Job Title: Director of Eastern Farming Operations

Location: New Annan, PEI

TP-7823

About Cavendish Farms

Cavendish Farms is a leading producer of frozen food products for retail and foodservice markets across Canada, the United States, and globally. Cavendish Farms operates state-of-the-art potato processing plants in Prince Edward Island, Lethbridge, Alberta, and Jamestown, North Dakota, along with an appetizer plant in Wheatley, Ontario. The head office is in Dieppe, New Brunswick, with sales offices in Toronto, Montreal, and Boston.

The farming division supplies processing plants in Prince Edward Island, Jamestown, and Lethbridge, while seed potato farms in New Brunswick and Nova Scotia support both internal operations and external customers. The Cavendish Farms Research Centre plays a critical role in advancing agricultural innovation, developing new potato varieties adapted to evolving environmental and agronomic conditions. This research supports farming operations across Atlantic Canada, helping to enhance crop quality, sustainability, and overall efficiency.

On behalf of Cavendish Farms, we are seeking a Director of Eastern Farming Operations to join their team in Prince Edward Island.

Role Description

The Director, Eastern Farming Operations will be responsible for overseeing all farming activities across New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, and Prince Edward Island, ensuring efficiency, productivity, and sustainability in every aspect of the business. This role involves managing a seasonal workforce of up to 100 employees, optimizing resources, and driving continuous improvements in farming practices to support production demands. Reporting to the Vice President, Farming Operations, the Director will play a critical role in shaping the future of farming operations by implementing innovative strategies, adopting precision agriculture technologies, and ensuring the company remains at the forefront of sustainable and data-driven farming.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and oversee all farming operations in Eastern Canada, ensuring alignment with business objectives and production needs.
• Develop and manage budgets, establish benchmarks for resource efficiency, and ensure financial targets are met.
• Implement and advance precision agriculture technologies to improve crop yields, optimize input usage, and enhance real-time decision-making.
• Collaborate with Farm Managers and Senior Leaders to implement strategies, address challenges, and explore opportunities for growth.
• Monitor operations first-hand, traveling across North America to maintain strong relationships and gain insight into industry best practices.
• Represent the company at industry trade shows and events to stay ahead of market trends, research, and technological advancements.
• Contribute to company-wide strategic planning and oversee execution at the farming level.
• Lead daily operational briefings with farm managers, ensuring clear communication and alignment on strategic priorities.
• Engage with suppliers and research partners to foster collaborative advancements in agronomic practices.
• Manage administrative tasks, personnel management, and operational inquiries.
• Contribute to company-wide strategic planning and oversee execution at the farming level.

Qualifications
Managing large-scale farming operations requires a combination of strategic vision, operational expertise, and hands-on leadership. Success in this role requires strong leadership, adaptability, and the ability to manage complex agricultural operations. The ideal candidate will be an excellent communicator with the ability to engage and influence stakeholders at all levels. A problem-solving mindset, strategic thinking, and a results-driven approach will be essential. This role demands a collaborative leader who can foster teamwork, drive operational efficiencies, and implement agricultural innovations in a dynamic environment.

Required Qualifications

• Proven experience managing large-scale farming operations with full responsibility for a business unit, including team supervision.
• A post-secondary degree or diploma is required; a background in agriculture, agronomy, or a related field is a strong asset.
• Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build and maintain strong working relationships.
• Strong knowledge of precision agriculture, data-driven farming technologies, and agronomic best practices.
• Proven analytical and problem-solving skills, with a proactive approach to addressing operational challenges.
• Strong attention to detail and organizational skills, ensuring smooth execution of farming operations.
• Negotiation and business acumen, with a focus on resource optimization and cost efficiency.
• Demonstrated ability to manage and motivate teams, fostering a high-performance culture.
• Proven experience managing change successfully in the agriculture industry

This is an outstanding opportunity to lead and grow within a renowned Canadian company with a legacy of excellence in agriculture and food production. Join a team that values innovation, sustainability, and operational excellence while contributing to the future of farming in Eastern Canada.

To express interest in this opportunity please apply online by clicking "Apply Now" below.

For more information contact Thomas Pugh, Partner, at 902-818-4506 and [email protected] or Heather Simmons, Sr. Recruitment Specialist at 902-421-2335 and [email protected], or please apply online by clicking the "Apply Now" button below. If you require accommodation to participate in the recruitment process, please let us know.

Meridia Recruitment Solutions connects leading organizations with top talent by building strong relationships and creating ideal matches with candidates because we are only successful when you are. We appreciate your interest in this opportunity.

To learn more about Meridia Recruitment Solutions, our job opportunities, and career advice we invite you to explore our site and subscribe for career alerts.