Vice President, Horticulture Development, Innovation
2 weeks ago
About the Company
Would you like to be a part of a revolution in agriculture in Canada? If so, we would love to hear from you
At GoodLeaf Farms we are a proud Canadian company at the forefront of innovation, striving to grow food security for communities from coast to coast. We are breaking ground in an industry that is proving itself to be sustainable, not only environmentally but economically and socially as well. We are focused on producing delicious and nutritious, ultra-fresh greens, 365 days a year by leveraging human creativity and technology.
About the Role
Reporting to the President & CEO, the VP, Horticulture Development, Innovation & Quality is responsible for leading GoodLeaf’s horticultural excellence (ie. plant productivity and plant quality) and food safety across all GoodLeaf locations. This role is responsible for strategic direction, growth and development of the horticulture function and provides visionary leadership for GoodLeaf Farms’ horticulture operations, including developing key strategies for maximizing plant biomass yield in indoor farming environments, adapting new plants for indoor cultivation, and establishing viable next generation business opportunities. This role will lead the development of key performance indicators and analytical tools for consistent, repeatable horticultural best practices, maximizing harvestable yield, producing great quality product, maintaining the highest food safety practices, and reducing cost of goods. The individual will work closely with other leaders to design, set up and ensure operational success of new farms.
Responsibilities
Horticultural Strategy and Development:
- Develops and executes the horticultural strategy to support the company's growth objectives, ensuring alignment with industry trends and emerging technologies.
- Drives innovation in horticulture techniques in a controlled environment in terms of, automation, lighting, nutrient management, and crop selection to maximize yield, quality, and sustainability.
- Identifies and evaluates new horticultural technologies, equipment, and partnerships that enhance efficiency, productivity, and product quality.
Cultivation and Production Management:
- Oversees the cultivation process in vertical farms, ensuring optimal growth conditions, crop health, and resource utilization.
- Collaborates with the operations team to develop and implement standard operating procedures (SOPs) for planting, harvesting, irrigation, pest management, and disease control.
- Monitors and analyzes key performance indicators (KPIs) to track crop performance, yield, and production costs, and provide recommendations for continuous improvement.
Quality Assurance and Regulatory Compliance:
- Develops and implements robust quality assurance programs and protocols in accordance with SQF guidelines to maintain product safety and integrity.
- Establishes and maintains rigorous quality control standards throughout the entire production cycle, from seed to harvest, including post-harvest handling and storage.
- Collaborates with regulatory agencies, auditors, and certification bodies to ensure compliance with industry regulations and certifications.
Research and Development:
- Leads research and development initiatives to identify and introduce new plant varieties, improve crop characteristics, and optimize growing practices.
- Stays updated on emerging trends, technologies, and best practices in horticulture, vertical farming, and sustainable agriculture.
- Fosters partnerships with academic institutions, research organizations, and industry experts to drive innovation and knowledge exchange.
Team Leadership and Collaboration:
- Builds and leads a high-performing Horticulture team and Quality team, providing mentorship, guidance, and professional development opportunities.
- Fosters a collaborative and inclusive work environment, promoting knowledge sharing, cross-functional collaboration, and effective communication across departments.
- Collaborates closely with marketing, sales, and product development teams to align horticultural strategies with market demands and customer preferences.
Qualifications & Educational Requirements
- 10+ years' experience in commercial fruit and vegetable agricultural operations in senior roles in horticulture, and agronomy.
- Bachelor's or Master's degree in Horticulture, Agriculture, Plant Science, or a related field. A Ph.D. is a plus.
- 5+ years' experience with various hydroponic systems.
- 5+ years' experience with controlled environment agriculture operations in a senior role leading design, improvements, and operational success of these operations.
- Experience in developing and implementing quality assurance programs, preferably under SQF guidelines or similar food safety standards.
- Strong understanding of regulatory requirements related to horticulture, agricultural practices, and food manufacturing.
- Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to make data-driven decisions.
- Has worked in a high growth and/or start-up environment.
- Possesses a strong sense of urgency and accountability.
- Excellent oral and written communication skills.
- Highly collaborative and is a sought-after resource.
- Must be able and willing to travel across country and internationally.
- Must have a strong business acumen.
- Must have successfully led collaborative and high performing teams.
- Ability to multi-task in a fast-paced work environment.
- Experience with report writing and MS suite of applications.
Why work at GoodLeaf Farms?
It is our commitment to provide you with the work environment and tools necessary to be successful in your role. We hope that you will find your work here rewarding, challenging, and meaningful.
· You will have the opportunity to take your career to the next level. GoodLeaf is growing and we want you to grow along with us
· We have an entrepreneurial and inclusive spirit with the heart of a startup.
· We foster an environment of cooperation and communication.
· We offer competitive compensation and benefits.
Every day at GoodLeaf Farms we get to help solve the challenge of food security for communities across Canada and do it in innovative ways that inspire healthy lifestyles. We think that’s exciting and the best reason of all to join us
Equal Opportunity Statement
GoodLeaf Farms is an equal opportunity employer and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any kind. All employment decisions at GoodLeaf Farms are based on business needs, job requirements and individual qualifications, without regard to race, colour, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or disability status.
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