JOB DESCRIPTION
The Manager, Agricultural Research and Development will be responsible to create synergies and develop new agricultural products and practices to support the commercial potato program. This role encompasses 3 main pillars: innovation, variety development and technical support for seed and commercial growers. The development of strategic projects in collaboration with public and private agricultural research institutes will identify top technologies available to support Cavendish Farms business, the management of the potato variety program and provide technical support to growers.
Salary: $80,000 - $120,000 with bonus opportunity
RESPONSIBILITIES

• Development of new processing potato varieties, transfers new techniques for seed and commercial production.
• Works with private and public breeding institutions to obtain new promising potato varieties for testing and distribution to growers.
• Assists with the management and direction of the research and development programs to meet organizational needs and to capitalize on potential new products.
• Develops and implements research and development procedures and techniques.
• Oversees complex research projects, analyzes results and provides recommendations based on findings.
• Ensures staff execute their day-to-day tasks.
• Implements protocols, screens and qualifies new potato varieties to get more adapted varieties with high field yield potential to support the business on raw material cost reduction.
• Trains and coaches human capital; spreads culture of team work and collaboration, shares good practices, technical and business information with the team.
• Assists with the management of the Ag Research Program, conducts research trials, reports all technical advances, new technologies and products to generate solutions to potato production system.
• Maintains key relationships with Federal and State public institutions, in order to import or export new varieties for testing.
• Establishes best agricultural practices to optimize field productivity and quality.
• Determines the scope of research projects and assists with ensuring they are on time and within budget.
• Ensures that project/department milestones/goals are met and adhere to approved budgets.
• Responsible for two direct reports and seasonal labour.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelors degree in Agriculture or Biology
• 5+ years of experience working in agricultural research or related field (potato research strongly preferred).
• 2+ years of management experience in the agricultural industry
• Have strong leadership skills, technical and business knowledge.
• Have the ability to take decisions.
• Be able to see the big picture as you will have to envision projects from start to finish.
• Have a keen ability to pay attention to details.
• Have leadership and managerial skills as well as the ability to communicate well with internal and external stakeholders.
• Proven ability to think outside the box with demonstrated creativity.
• Have the ability to meet deadlines and deal with pressure, particularly around planting and harvesting seasons.
• Be able to coach staff.

ABOUT US
Founded in 1882, J.D. Irving, Limited (JDI) has operations in Canada and the United States and are a team of 20,000 dedicated employees. At J.D. Irving, Limited, you are part of a dynamic team of professionals who lead with integrity and are passionate about delivering results. With a culture that nurtures talent and creates an inclusive workplace, you can grow your career across our various operating divisions.
We are committed to creating accessible environments for our colleagues, candidates, and customers. Requests for accommodation due to a disability (which may be visible or invisible, temporary, or permanent) can be made at any stage of application and employment. We encourage candidates to make their accommodation needs known so that we can provide equitable opportunities.
Worried you do not meet all the requirements? Studies have shown that many applicants apply only to job opportunities when they feel they meet 100% of the criteria. We promote an inclusive environment where everyone is appreciated, recognized, and empowered to contribute fully. If you are interested in this position but are worried you did not meet all the requirements, we would encourage you to still apply.
We appreciate your interest in our company however only those candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.
ABOUT THE TEAM
Cavendish Farms is a leading producer of frozen food products for retail and foodservice markets throughout Canada, the United States, and around the world. We have two state-of-the-art potato processing plants in PEI, one in Lethbridge, AB and another in Jamestown, ND. Headquartered in Dieppe, NB, the company also operates an appetizer plant in Wheatley, ON and has sales office locations in Toronto and Boston. Cavendish Farms is proud to offer a competitive salary and benefits package including but not limited to:

• A flexible health, drug, dental, and vision plan

• Employee & Family Assistance Programs

• Health & wellness reimbursements, includes gym memberships, fitness classes or online workout programs

• Maternity leave top-up program (if applicable)

• RRSP matching program

• Opportunities to take part in job related training and development as well as 24/7 access to online curated learning

• Growth and progression opportunities within Cavendish Farms and the larger network of the J.D. Irving, Limited group of companies

• Hybrid work schedule (if applicable) to provide you the flexibility to work from home up to 2 days per week

• Relocation costs (if applicable)