Director, BC Dairy Producer Services

About Us

BC Dairy is a leader in the dairy industry, undertaking activities in marketing, nutrition, education, and policy advocacy. We represent and support BC dairy farmers and work to strengthen the long-term health and sustainability of the dairy sector within Canada’s supply-managed system.

We believe we are better together for Canadian dairy. Our mission is to inspire, innovate, and collaborate to build a healthy Canadian dairy industry. Guided by our core behaviours - Think Bigger, Win-Win, Fact-Based, Care, and Accountability - we prioritize disciplined stewardship, collaboration, and measurable impact.

BC Dairy supports British Columbia’s dairy producers by delivering programs, services, and sector initiatives that strengthen on-farm success and build public trust in dairy.

We work collaboratively with producers, government, industry partners, and national/provincial organizations to advance excellence in quality, sustainability, and preparedness.

The Opportunity

As Director, Producer Services, you will provide strategic leadership for BC Dairy’s province-wide producer services portfolio and serve as a senior liaison between dairy producers and the organization. Reporting to the General Manager, you will set the strategic direction, priorities, and performance expectations for a multi-disciplinary team delivering producer support (including on-farm program support),producer engagement, knowledge translation and transfer (KTT), proAction program administration, emergency management preparedness, and producer-focused research and sustainability initiatives. You will represent BC Dairy in Western Milk Pool (WMP) working groups and as assigned, in national committees - bringing forward producer perspectives and ensuring delivery aligns with organizational strategy, compliance requirements, and stakeholder expectations.

About You

You’re a passionate dairy professional who brings credibility with producers and a practical, service-first mindset. You care about on-farm success and you translate strategy into clear priorities, strong follow-through, and programs that producers trust and use. You’re equally comfortable listening in a barn aisle, facilitating a room, and partnering with government and industry stakeholders to move work forward in a complex, supply-managed environment.

• You build strong relationships with producers and can navigate sensitive issues with respect, discretion, and good judgment.
• You lead with clarity - setting direction, defining service standards, and creating accountability so work is delivered consistently across the province.
• You’re strong at turning complex policy, research, and technical content into practical on-farm guidance and usable tools.
• You’re a steady people leader who coaches performance, develops capability, and builds a team culture grounded in care and accountability.
• You bring disciplined operational execution - planning, budgeting, and managing multiple priorities while keeping stakeholders informed.
• You are comfortable representing the organization externally and contributing to cross-functional and national committees with confidence and professionalism.

What You’ll Lead

• Set the strategic vision, annual priorities, and service standards for BC Dairy’s producer services function, translating strategy into actionable plans and measurable outcomes.
• Lead, coach, and develop a cross-functional team; build capacity through clear role design, decision rights, and accountability, and foster a high-performance, service-oriented culture.
• Oversee province-wide Producer Support frameworks, including on-farm program support, issue triage, and resolution processes, ensuring timely, accurate, and respectful responses and follow-up.
• Lead producer engagement and education initiatives (e.g., workshops, events, and KTT activities), ensuring programs are practical, responsive, and aligned with producer needs.
• Provide strategic oversight and direction for producer communications to ensure content is accurate, appropriate, and effective across channels and audiences.
• Provide governance-aligned oversight and leadership for proAction administration, including non-compliance/complaints follow-up and coordination on Dairy Code matters.
• Direct emergency management and preparedness, including readiness planning, response coordination supports, and partner-facing education/workshops.
• Lead the research portfolio: set priorities aligned with sector needs, ensuring effective project administration (contracts, timelines, reporting), and drive on-farm adoption through KTT.
• Lead the sustainability portfolio: advance sector sustainability priorities and support delivery of applicable national initiatives (including progress toward Net Zero 2050), driving practical on-farm tools, adoption and reporting in partnership with internal and external stakeholders.
• Maintain strong relationships with external stakeholders (e.g., BC Ministry of Agriculture, industry partners, regional associations) and represent BC Dairy in WMP working groups and national committees as assigned.
• Oversee and steward portfolio budgets, making informed, cost-effective decisions and contributing to future budget development.

What You Bring

• Education: Post-secondary education in agriculture, animal science, agri-business, environmental science, or a related field is preferred; equivalent combination of education, hands-on industry experience, and demonstrated expertise will also be considered. A Certified Professional Agrologist (PAg) designation (or eligibility) is an asset.
• Leadership: 5+ years of progressive experience in the agriculture sector (dairy/livestock preferred), including demonstrated people leadership and senior program or portfolio leadership in a multi-stakeholder environment.
• Producer services: Proven experience working directly with producers and delivering producer-facing programs, services, and events (including facilitation and presenting).
• Emergency preparedness: Exposure to or interest in emergency planning and preparedness, and/or involvement in response activities; formal emergency management training is an asset, but not required.
• Research: Exposure to or experience supporting agricultural research and/or knowledge translation activitiesincluding working with partners and contributing to project coordination and follow-through.
• Sustainability: Exposure to or experience supporting sustainability or adoption initiatives in agriculture, including stakeholder coordination and practical on-farm implementation.
• Stakeholder management: Comfort representing an organization with government and industry partners; strong judgment, diplomacy, and relationship-building skills.
• Operational leadership: Ability to manage complex portfolios, balance competing priorities, and put in place practical systems that enable consistent, high-quality service delivery.
• Mobility: Valid Class 5 driver’s license and access to a reliable vehicle.

Travel

This role is based in the Lower Mainland, with a hybrid work arrangement and in-office presence at BC Dairy’s Langley office, along with travel throughout British Columbia to meet with producers, attend industry events, and support emergency planning and response. Some national travel is also required. Travel is expected to be approximately 25% (about one week per month, most months). Evening and weekend work may be required during peak periods or in emergency situations.

OUR RECRUITMENT PROCESS

We are committed to equal opportunities in employment and reflecting the diverse communities in Canada. We welcome and encourage applications from people of all identities and lived experiences, including women, indigenous peoples, persons with disabilities, and members of the LGBTQIA+ community.

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