Vice President, Freshwater Operations

Cooke is a global seafood company with operations in North America, Europe, South America and Australia. Our company’s success is driven by our dynamic, highly skilled, and innovative management team, supported by dedicated employees who live in coastal communities and contribute to the local area’s economy and sense of community.

We are seeking a Vice President, Freshwater Operations for Kelly Cove Salmon (KCS). This division of Cooke Aquaculture is responsible for the management of our freshwater operations and production of nearly 15 million Atlantic Salmon smolt across approximately 20 hatcheries between Atlantic Canada and Maine, USA. Reporting to the Senior Vice President of Operations, this is a key executive hire that will provide overall leadership and direction of the freshwater portfolio.

Responsibilities:

• Overall leadership and direction of freshwater farming operations across approximately 20 hatcheries between Atlantic Canada and Maine, USA.
• Lead the development and execution of short term and long term operational and CAPEX plans.
• Responsible for managing the annual operating budget, including the annual capital expenditure budget, forecast, and communication of various business needs.
• Lead the coordination and logistics of smolt transfer to the seawater operation.
• Deep working knowledge of both flow through and recirculating aquaculture systems (RAS), with the ability to lead capital investment and design decisions across both technologies.
• Provide high-level leadership on environmental and regulatory affairs.
• Maintain and develop an ongoing operational plan, including hatchery infrastructure and new hatchery development processes.
• Support the fish health strategy and coordinate with internal and external fish health professionals.
• Lead and execute continuous improvement initiatives across the freshwater portfolio.
• Forecast and communicate the needs of the business to various internal support functions and external service providers.
• Report on key biological and financial performance indicators.
• In a team environment, demonstrate the ability to understand and interpret complex fish farming business dynamics including government regulation, environmental monitoring, new site development processes, NGO interactions, etc.
• Participate in strategic planning with the executive team.
• Responsible for providing industry leadership and may be required to sit on industry association boards from time to time.
• Commitment to the requirements of various industry certification schemes (e.g. BAP, ASC).
• Build networks inside and outside of the Company.
• Corporate support and structure is provided in the areas of HR, Feed Management, Nutrition, Health and Safety, Fish Health, R&D, Maintenance, Engineering, Logistics, Communications and Public Relations, Process Improvement, Legal, Accounting and Business Management.

Experience Needed and Skills:

• 15+ years of related experience in aquaculture, with a strong track record in freshwater/hatchery operations
• Deep knowledge of modern recirculating aquaculture systems (RAS) as well as flow through systems.
• A deep understanding of the complexity of salmon fish farming business dynamics.
• An understanding of process improvement initiatives and concepts.
• Experience interacting with government regulators, environmental monitoring agencies, and site infrastructure and development processes.
• Solid business planning capability with experience in finance and budgeting.
• A master’s degree in a related field of study would be considered an asset; a bachelor’s degree or college diploma is required.

To be successful in this role, you are:

You are focused on reaching results and solving problems fast and effectively. You are very systematic, well organized, and define clear priorities. You plan well ahead with realistic timelines. Being in groups and having a wide network of contacts is enjoyable for you. Realizing and considering the wider and longer-term consequences of incidents, plans, and activities are important to you. You are very pragmatic and target-oriented in approach and stick to deadlines; following procedures, rules and regulations are important to you. You will see a job through to the end and pay close attention to quality issues. You set ambitious goals.

Join our team and enjoy the benefits of full-time year-round employment with competitive rates and a comprehensive benefits package tailored to support your well-being and career growth.

Benefits Package:

• Health Benefits: Includes coverage for dental, vision, and extended medical care.
• Insurance: Life and disability insurance provided for financial security.
• Support Services: Access to an Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
• Financial Planning: Opportunity for RRSP matching to support your retirement savings.
• Time Off: Paid vacation, holidays, and sick leave for work-life balance.
• Wellness: Wellness programs and access to on-site gym facilities (available in some locations).
• Career Development: Professional growth opportunities and avenues for advancement.
• Perks: Employee discounts on company products or services.
• Convenience: On-site parking or parking allowance.

If you're looking to join a supportive team environment with opportunities for personal and professional development, apply now and become part of our dynamic team.

The Why

Why Cooke? Simple - because we are a company that rewards initiative, resourcefulness, and work ethic. We will champion your growth and provide you with the platform to create your path, your career, and your future.

NOTE: The recruiter is reviewing and interviewing eligible applicants for this position as they are received. If you are interested in this posting, you are encouraged to apply as soon as possible.