Chief Operating Officer (COO)

Do you have experience in leading multiple teams in operations? Are you able to forge one successful team from different departments contributing to the same goal?

Do you sincerely believe that collaboration leads to the best results and do you have the guts to take the necessary steps to achieve that?

Are you familiar with the horticultural sector and do you have the ambition to take ownership and responsibility to lead operations to operational excellence?

And if you also want to make an active contribution to the company's future strategy, then this position at Ontario Plants Propagation is tailor-made for you!

Chief Operating Officer (COO)

Ontario Plants Propagation Ltd. is North America’s leading supplier of high-quality plants for hydroponic and organic greenhouse growers.

Ontario Plants specializes in the propagation of greenhouse vegetable plants, particularly tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers, and eggplants.

In the past few years, the company has made great progress in supplying plants for the cultivation of strawberries, raspberries, and other soft fruit.

Ontario Plants is currently the largest player in its sector within the North American market, with significant ambitions to expand both its product range and geographic footprint.

Since joining the globally operating Cofra Sustainable Food Group a financially robust, family-owned equity fund Ontario Plants has seen its growth ambitions turn into actionable plans.

There are now concrete strategies to establish new production facilities in other regions, aiming for comprehensive coverage across the North American and Canadian markets.

Currently, 45 acres of concrete-floored greenhouse is operational alongside a large outdoor area where annually over 50 million plants are produced.

A second facility, located 30 kilometers from the current operation, is scheduled to be completed in the fall of 2024. This 13-acre, state-of-the-art greenhouse marks the first of four planned expansions.

It will feature full automation with rolling tables, LED lighting, the latest climate management tools, and a design focused on optimal growing and labor conditions.

This innovative and unique project aligns seamlessly with the ambitious goals of Ontario Plants.

Function

Realizing operational excellence and contributing to business strategy on an executive level

• Lead initiatives that lead to operational excellence by boosting efficiency, minimizing operational costs, and enhancing plant quality.
• Develop and monitor KPIs to drive operational improvements.
• Ensure cross-departmental collaboration and foster a unified team to enhance customer satisfaction.
• Manage the cultivation, operations, and maintenance departments.
• Play a leading role in the company’s expansion efforts within the area of responsibility.
• Contribute to team development and participate in shaping the future organization at the operational level.
• Indirectly oversee 200-400 employees, depending on seasonal demand.
• Report directly to the CEO and act as a sparring partner. Attribute to writing and defending investment plans to the group.

Profile

Ambitious hands-on leader with a drive to increase productivity and product quality at optimal operating costs within all current and future locations

Job requirements

• At least a BSc / MSc graduation in Horticulture, Agribusiness, Business or similar obtained through work experience and practice-oriented courses.
• At least 5 years of relevant and successful leading operations experience in the manufacturing industry.
• Experience in scaling up companies, preferably within a manufacturing company.
• Knowledge of horticulture and preferably of propagation is advantageous.
• Able to make strategic decisions and translate them into operational plans.
• Speaking and writing English at a high level is required for this position.
• Team player with a working method aimed at quality of both product and organization.
• Willing to live in Ontario, Canada within 45 minutes of the production locations.

Competences

• Proficient in setting and leveraging KPIs to track and drive continuous improvement towards operational excellence.
• Naturally takes ownership and serves as a role model within the organization.
• Innovative, willing to take calculated risks, and decisive in action.
• Positive and optimistic, skilled at building cohesion and serving as the central link within the executive team.
• Focused on delegating responsibility, coaching team members to cooperate and grow, and encouraging accountability.
• Capable of producing clear, data-driven reports with strong numerical aptitude.
• A calm, confident communicator with excellent interpersonal skills.

Location

Offer

Ontario Plants Propagation Ltd. offers a dynamic position within a highly ambitious working environment. Great conditions are available for the ideal candidate.

Reacting

Ontario Plants Propagation Ltd. has exclusively outsourced the Search and Selection for the vacancy of Chief Operating Officer to CeresRecruitment.

For more information, please contact Danny Fiere (+31 6 49 87 97 87) or Ines van Marrewijk (+31 6 11 34 77 78). Applications only via www.ceresrecruitment.nl.

A personality questionnaire is part of the procedure.

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