and office infrastructure.
• Strong knowledge of controlled environment agriculture systems (climate control, irrigation, lighting, CO₂ enrichment).
• Familiarity with renewable energy and greenhouse energy technologies, including best practices for adoption and optimization.
• Experience implementing preventive maintenance programs and capital improvement projects for complex infrastructure.
• Proficiency in health & safety standards, compliance, and sustainability practices in agri-food environments.
• Proven track record in ROI analysis, budgeting, and resource allocation.
• Demonstrated ability to lead large, diverse, and multi-skilled teams across multiple facilities.
• Strong background in budgeting, financial planning, and cost optimization for operational functions.
• Track record of strategic planning and execution—balancing short-term priorities with long-term growth.
• Skilled at cross-functional collaboration, particularly between operations, production, growing, and HR teams.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to present operational strategies to executives and key decision makers.
• Proven success in driving operational excellence initiatives (Lean, Six Sigma, or similar) is considered a bonus.

What To Expect:

• High degree of confidentiality in regards to company-related matters
• Multi-tasking, time management and prioitization are essential
• Must be able to work independently but also support positive collaboration and teamwork
• Travel from phase to phase may be required
• Office setting with walking, sitting, and standing throughout the day
• Must be able to complete all physical requirements with or without a reasonable accommodation.

Who We're Looking For

We're searching for passionate, purpose-driven individuals who are eager to make a difference — not just in their day-to-day work, but in the world around them. The right candidate is someone who shares our vision for a kinder, healthier future and lives out values that align with our own.

At Nature Fresh Farms, our GROWS Company Values guide everything we do — from how we collaborate as a team to how we grow as individuals and as a business:

Growing People – We cultivate greatness, every day

Respect and Care – We care for our people and our communities

One Team – We're stronger as one

Win By Challenging – We reimagine what's possible

Serve With Purpose – We make things happen

If you're someone who believes in doing meaningful work, thrives in a collaborative environment, and is motivated by innovation and impact, you'll feel right at home here.

Why Work With Us?

• A forward-thinking, sustainability-driven company
• Supportive, people-first workplace culture
• Opportunities for growth, learning, and development
• Competitive wages and benefits
• A chance to be part of something bigger than yourself

Ready to Grow With Us?

If you're inspired to make a real impact and grow your career in an innovative, purpose-driven environment, we'd love to hear from you

Click the "Apply" button and submit your resume
to take the next step in your career with Nature

Fresh Farms.

Nature Fresh Farms is committed to providing an inclusive and barrier-free work environment, beginning with the hiring process. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and welcome applications from candidates, in accordance with all relevant legislation. Nature Fresh Farms provides an accessible environment in which all individuals have access in a way that respects the dignity and independence of people with disabilities. Accommodations are available on request for candidates taking part in all aspects of the selection process.